Politicians Playing Catch a Confederate Sign Picture in Bay Ridge
On August 1, 2017, no one was talking about tearing down statues.
On August 7, 2017, the newspapers wrote about the Army Base’s letter refusing the four politicians request (see pols names here). Eric Adams tweeted that he made the request for the signs to be taken down in 2015. El-Yateem didn’t say anything about the signs at Fort Hamilton (see here).
On August 11th the Nazi’s marched on Charlotteville with tiki torches (video)
On August 14, 2017 Khader El-Yateem held a press release in front of the army base. He began by spelling out his first and last name to the press (see here). The sound on his recording could not be heard so El-Yateem’s staff transcribed his speech (see here). The news played what John Hagan, the teacher said. Yet, Aber Kawas’ speech was cut from most news stations/stories. Only the Brooklyn Reporter used her picture and quote. Even El-Yateem’s team didn’t transcribe her words.
Aber Kawas‘ speech:
On August 15th, Khader El-Yateem stood outside of the defunct St. John’s Church to mumble some words (see here) and watch a plaque be removed from a tree. People in Bay Ridge either didn’t know about the plaque or they knew it existed, but didn’t know what it said. Yet, El-Yateem said: “This is a sign of division in our community and it has to be removed.” (Source) El-Yateem has been a pastor in the community for almost 20 years. If this plaque was a sign of division for so long, why didn’t he seek to have it removed years ago?
After the plaque was cut off, nothing changed in the world. It’s not about the signs. It’s about people being angry because of other things/issues. People want to feel like they are getting some control and feeling like they ignited change in this strange time under Trump.
Go to 2:36 on this video and you can see this Bay Ridge resident lived near the church and she didn’t know what the plaque said. She obviously loves Bay Ridge and history, but the plaque isn’t a big deal to residents:
Politicians want us to look away from their lackluster backgrounds. El-Yateem is a candidate who wants to use the city council seat to support BDS and promote Palestine. The picture-playing politician got some free press and a the end of the week, El-Yateem boasted that he was the winner of City and State’s press this week (see here).
On Tuesday August 22nd at 11 am, the four original pols are coming to Bay Ridge get their pictures taken in front of an army base gate because El-Yateem stole their thunder and they didn’t get any credit for their work. They even have a raindate (August 24th). El-Yateem mentioned them later on Facebook – sorry charley, this guy is trying to get press for his campaign.
Politicians demanding the army base do something without actually sitting down with some representatives at the army base shows that this is all about the picture-taking politicians. Sitting down with someone, hearing their side and helping them see your side is the only responsible thing that should be done at this point.
The Army Base should consider changing the name because of the families who live on the base have complained. I don’t think anyone would want a child of someone serving in our military to feel uncomfortable in their home. I understand that people don’t want history to be erased, but c’mon people, if you don’t go on the base, this situation is not important to you. I hope the Army can come to some compromise as I know there is a Harbor Defense Museum on the base that might be a good place to keep the signs.
In Maryland, statues were removed from parks late at night and no politicians took pictures. (See here and here) I guess they have pols who don’t need to play politics over this issue.
Hugs,
marlene
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