You might think a mayoral debate would be boring. I did. I was wrong.
This video, to me, shows the power of democracy and democratized media. None of the local television cameras were there (except, importantly, MTN cable access). Marcus Harcus stood up and demanded to be heard. One thing he yells from the balcony is "How come the media doesn't give equal access to all the candidates?" Good question. The system is not setup for outsiders, or for people without much money. Marcus and Fareen radically changed the terms of this mayoral debate, and it sent shivers down my spine. I decided then and there that this videoblog will be dedicated - in part - to giving a louder voice to people you don't see on TV. The power of media is in everyone's hands. Let's use it.
And this was the election I picked to move to Golden Valley. Mclaughlin looks like a character in a crime novel. To his credit, he showed up at the Celebration of Hip Hop.
Posted by: Pete Scholtes at August 25, 2005 08:08 PM
wow, really? that's cool.
he's got an intimidating square jaw.
too bad his campaign strategy is nonstop Rybak bombardment - it didn't go over well at this debate.
Chuck! OMG this gave me chills. The most powerful stuff I've seen in a while. I had to repost this on my vlog. Everyone should see this! I'm soo glad you captured this!
Posted by: spacemanpete at August 26, 2005 11:05 AM
Yes! Also, what he is saying about crime is on point. The first politician in your video got up there and started spouting off about "crime", a popular platform for fearmongers and "cleaning up the city" types - but there is a flipside to it, and that is racial profiling and gentrification. I didn't see any independent candidates in last year's Presidential debates. Can that be changed?
Why is the sound quality so bad? It's very hard to understand what anyone is saying? Is there a way to improve it? I know it's a lot of work, but adding subtitles would help greatly.
Excellent material by the way.
Posted by: DM at August 28, 2005 12:59 PM
yeah, the audio is kinda hard to understand.
it was in a big auditorium and i was just capturing with my camera microphone. it didn't sound much better than that in the room though...
Great footage of a courageous act - both by Mr. Harcus and by MS Hakeem. Her "mad props" are well placed and sincere, whereas RT comes off as being less sincere than a good "spinner"
Political action to give voice to those with no or little voice is needed everywhere, but no more so than in your nation where the voices of power are white right and uptight.
Thank you for salvaging my faith in people over government and profit.
Posted by: David Candler at October 24, 2005 10:44 AM
wow he had some guts!
Sanchez
Posted by: paul sanchez at November 4, 2005 02:40 AM
guess he should have went through the proper channels to get his issues heard instead of using shock set up to be remembered
