I might also offer another angle on this exact thought: I think that actually says a lot about those specific councilmembers; that they routinely deny/vote against progressive measures that would actually have a direct effect on the city and its growth and development so they can claim to be “anti-developer” aka the “bad guys” - all while hurting future poor people who will eventually have nowhere to live here because of the extreme lack of available housing… but are all-in on a symbolic gesture that doesn’t effect anyone within city limits whatsoever. It simply tells me that these folks are only interested in appearing progressive and “on the right side of history” while actually wanting nothing to change at all (when it comes to actual, tangible things they have power to effect within the city they were elected to serve).
Why would city council (any city government outside of Israel-Palestine) need to weigh in on the Palestine- Hamas war?
That is a loose-loose proposition. Either way you are going to piss off a large segment of the population for zero benefit.
Let city council focus on city issues. Not international wars. Leave international affairs to national governments.
That’s just Stooooopid.
Just to clarify. Council’s role in international issues is on-topic. Your opinion on the international issue is most likely off topic.
K. Thanks.
You’re deeply disappointed that he chose not to explicitly stand against Raleigh’s jewish community in the shadow of a war started by the largest massacre of jews since the holocaust by the explicitly genocidal and anti-semitic terrorist organization Hamas? Really?
Inaction in a situation like this is still action. And not recognizing the state sponsored massacre of 30K Palestinian civilians with what is ultimately a simple good gesture feels like an awfully targeted omission.
I like Melton and I’m not overly crossed by his decision, but I am disappointed and wish our leadership was a bit more brave.
I am not overly pleased with Melton’s inaction either, I wish that he had taken the opportunity to stand with Raleigh’s jewish community against “squad”-member-wannabe Clr. Black’s resolution, and not just his half-measure acknowledgement that there are people in the community on both sides of the issue.
Let’s be careful with our language, the only massacre was the one committed by Hamas, an openly genocidal organization, on October 7 as the opening shot of the war in Gaza. Thousands of civilians have been caught in the crossfire since then, exactly as Hamas had planned. I will not allow revisionist language that is being used to justify the explosion of antisemitic violence being seen across the world to go unanswered.
Let me say a few words as someones who knows and grew up with Corey Branch.Some of you are just flat out wrong and thats ok, I’m here to clarify a few things as someone who grew up with him and knows him, so let me just say Corey Branch has never switched up from being a pro growth guy, we both have lost alot of friends and been called sellouts for our pro growth views, living in Southeast Raleigh is like living in the matrix alot of folks are stuck in a bubble or certain state of mind for example Octavia Rainey who is a very good soul that means well, but she and others have a certain mind state thats holding the area back, so imagine 100’s of Octavia Raineys in your district that just want things to remain a certain way. Do you all realize what Corey Branch has done is kind of amazing! He has won over and over again in a heavy district of NO ! He has done this by building partnerships and convincing enough folks in the Matrix to go along with a different program, do you all know how many folks turned on Corey for being brave and forward thinking and voting on Downtown South?? If he was a flip flopper he could have voted no and still been voted back in.Corey Branch also has alot of Support in the Law Enforcement Community he’s a big advocate of community policing. I don’t wanna sound like am I’m campaigning for him but these are facts just look at his endorsements they are the strongest among all Canidates right now again facts just check his website, Now where, I agree with some of you all is when the time is right Corey is gonna have be more out going or forceful to get his point across to separate himself from some heavy hitters in this race.
That’s fair. I appreciate your insight. I don’t have any problem with him, I basically just don’t know that much about him. But what I do know, I’m good with. Assuming MAB doesn’t run, I’m likely voting for him.
I know you don’t and I’m with you he’s gonna have to come out more forceful, I’ve told him this myself he’s gonna have to separate himself from the pack, I’m not knocking anyone’s comments, its all good playa lol.
Basically same sentiments as Gucci - never had any issue with him, nor ever had any reason to really like him (admittedly, he’s also not my district so that’s not entirely his fault, outside of his seemingly neutral positions). But I appreciate your insight and endorsement, and as Gucci says he’s probably top of my list as the current list stands. Glad to hear he considers himself pro-growth, too. For me, it’s the fact that he’s been on the council for as long as he has that seals it above anything else, also same reason I’d still vote for MAB if she ultimately does decide to run again. When the Mayoral position is a glorified City Council seat, that really matters the most to me.
Does anyone know that Melton isn’t Jewish? Obviously he gay so that’s one pretty good reason not to stand with Hamas/Palestine. I think he made the right decision and probably the more difficult/damaging decision to his career. I think its a lot easier to just say - fuck it, I’ll vote the way these loud obnoxious people want me to vote so I can carry on with the more relevant city business.
…probably not a good reason to “stand with” either nation hahaha. But I don’t think him voting “No” was him “not standing” with any side, moreso just not getting involved entirely because it’s a foreign policy issue which American city governments have absolutely zero jurisdiction, power or influence over, whatsoever lol
Yeah, I think that’s reasonable. I also think its reasonable that perhaps his views align with Israel. Now that would be ballsy to come out with. Either way, this conflict isn’t as cut and dry as say - Russia/Ukraine, where someone like me who is Russian will now tell people that I’m Ukrainian, which is partially true, but you get the point. Russia sucks, everyone can agree with that except Fucker Carlson and the idiots who pay attention to him.
Hmmm, Do you not think that Israelis have more progressive views on housing and urbanism than Palestinians? I’d rather live in Tel Aviv than Gaza City that’s for sure.
I don’t get citizens trying to force local governments to make a stand for something that nobody (themselves included) has all the information on. I have no idea what the consequences of a ceasefire entail. I have no idea who is right and who is wrong. The only purpose a declarative statement has is to appease an incredibly emotional side of the population.
They are rightfully emotional. I would be too. They have family that this impacts, friends that this impacts. But, what does getting an uninformed party to agree to a statement serve? This is a strong case of head vs heart. Aside from high-level decision-makers that have access to facts and data that we’ll never see, I don’t know if anyone in their seat has the ability to make a call one way or the other.
This is really it, right here. As I mentioned in a previous comment, if Raleigh signed a “ceasefire resolution” like Durham, I’m sure the folks screaming for it and hell even myself would feel warm and fuzzy for a few minutes and think “that’s nice.”
And that is literally all that would be accomplished. I don’t like government policies that solely exist to make people feel good about something that just flat out isn’t good. It’s war, it f**king sucks all around - the innocent lives of both peoples being killed for nothing. But it’s not heartless to admit we have zero power or influence over it, nor even over our own Feds for funding it. Playing pretend like we do with a ceasefire “resolution” aka a piece of paper that says “hey! Stop it!” is just a waste of time and energy. And to the many folks (not just in this forum) who say “but imagine if 1000 cities signed resolutions, the Federal gov’t would have to take that into consideration” - A: no they don’t, and B: they won’t lol. I do think Melton could’ve had a little more to say about the notion than just “it’s a divisive topic let’s just move on” - like tell us how signing a divisive “resolution” that won’t actually do any tangible action is not needed. Rather, tell the folks screaming in your face that you’re a “genocide supporter” how ridiculous those claims are, and why.
Hi, I don’t typically respond here unless I’m tagged because I don’t want to intrude upon your spaces, but someone made me aware of the ongoing discussion about me in this thread.
4 Council Members voted against the ceasefire resolution. I am in favor of a ceasefire and have stated my support both publicly and privately with the many groups who engaged with me on this issue. I was not in favor of a local resolution on this issue.
The specifics of a ceasefire are complex and, in my opinion, best addressed by individuals much more qualified than me at higher levels. We’ve also received hundreds, if not thousands, of emails from folks opposed to a ceasefire resolution. Given the lack of authority we have on this issue, its complexity, and the division in our community, I voted no on the resolution.
I am required to vote on zoning cases, and other city issues, even when they’re divisive, so I do. I have never voted for/against something because I’m worried about how it’ll affect me politically. The day I start doing that is the day I know it’s time to pack it up and go home.
I will say, since this vote, and even before, I’ve been called a baby killer, pro-genocide, and a slew of other very hateful things. If you think that type of criticism is appropriate, that says more about you than me.
This is why I like you, man!!! You’re reasonable and realistic. No need to worry about intruding here, I and I’m sure most of us here appreciate your response and explanation.
First off, you’re always more than welcome here. I know we certainly appreciate your perspective and approach. I’m also sure you’re very busy.
Second, I personally think you made the right call. I’m sorry to hear how nasty people can be about this, which is completely uncalled for. But that also highlights just how emotional and divisive this issue is, and that local governments getting in the middle is counterproductive…which validates your position, in my opinion.
i think the nearest isreal consult is in Atlanta…raleigh has no affect on this issue…go protest there and let raleigh handle its own issues. https://embassies.gov.il/atlanta/Pages/default.aspx