Dempsey Travis, on housing, Harold Washington and more

[itstru22]

Its ashame that I can't find more info on Harold Washington. Chicago Public Radio's "This American Life" featured a show on Harold Washington, that demonstrated just how remarkable Washington was. It was so refreshing to hear his candor and directness, especially in a time of cookie cutter politicians. For Harold Washington fans, you need to take a listen.

[boyzinblue29]

When Harold Washington passed I was in the 1st grade and we were let out of school early. It was raining that day and it will always stay in my mind as the day "We" lost a great man. He did more for the city of Chicago, then Daley has done in his whole existence in public service. I'm also an alumni of DuSable where he went to school, and I'm happy the city had him if even for 4 1/2 years.

[fonseca71]

Washington was a great man, and I think he was probably smarter than Daley. Here is what people don't understand: Great business men lead better. All this stuff about Daley giving business without fairly interviewing all contractors will DESTROY a city!! It takes FOREVER to hear all quotes, and get interviews from all contractors! Daley says: you did the work for me before, you did a good job, do it again.

[herb957]

Daley has been in office almost 20 years! I would hope there would be some accomplishments. Washington had but 41/2 years. In the first 2 years he had to fight the Vrdolyak 29. Despite all that he got some things done. That's my point. A black man opposed in the most segretated, racist city in the country. Daley has had no opposition, no battles to wage. Let's put it in proper perspective!

[fonseca71]

I'll give you some credit on the point that he only had 4 1/2 years. I guess looking at it like that it would be hard to compare the two. I do disagree with you about Harold having more adversity, I think they both had adversity.  Racism today is not a priority. Poverty, the economy, and peace are priorities!

[fonseca71]

I'm not trying to bring Washington down. The gentleman in the video says that Washington was the best mayor, I happen to disagree. I will say this about Washington, everyone liked him, and he was a much better speaker than Daley.

[herb957]

Agreed. Well, i don't know about BEST but i can settle for good and competent and great! Dempsey in the video went to grammer school and college with Washington. In 1949 when Washington was at Roosevelt University he was voted class president at a time when there were very few blacks. To me it was an indication of his intelligence, charm, and universal appeal. History and time will judge. I believe he will end up in the top rankings.

[fonseca71]

Well it'll be hard to top Daley's accomplishments. He restructured schools, and public education, pretty much saved them from death. You have to remember that CPS was the worst system during the 80's. He almost rid Chicago of grafitti, and with new anti gang laws, gang involvement dropped almost by 50%. He was able to give CPD raises, which hadn't happened in years!

[fonseca71]

Look at film of downtown in the mid 80's, versus today. It is like night and day! Even the most anti-Daley people say the beautify Chicago program worked like a T!

[fonseca71]

God bless mayor Washington, I know he's in a better place, but Chicago has been blessed with Daley as mayor.

[herb957]

I have nothing against Mayor Daley. He loves Chicago just like his dad and just like Washington, and just like me and you! If you believe Daley is good mention his accomplishments so others may learn. But please sir don't try to bring Washington down to bring Daley up.

[fonseca71]

If Mayor Washington was such a great mayor; Why were the Chicago Teachers on strike every year he was mayor? Since Daley has taken over the teachers have yet to be on strike. Washington was NOT a great mayor by no means.

[herb957]

If Daley is such a great mayor how did he allow the whole downtown underground area to flood in 1999 causing millions of dollars in damage?

Washington over came many obstacles to become mayor. He destroyed the democratic machine. He restored proper financial accounting standards raising the city's bond rating resulting in a host of major city improvement projects. If your measure of greatness is no failures of any kind..pray tell who is great in your eyes.

[fonseca71]

You're trying to blame underground plumbing on Daley? Plumbing that has been in place decades before he was mayor? The worst mayor I've ever seen is Washington, the best mayor I've ever seen is Daley Jr. Washington lets gangs take over the city, he let grafitti stay on walls. He allowed big businesses to leave to the suburbs. He let the public schools sink like a rock!!!!

Washington's greatest achievement was being the first black mayor. That's it!

[herb957]

The city is responsible for the maintenance of infrastructure. City inspectors did not report the leak. So, yes i'm blaming Daley. If Washington had been Mayor at the time you would have blamed him. Businesses have not only left the cities, they've gone overseas. Daley's only achievement is having the Daley name.

[fonseca71]

As a sidenote: If this happened under Washington I wouldn't of blamed him. I don't blame Washington for CHA which was a DISASTER under his watch. The money was too hidden, and the scheme was unveiled by Terry Peterson. Daley got the credit, which he deserved, but I don't blame Harold. I DO BLAME him the minority decline in education during his time. Everytime I argue with a pro Washington person they blame Dr. Ruth Love; I blame Washington!!

[herb957]

When Washington was elected you were what? 12? As a white teenager in your white teenage world what the hell did you know about the Washington movement? I worked in both his campaigns. And you haven't shown me that you really know anything about Washington or his accomplishments.

[herb957]

If I listen to you Washington had no accomplishments other than being the first black mayor. We had riots, gang wars, murders, and police corruption under numerous white mayors but you mention nothing of this. Your concern is graffiti?

[herb957]

Listen guy. I'm not impressed with your political commentary. Your a typical white guy that thinks he knows everything, but in reality what do you know? Your boring me. Go get educated on the real history of Chicago and then come debate me. Thank God you won't be on any committee that decides the legacy of Mayor Harold Washington.

[herb957]

I'll let you have the last word. I think that's all your concerned about anyway. No one is paying any attention to your comments. I noticed you first made the comments about Washington over 3 months ago with no reply. No one cares what you think. And why should I? Have a nice life!

[fonseca71]

I take that as a racist comment!

[herb957]

When has the CHA ever been profitable? When has the CHA ever been crime free? Remember Jane Byrne's stunt of moving in the CHA housing to cut the crime rate? Of course you don't remember that. If you weren't bias then you would give Washington credit for his accomplishments. According to you there doesn't seem to be any. And of course to you Daley can do no wrong. Let me remind you of the great downtown flood? Under Daley? Let me guess...that wasn't his fault?

[herb957]

What's so interesting to me is your trying to smear Washington's name and you seem to think people don't understand that! We do. Happens all the time!

[herb957]

What difference does it make who you blame? These people aren't in office now. And give me a break, even if there was a minority decline in education your trying to convince people you really give a damn? Your a real piece of work.

[YoChicago1]

This is a smear? You're brain-dead.

You obviously didn't understand a word that was said in this video by Dempsey Travis, one of Harold Washington's lifelong friends and admirers.

[herb957]

I'm talking about Fonseca71 smearing Washington's name. We had a couple of exchanges as you can see about 5 months ago. I'm totally aware of Dempsey Travis. I grew on the south side and worked in Washington's campaigns. My brain is far from dead. Sorry about the confusion.

[YoChicago1]

My apologies also for the confusion.