“I’ve invented a new political/literary genre---a candidate’s
response to the interest group questionnaires that come pouring through
the mail slot when you run for office. This genre involves essentially
ignoring most of the questions in the questionnaire while presenting
one’s own political issues…”
» Coalition
of Neighborhood Groups in District 5 The
best way to deal with “diverse and disparate
groups” is to treat everyone the same. No one
gets a free pass for poor political behavior, including
dog owners, bike riders, and self-righteous “activists”
and “progressives.”
»
Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association I wonder how many of those
who opposed Starbucks also support the grotesque UC
plan to put 500 units in a neighborhood that is already
densely populated? Of course I oppose chain stores
in the neighborhoods, but this neighborhood may be
in the process of being destroyed by other forces.
»
San Francisco Women's Political Committee I’m offering a critique
of SF progressivism, which is often characterized
by smugness and a tacit PC ideology that hinders clear
thinking about issues.
»
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition ... And then there’s Critical
Mass, which shows disrespect both to workers trying
to get home and to small businesses in the downtown
area. Critical Mass is politically counterproductive,
and it would be helpful to cyclists’ image in
the city if you discouraged your membership from taking
part.
» PROSF
(Pandhandle Residents of San Francisco) Your questionnaire is conceptually
flawed. The idea that candidates should have some kind
of comprehensive, "written plan" for the 5th
District is not based in any political reality I know
of. In any event, consider this letter a response to
your questionnaire, though I won't necessarily respond
to all the questions when I think a response isn't particularly
to the point.
» Sierra
Club Your letter soliciting my views
on the city’s environment make me think, To a
hammer the whole world looks like a nail. That is, naturally
enough, the Sierra Club looks at the November election
and thinks of the environment, just as the Raoul Wallenberg
Club might wonder, Is Anderson good for the Jews?
» Harvey
Milk Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender Democratic Club Your questionnaire is way over
the top, the political equivalent to asking candidates
to bend over and spread their cheeks. It was evidently
drafted by an officious committee. You should have appointed
a sub-committee to edit the questionnaire, for some
of the questions are preposterous and/or cryptic to
the point of making little sense.
