The two easiest things to do in politics are criticize and fantasize.  In this country we criticize our political leaders and fantasize about how we can do better. But there comes a time when we have to put up or shut up.

I initially jumped in the race to represent D5 because of a silly comment made by one of the richest men in the world, Elon Musk.

However, something more alarming has risen its ugly head and we cannot avert our eyes.

Many years ago, a group of 16- and 17-year-old vandals were brought up to juvenile hall to answer for their mischievous vandalism. Because of their ages and not their alleged crimes they were placed in the Maximum-security unit where I taught the Bible to teenaged murderers, rapist and gang members.

These young men were not going to be there long, and I wanted to give them some encouragement to take home.

So, my next Bible lesson was titled: “Be a part of this city don’t tear this city apart.”

June 7, 2024, on the steps of City Hall there was a small rally to address racist and sexist vandalism scrawled on the front of the building and directed towards Mayor London Breed.

No matter how small the rally, the D5 supervisor should have been there because racism is no small matter. Even if he was in a meeting, he could have directed a staffer to attend.

The top four White looking males (no disrespect to mayoral candidate and current supervisor, Ahsha Safai) running to unseat our Black female mayor is a racist and sexist act by these 4 men, in my opinion. I would not describe these men as being racist. Nevertheless, racist and sexist acts equal tragedy and will tear this city apart if we close our eyes to these acts. If I am allowed to represent this city as your supervisor, the tragedy of racism and sexism have met their match.

Other critics will say, I am just playing the race card. I don’t deny it. I will go further: I did not shuffle the cards. I did not cut the cards. And I surely was not allowed to deal the cards. I am merely playing the hand that was dealt.

“When you close your eyes to tragedy, you close your eyes to greatness.” —- Stephen Vizinczey