REBUTTAL - Barkley

Dean M Barkley (barkley@Free-Net.Mpls-StPaul.MN.US)
Fri, 4 Nov 1994 15:38:11 -0600 (CST) 

QUESTION #3 REBUTTAL - Dean Barkley:

Ms. Himilgren's response about "The conjuring up of a crime wave...", and
"Anticrime demagogy [sic]" is excellent.  While she sees these activities
in the context of her class war point of view, a view I do not share, she
well illustrates how our elected officials are using crime issues and
even people's fear for their own self-serving purposes.

As you read the Democrat and Republican responses, do you see that one
contributing factor to our nation's crime problem is their failure to 
meaningfully engage the public?  Do you also notice that neither Mr.
Grams nor Ms. Wynia offer anything different than the same throw-a-
sound-byte approach now exhibited by Congress?

These two are not involving you in their decision making at all.  Instead,
they cite a statistic here, visit a program there, and toss out a sound
byte in hopes you will buy into it.  Sadly, the Democrats and Republicans
have become so disconnected that they now regard voters as people to be
sold, not people to be served.

As your U.S. Senator, I would offer something different.  Just as I did in
formulating my public policy positions, I will be in close personal
contact with Minnesota voters regarding crime.  As your U.S Senator, I 
can use the press coverage and notoriety that comes with the office to
bring voters into the discussion and focus public attention in a new way
that will actually reduce our crime rate.

I will sit down with groups of voters around the state and send my staff
to still more to talk straight about crime.  We would share the real
facts about crime so citizens can join in an informal discussion.  In fact,
thinking about it right now, this E-Democracy concept is perfect for such
a dialogue.  I'd still hit the highways but this is a great way to share
information and dialogue with voters on an ongoing basis.

Once we, meaning citizens and their Senator, have generally agreed on what
the facts and most important questions are, we can discuss the options
and develop a plan that embodies the will of most Minnesotans.

Then in Washington, I will fight like a pit bull for your plan.  Knowing
I have your support, I can be fearless in my advocacy.  The Congressional
power brokers wouldn't stand a chance against you, me, and like-minded
people in all 50 states.  Not being a Democrat or Republican myself, I 
can work freely with both parties.  I don't care if they give me a broom
closet office.  I am not going there for me, I am going there for you.

With the people behind me, and no PAC contributors telling me what to do,
I can maneuver through the partisan gridlock like a ghost through a 
fortress.  While Ann Wynia talks of rolling up her sleeves and Rod Grams
talks tough, I am talking about serving you.  As long as votes still 
matter, you can be sure I will be doing everything I can to make yours
count in Washington.


Dean Barkley
Independence Party Candidate for Senate