Jim Almo – RI Future

Today is Black Friday. Shopping malls and major retailers across the U.S. have deals to incite a holiday shopping frenzy. Thanksgiving, a day meant for family and reflection, becomes a memory as we head into the frigid night air to stand in line and fight crowds to get a $200 LED television or a $50 blu-ray player.

Is that what all the excitement is about? Is it a competitive drive to be first, to get the best deals? And is it worth taking part in denying low-wage workers the opportunity to have a day with friends or family? Or worse, being part of the mayhem that is responsible for taking a life, just to save a few dollars?

In 2008, a Walmart worker was trampled to death at a Long Island, NY store, and two men shot each other to death in California. In 2011, shoppers walked over a man who had the audacity to lay dying in an aisle in Target, and in Los Angeles, a woman pepper sprayed other shoppers. Stores in Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, and several other locations reported fights, as well. Last year was no different, with stabbings, shootings, and a myriad of fights.

This does not seem to faze the investors or CEO’s; stores are opening earlier than ever this year, drawing underpaid workers away from a family holiday that is sacred to many. In an effort to increase profits for those who least need them, many large retailers are opening as early 5 or 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and a few are open as early as Thanksgiving morning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JAxow6NQwg&feature=youtu.be

Still, the allure of excitement and energy around Black Friday shopping can be contagious. If you find that is the case, consider shopping at a locally owned business. While the specific numbers may vary, there is no question that shopping at a locally owned business is good for your community. Some estimates suggests that nearly 70% of each dollar spent at a local business stays in the local economy. By contrast, only 40% or less of each dollar spent at non-local businesses remains in the local economy. It is also more likely that your local shopkeeper will offer direct benefits to his or her community.

And for those who find this consumerism generally disconcerting, there is the Buy Nothing Winter Coat Exchange at the Rhode Island State House. Events like this help our neighbors, help our environment (by not making more stuff and not filling landfills with old stuff), and are representative of what this season is supposed to be about: kindness, thoughtfulness, and caring.

“Leadership percolates from the bottom up,” states Marcus Mitchell. That is precisely why he is running a write-in candidacy for Providence City Council in Ward 3, because so many people have asked him to run. His opponent, Kevin Jackson, has been in office for almost 20 years. Ward 3 encompasses the Mt. Hope, Summit, and Hope Street neighborhoods, beginning at Onley Street, running north to Pawtucket, and from Elmgrove Avenue to I-95.

Both men describe themselves as liberal, and both have a history of community service. There is no question that Kevin Jackson has worked to better his Ward. The upgraded Billy Taylor Park, on Camp St., is the most obvious testament to that. Marcus Mitchell led the formation of the Providence Community Libraries, which successfully prevented the closure of nine public libraries throughout Providence. He currently sits on the board for the Hope High School Dollars for Scholars foundation, which was named Scholarship America’s national new affiliate of the year.

Despite these similarities, there are also stark differences. The most obvious, and probably the most divisive, is Jackson’s post as campaign co-chair for Buddy Cianci. Mitchell, by contrast, does not want to go back to the old way of doing things. This says a lot about each man’s vision for the residents of Providence.

Currently, Providence residents pay high property and car taxes, yet our streets are a disaster, public services are diminished, our public schools are struggling for financial assistance, and economic development is seemingly at a stand still.

This election stands a chance to change this. The primary election in September proved that Rhode Island is ready to move forward; political newcomers upset the endorsed candidates in several races. Running a write-in campaign is no easy task, but Mitchell is familiar with grassroots organizing, and has made a name for himself in his work with local organizations.

Jackson describes himself as a liberal progressive Democrat. Mitchell prefers to let his record speak for him. He has worked with some of the most conservative politicians in this country to give voice and funding to underserved communities, his background is in economic development, and he has won awards for community service and dedication to civil rights. Mitchell says that he works to “get the job done with whatever resources are available.” I, for one, am ready to see Providence “get the job done”, and hope you will join me in writing in Marcus Mitchell for Ward 3 City Council on Tuesday.

Author: Jim Almo

Thoughts on Black Friday/Buy Nothing Day

Marcus Mitchell supports ‘bottom up’ leadership