Editorials

Editorial opinions from the Currents.
Posted inCommentary & Opinion, Editorials

Editorial – Win, Win, Win

by RWCurrents

I have been a long-time supporter of building the Beerline Bike and Pedestrian Trail from Gordon Park down to Riverboat Road, and I am proud this was accomplished. I work with River Revitalization Foundation; their mission as well as my own is to improve all people’s access to river lands and water while restoring as […]

Posted inEditorials

Opinion – Can We All Get Along?

by Ellen Warren

by Ellen C. Warren 

Rodney King died a couple weeks ago. At 47 years of age. Anyone over 12 probably remembers Mr. King. Beaten to a pulp by L.A. policemen, whose acquittal from charges sparked riots in Los Angeles. Rodney King, whose simple question, “Can we all get along?” lives on, still unsatisfactorily answered. Would he have lived longer without the beating? More to the point, would he have lived longer if he hadn’t been born black?

Welcome to Milwaukee! In 2005 The Black Commentator chose the 10 Worst States in the U.S. to be Black. Guess who topped the list? In their words, “Wisconsin, and in particular the Milwaukee area justly merit the invidious distinction of the worst place in the nation to be black.” The deciding factor, because it so profoundly affects the entire community, was the percentage of the black population that is incarcerated. In 2005 that number was just over 4%. Four or five out of every hundred black Wisconsinites held in jail or prison!

 

Posted inEditorials

Water Works Vs. MMSD & History Of Milwaukee Water

by RWCurrents

Milwaukee’s Water Works are now run as a public institution. The Metro
Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD) facilities are run by a private
corporation (Veolia) and overseen by the MMSD commissioners. MMSD is run
by a Commission made up of eleven members. Seven are appointed by the
mayor of the City of Milwaukee (subject to Common Council confirmation).
At least three must be elected officials and each of the seven members must
have his or her principal residence in the City of Milwaukee.

Photo of deep tunnel addition, Spring 2009. vb