Jonathan Saidel Makes Me Go, ‘Hmmmm’
During Bob Brady‘s riffing, he started introducing other local politicians in the room, including … future Mayoral candidate Jonathan Saidel. The reason I bring this up is that I had never seen
Saidel speak in person, and frankly do not know a lot about him. But, I would have to say, his speech very much surprised and impressed me, mainly for the fire with which it was delivered. And then, when talking to someone about the speech, I heard another story about Saidel, which made me think about his candidacy a little more. It is all second-hand, but, still…
There is a large, very community minded mosque in N Philly. (OK, I am sure there is more than one, but, this story is about one in particular.) And, immediately after 9/11, they were really worried about a few nuts doing something stupid. And so, at that point, Saidel, a Jew, went with a few others from the City, and essentially stood guard outside the Mosque, to make sure that peace reigned and no misguided retributions took place. It was a very simple, very powerful way to show that in that even that awful moment, Philly was together, and protecting all of its citizens. Maybe because I was three thousand miles away during that period, I never heard any of this. Or maybe it was because he did not publicize it. Either way, it was a bit of decency and strength that we want in our political leaders.
INQUIRER: Fixing Politics — And Government
THE NEXT MAYOR: Coupla Picked-Over Skeletons And THAT HAIR, But Other Than That He Looks Like A Prince
OFFICIAL WEB SITE: Message To Saidel Campaign, Buy A Better Domain! Get JONATHAN.COM, It’s Easy To Remember, And Please, With All Due Respect, Hire A Decent Photographer And Get A Proper Portrait, Image Is EVERYTHING, Babe