This may be unpopular among #TeamPete, but I see value to the piece in #TheRoot written by @michaelharriot. I support @PeteButtigieg and I want to see him get elected, but I also expect him to be challenged. The piece was painful for a lot of us, many of us thought it unfair
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but Mr. Harriot was writing about truth through his eyes. It’s not a stretch to expect his experience is representative of many others. My main concern with the piece wasn’t that he was critical of Pete, but that he made assumptions - the very thing he accused Pete of
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- he assumed malice. Still, I’m kinda glad it happened because it illustrated that what comes across as attack is also opportunity for conversation. Pete made the call, but Michael took the call. I observe debate points too often made as aimed statements...
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rather than important steps in a necessary conversation. I don’t subscribe to the idea that ignoring critics is better than giving air to potential trolls. Trolls are there, but Pete making that call illustrated the value of respect.
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Recognizing that I’m a white man making an assumption, I believe that among all of the issues not being addressed adequately, most people of color will point to being dismissed as being as pervasive an obstacle to true equality as anything else.
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We on #TeamPete value the Rules of the Road. Michael Harriot’s closing words in the follow up piece, “Pete Buttigieg listened” is as powerful as any rule on the list.
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