[Mpls] Basim Sabri and City Hall (was: Friends)

[gemgram]

Thank you Jay.  That City Pages article was one I was referring to, but I 
thought it might be a little more "enlightening" if coming from another, 
more distant, source.  I did not follow up on it because I did not think it 
would be helpful to argue with David about it.

I well remember the article because I had an interview from the reporter 
while driving and had to stop because I was so agitated by statements 
attributed to some Council Members.  While I gave the reporter permission, I 
know my more"colorful: quotes were not published.  As I remember I was even 
more descriptive of Sabri's "methods" than Lisa McDonald was quoted. Knowing 
Lisa McDonald, and how direct and truthful she can be, I have to believe 
that Lisa was also a little more descriptive about Sabri than what was 
quoted.

Only a few months ago Basim was in City Hall for a Council meeting on the 
Elroy Block issue.  While gesturing and boasting to Somali people he stated 
that his friends in City Hall would support whatever he wanted and that 
those same politician friends hate this guy Jim Graham.  I laughed at him. 
Fortunately there were some on the Council who knew it was not raining when 
Basim stood behind them.  And again thanks to Gary Schiff and the other 
Council Members who saw through the bait and switch and supported Whittier 
Neighborhood.  The amazing thing is that the Sabris were allowed to go so 
long with the full support of some Council Members and other politicians. 
Doubly surprising after his indictment.  I still cannot believe that someone 
under indictment for bribing a Minneapolis Council Member in order to get 
access to City Land and funds is later sold other City owned property with a 
huge loss to the City while awaiting  trial for the bribery charges.

Well I guess we have to remember that another very similar criminal named 
Alfonso Capone once was lauded as a friend of politicians and good for the 
economy of Chicago. I believe Al was also famous for using a baseball bat on 
"family" members.

In the article Basim says, "Money does not rule me; it's not everything. You 
take all my money away today and throw me in China, you know what? I'll find 
something to do."  Well Basim is being thrown into prison not China, but I 
am sure Basim will "find something to do".  Making License plates IS 
something to do.  Like a Palestinian friend said about Sabri, "Basim will 
learn that like God the Federal law is patient, but it does not forget, and 
just punishment is inevitable!"

Thanks again Jay.

Jim Graham,
Ventura Village, Phillips Community, Sixth Ward of Minneapolis

>"It is always an utter folly to underestimate the lure and attraction of a 
>great evil.  The whitened bones of their victims litter the highways and 
>byways of mankind’s history. Stopped only by the few willing to pay the 
>ultimate price and make a stand."

 - Toe