Flickr.com photo, Taxi and MedalIn the past this blog has highlighted small, brave efforts by citizens.
It was Napoleon who commented on the boost to morale made possible by "a mere piece of ribbon," saying a soldier would "fight long and hard" for such things...
Well, we need that in North Minneapolis. We need to highlight the heroism of the citizens who are struggling every day to revitalize our neighborhoods. This all relates back to my theory of "Market and Romanticize The Struggle."
So, to build morale for the necessary battles, I'm going to start handing out "virtual medals of valor."
I figure, hey, if I can give "virtual flowers" to a house flipper, I can also hand out "virtual medals of valor." These are mere shadows of the ACTUAL medals of valor which are received by members of the armed forces, and such homages and commentaries are not capable of diminishing the luster of ACTUAL medals of valor received by American troops. Now that I've made THAT clear...
What inspired this idea was something I read in the 4th Precinct Highlights about a taxi driver. And perhaps it's just because my own father was a Minneapolis taxi driver, and he once confided to me that he'd never tell my mother how often he got robbed...or she'd make him stop driving. (All the really good stories and confessions came when he was intoxicated)
But then finally there was the one incident which DID make him stop driving...well, in Minneapolis, anyway.
In any case...check out this report from the 4th Precinct:
Incident No. 08-286959
36th and Humbolt, Tuesday, 0028 Hours
(A) 19-24 year old male attempted to rob a taxi driver at gunpoint while she was sitting in the cab. (Driver) fought back by spraying mace at the suspect, who then fled.
In light of this credibly reported incident of bravery, this blog awards a VIRTUAL MEDAL OF VALOR to the unknown female taxi driver who was FED UP and FOUGHT BACK, facing down a FIREARM with a can of MACE. I hope the little (expletive) who tried to rob her rolled around on the pavement, screaming and crying for his mama.
Hey if you are giving out medals I have a couple of suggestions. The homeowner of a house on Girard...number not being disclosed to keep the owner safe... is trying to evict the tenant in the house as he is "concerned" about how the tenant is making money to pay his rent. He also feels the man is not a good person for the neighborhood. Let's hear it for a not dead beat landlord. Also the family that bought and are fixing up the location at 2815? Girard. The have spent all their spare time and weekends making the home a home again. I can't wait to see them move in!!!
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