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CITY SLICKERS May 29 2009 Los Angeles
One of my favorite books is What Makes Sammy Run? by Budd Schulberg. I was introduced to it during a lit class I took at SC. For all the readings assigned, students had to submit a 3-5 sentence reflection. In one of my submissions, I wrote a letter to Sammy Glick to tell him how much I hated him and his selfish personality. That letter actually got to the hands of Schulberg; I was able to speak to him over the phone and share my thoughts about the character and the book. It was an awesome opportunity.
Fast forward to yesterday, when I was grocery shopping at Ralphs. I picked up the Los Angeles magazine to read while in line. On the front cover was Antonio Villaraigosa and the title read "FAILURE". The article was actually an open letter to the mayor, detailing the many broken promises Angelenos have had to withstand. I'll admit that I don't pay much attention to municipal politics. I was a political science major, but focused more on international studies. So this was all new to me. I do know, however, that there are obvious problems in the city of angels: street crime, failing schools, high-priced housing, toxic skies, and a shitty zoo. What I didn't know was the lack of attempts to cleanse the city of all these things.
You see, Villaraigosa reminded me of Sammy Glick (the author of the article actually shares my point). They both exude the by any means necessary attitude. Some will argue that that's the only way to rise to the top, but what happens to all those that have been betrayed? The letter in LA mag is very good. Anyone with access to it should give it a read. Be aware of what's happening around you, take a stand, become a weapon of revolution. And tell them triciaCA sent you.