As a former bookstore owner, I’ve always taken comfort in the words of others. Exploring thought-provoking insights and opinions allows me to take a step back and reexamine my life, my work and my activism.
Lately, one well-known phrase has held a special meaning for me: “If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.” In the midst of our sweltering summer, those 10 words keep pushing me forward.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve dedicated myself to improving the lives of the people of St. Louis – particularly the African-American population. I’ve been satisfied to sacrifice my time and, on occasion, my liberty to fight for our community; from the pavement of I-70, to the tracks of the Metrolink, to the halls of the state legislature, we’ve gained victories and progress.
But, recently, that success seems to have helped some naysayers find their voice, giving them license to denigrate my efforts and endeavors – even in the pages of this very newspaper. It’s those critics I’d like to address today, the ones that say I’ve changed. Because, while I might have altered my wardrobe and hairstyle during this past decade, my commitment to North St. Louis remains as strong as it’s always been.
For the last six years, instead of marching through our local streets, I’ve charged through the halls of the State Capitol and gotten things done. I secured nearly $2 million for local education programs that promote Math and Science learning, and combat the dropout epidemic; I expanded the A+ Scholarship program to give local high school graduates a better chance at college and careers; I fought for legislation that assists those dealing with the scourges of prostate cancer and lupus; and I protected countless social service programs from falling victim to budget cuts.
I could go on listing my accomplishments as a legislator, but suffice it to say that my work in elected office has provided real, tangible benefits for our community.
Now, it’s no secret that I was sometimes forced to reach across the aisle to make these accomplishments a reality. In a legislative chamber that holds nearly twice as many Republicans as Democrats, there’s simply no other way to get things done. At the end of the day, I was elected to work with other elected people to improve the lives of the people I represent. That’s what I’ve done and I’ll never apologize for it.
Simply put, when the choice is between action and inaction, it’s really no choice at all. Government is not a game to me. My objective in office isn’t to prove my ideological purity or garner a perfect rating on legislative scorecards. It’s not to sidle up to lobbyists or pay homage to long-entrenched interest groups. And it’s certainly not to provide a blind vote in support of whatever my party leadership commands me to do.
My central purpose as a lawmaker is to provide leadership, action and progress for my constituents. It’s to make their lives better and their futures brighter. It’s to legislate in the world that is, not the one we wish it would be. And as long as the voters of St. Louis choose me to represent them, those are the principles that will guide me.
There will be those who will continue to disagree with my tactics. What my critics must understand is that I haven’t changed my methods, I’ve simply enhanced them.
The stakes for North St. Louis are too high and my commitment to it is too great to let something like party labels stand in the way of real progress. Rich or poor, black or white, Republican or Democrat – if you’re willing to lend a helping hand, I’m willing to take it.
To paraphrase the great activist I quoted earlier, “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against. I’m for our community’s progress, no matter who helps me achieve it.”
Nasheed a candidate for Missouri Senate District 5.
