As a NAACP member, I've been disappointed in the actions of many of our city council members, especially James Pulliaum. My argument against James Pulliaum is that he has failed us several major ways.

First, he did not publicly offer support or his vote for the Human and Civil Rights Commission. With the murders and lynchings of DeAunta Farrow, DeWayne Chatt, Kelly Allen and others by the WMPD, w...e need protection more than ever.
Second, after DeAunta Farrow was lynched by the WMPD, James Pulliaum supported arming police officers with semi-automatic rifles. The legislation allowed officers to pull out rifles on everyday city residents and did not contain sufficient punishment for officers who misused their rifles.

Third, Pulliaum supported the mayor and Herman Coleman when they worked to turn off the camera during the "Citizen's Request" at city council meetings. This move amounts to a naked attempt to put the muzzle on our branch president who had been speaking up regarding civil rights issues.

When I add all of this up and I hear that James Pulliaum is running for another leadership position in the community, I think our branch has to wonder if Pulliaum really will work for the good of our community. Given the fact that we've had so many elected officials sell us out for chicken and beer, it is time that we demand uncompromised leadership.

We cannot continue to support leadership that does not fight for our rights and the rights of our children. I believe that James Pulliaum can do better, by announcing his support for Justice Bass' human and civil rights legislation. He can do even better by sponsoring the legislation. Our branch will be watching to see what he will do.

Second Vice-President
Dr. Lawrence Brown