Why a former Freedom Rider, now Congressman, is going back to his district to be the community organizer he started out as, this time as Mayor
By Sam Sabzehzar | August 8, 2011
The Congressman in his youth as a Freedom Rider spent several months in jail for defending the rights of the African-Americans in the south.
As this year marked the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rider’s ride through the south challenging the segregation laws still being enforced, the distinguished gentleman from the 51st District, Bob Filner, was one of those freedom riders.
Seeing the city that sends him to D.C. in dire need of leadership, Congressman Filner is heading home to run for Mayor of San Diego.
A civil rights defender and community organizer also has quite the resume and should have no problem campaigning in a city he’s already won in for a position he’s sure to win.
Speaking to KPFK’s Lila Garrett on Connect the Dots this morning, the congressman highlighted his history in congress as the expertise necessary to implement the changes he sees as vital to the economy of San Diego.
He also mentioned his voting record referencing his “NO” vote on The PATRIOT Act as one example of the intrusion of government on the our civil liberties.
Congressman Filner does a lot of work for veterans, from all wars, and has spent some of his time on the Capital Hill on various committees, where he continues to fight for the rights of those who are not in a position to fully fight for themselves.
A bid for mayor from the congressman is good news for his medical cannabis constituents who have seen an onslaught of attacks from Bonnie Dumanis, who is also running for mayor and, as District Attorney, set out to close down and continues to harass medical marijuana dispensaries, patients, and providers.
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