The Optimist and Idealist.

I sadly read Hector Lugardo’s accusations against community activist Anthony Johnson and his new organization, The180 Watchdog Coalition. Regardless of the personal or political dynamics, I can only speak on behalf of the efforts of Mr. Johnson and would like to clarify some of the accusations made against him.

If Mr. Johnson could be accused of anything, it is of political naivety. He has never been involved in politics, and truly believed in the concept of every person having an equal opportunity to do good for his community. As the person who originally sat with Mr. Johnson to discuss his running for State Representative, I knew that all of his intentions were most honorable. He was frustrated by the lack of services provided for his community. As a human services professional, he wanted to make a difference. He believed that if he had access to the government channels, he would be able to provide the resources his district so desperately needed.

Actually, when I discussed the obstacles facing of him such as being an African American running in a primarily Latino district or the fact that he didn’t have any political connections or pull, he looked at me innocently and asked why that would matter. Once again—the never-ending optimist and idealist.

Anthony Johnson is a self-made man. He truly believed in his heart that he could run a “grass-roots” campaign based on the needs of the people. He also believed that the people of the community would see beyond the color of his skin and culture even if it was different than theirs because they all held the same values—a better life for their families and especially the children. He was in personal pain over the loss of opportunities for the residents due to crime, violence, drugs, and joblessness in this community. He feared the future of the children would even more bleak than their parents. He believed that if he could speak on behalf of those who have been forgotten and neglected by those who claim to “represent the best interests” of his neighbors, he could find justice and services to revive his community.

I personally encouraged Mr. Johnson to continue in spite of the obstacles put in his way. Did I think he would win? No, of course not. Was he worthy of winning? Of course. But you see, I know human nature much better than he does. I’m 20 years older than he is. I’ve learned through my own disillusionment as a former activist that you can’t beat the system that is built on the manipulations of people who are self-serving and politically savvy. These are people who wheel and deal to promote themselves and not the needs of those whom they serve. This is not who Mr. Johnson is. He’s a community activist who believes in making positive changes and then does whatever he can to make sure it happens. He doesn’t need fanfare or publicity—he bases his life on teaching, setting an example of being a positive role model, and finding solutions to problems that really make a difference in people’s lives.

When the election didn’t work out, I encouraged him to start the 180 Watchdog Coalition. I explained that elected officials need to be responsible to those whom they represent. I believed he would be far more effective organizing the community to demand that its representatives provide what they promised.
You see, elected officials depend on the apathy, helplessness, and hopelessness of those they represent. They thrive off the fact that one person complaining can be dismissed. But a whole community complaining? No, that is something they can’t ignore.

You see, Mr. Johnson may not be an “elected leader,” but he is far more of a leader than anyone in his community who has been elected. He has a track record of action with proven results. Each day in his position as an instructor in a career college, he teaches people how to become effective life changers by teaching Human Services. His love for humanity as a whole exemplifies who he is—not what he isn’t. Mr. Johnson does not look at a person through color, culture, or religion—but rather through humanity.

The truth is, Mr. Johnson is not cut out to be a politician. But he does exemplify the best of the best as far as leadership in the community. If the self-appointed leaders of his community feel the need to knock him down, maybe it’s because they fear him. You see, in the end, cream always rises to the top, and Mr. Johnson is the best of the best. I hope that his efforts to gather community support to watch those whose intentions are far less honorable become a real grass-roots movement.


Bonnie Kaye, M.Ed.