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Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 461
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Here are the points of persuasion I sent to Andre as he confronts any nay-sayers.
Also, Mano just told me KTVU (Channel 2) contacted the Conga, so the campaign could get a visible TV presence as well!
stay tuned...
- The proposed resolution is to proclaim the Mai Tai the official COCKTAIL, not DRINK or BEVERAGE or LIQUID, of Oakland,
meaning we don't intend to make its consumption mandatory for every citizen. I think this distinction needs to be made very clear - it's addressing a very specific culture, that does not necessarily represent every single resident (we're too diverse a population), but that acknowledges one significant piece of the city's cultural history as a whole.
- I am not a sports fan, but I acknowledge how significant it is for Oakland's civic pride to be nationally represented by
major franchises like the A's, the Raiders, etc - my point being just because it ain't your thing specifically doesn't
mean it's not worth noting for the public record, or celebrating as one notable aspect of Oakland's cultural spectrum.
- The fact is harmless, recreational alcohol consumption is a major part of our economy, same as with any urban area - the thriving happy hours at many Oakland establishments is a testament to that. Take the now ultra popular "Art Deco" district renovation project downtown: Why does the Fox Theater need like seven or eight fully stocked bars? Why is Flora's bar menu so popular? And ultimately, this is about a lot more than promoting any alcoholic product, anyway.
- The Mai Tai is more than just a cocktail, it's a famous and easily identifiable piece of pop culture, resonating with all sorts of positive connotations. It's emblematic of a vacation resort, of an exotic but accessible paradise, of leisure, recreation and diversity. If that ain't Oakland, what is?
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