Cleveland Ohio Funguide Weblog

1. 28 Responses to “Michael Polensek Tells Thug Like It Is”

2. I was pleasantly shocked by the truth-teller of Cleveland, Michael Polensek. I was born in Cleveland at the old Fairview hospital. I lived on John Avenue off West 39th Street. Mr. Winston and his cheerleader mother know very well that he has been called many vulgar names for year before this letter; and therefore, Mr. Polensek was quite polite, just frank. Racism is the first word used even if it does not apply so that the Chicago Jesse and New York Sharpie can sniff out a possible national appearance, so that the false charge can be twisted to seem plausible. Calling Mr. Winston out with might not be what he expected after asking Mr. Polensek to “kiss his ass”, but truth is not always sugar-coated after you are no longer a child, and especially when you hit the block with bullies and thugs.

   David Ben Foster

   By David Ben Foster on Jul 20, 2007

3. I love this man and I AM A BLACK MAN.!!!! What else can I add? I wish and hope I can have the hoodlums that live near me here in Cambria Heights NY read this. He is not racist but honest and tired of apologists for human scum like this thug. Bravo Councilman.

   By Rex on Jul 20, 2007

4. Tell it like it is. Some people just need a taste of reality. Will his letter work? Probably not because the guy seems dumb and pompous enough to blow it over and keep doing what he’s always done. The best part is that he’ll hopefully catch a lot of heat from his friends after having that letter about him made public. As for Mr. Polensek, he should run for president, or at least higher office, cause you know he’d at least tell you how it is.

   By FINALLY! on Jul 20, 2007

5. He’s pretty forthcoming and actually it’s about right.

   Despite whatever personal differences these two may have had, most young men in his situation do end up in one of two places.. six feet under or behind bars - I guess no one else has had the nerve to say it so openly before.

   By Heather McLaughlin on Jul 20, 2007

6. Bravo…and i stand and salute…thank God someone if finally saying what needs to be said, and not giving in to the scum and decay of this earth.
   Stand tall Mr. Polensek,,for we are all standing behind you. When you run for president, I want to help you campagne…can you still get in the race,? if not, please move to lorain, as we have no mouths here that will speak the truth…Love ya!
   denise mc

   By denise on Jul 21, 2007

7. Way to go! I just heard your story on MSNBC. Your attitude is not over the top at all. You are so right, being politically correct doesn’t work in this country anymore. To hear a public servant with nerve enough to tell it like it is, is so refreshing. The young man’s mother is like too many people in this country all too willing to use the race card when that is not the case at all. How can she defend what her son is doing? Mr. Polensek, keep up the good work.

   Thank you,
   Becky in Florida

   By Becky S on Jul 22, 2007

8. I wish we had a politician in northern minnesota with his courage and honesty…Just watched interview on msnbc where female anchor tried to inject racism into letter…typical !!!

   By Jim morgan on Jul 22, 2007

9. I also just saw the story on MSNBC. AMEN MIKE!! We have had enough “political correctness” in this country. Tell it like it is Mik!. Not surprisingly MSNBC didn’t tell us about the thug’s “kiss my black ass” racially motivated comment to you and yet tried to take a commonly used slang statement “dumb as mud” and play the racial card game with those words.

   You have my vote if you run for Governor.

   By John G in Columbus on Jul 22, 2007

10. What a sad sad day when a mother is not kicking the butt of her wayward son….but expects
    the authority to do it….and then complains about a ‘reality check’ from a councilman
    to tells it like it is! She should be humiliated by her son’s actions - not angry at a letter trying
    to talk straight to ‘the kid’.
    It is an upside down world when some national news outlets try to make Polensek the bad guy,
    and the drug dealer (and his mother) the poor victim!! HOORAY for Polensek!
    Keep the letters and straight talk coming. Don’t back down. The West Coast is with you.
    -Darleen - San Diego,CA.

    By HOORAY for Polensek! on Jul 22, 2007

11. I just can’t get over how just “dumber than mud” can be confused as racist! I believe that saying is that calling him dumber than rocks is a compliment, he’s lower than rocks, he’s dumber than mud! I don’t know about you all but I’ve seen all colors of mud, so how much stock can you give to the racist card being called. If Counsilman Polensek was racist than why would he be so emotional about creating a safer ward for its citizens when the majority is black. The mother had no way to defend her son, probably has always made excuses for him his whole life, allowing him to be the way he is today. So, I personally do not believe this will even wake this kid up, especially when he has a parent that is not holding him responsible. Instead of her supporting the letter and telling this kid he had done wrong, she is going to allow her son to dismiss and the disappointment the community and this counsilman has. Their deflecting from the facts is just another way to avoid personal responsibilty. It does sound like Counsilman Polensek has had some hope for this kid, but has been let down yet again. Like so many kids do to officials with hopes they will change, this kid has become a failure, coming from a poorly equipped upbringing.

    By Jess P on Jul 22, 2007

12. Three cheers for Mr. Polensek! I suspect the news media are so shocked becuase they are so bent on being politically correct rather than telling it like it is. Ditto for higher office. I would like to se Mr. Polensek wher he can do the most good. We certainly need politicians in higher office who are willing to tell it like it is. Unfortunately, for several elections, our country hasn’t been able to elect a president who tells the truth. We can start by electing officials with the integrity and compassion of Mr. Polensek.

    By Nancy on Jul 22, 2007

13. Thanks and hats off to Mr. Polensek!
    Every community needs more leaders like him.
    It’s about time the kid’s mother and others defending him realize and accept responsibility for the
    low-life they are protecting.

    By Patrick Murphy on Jul 22, 2007

14. Dear Mr. Polensek,

    Thank you for your care for our ward and the people who live here.

    The reason we moved to North Collinwood and stay here is because we know you care about whether we fall into the hands of the hoodlums or not. Neither money nor power could not motivate the care and long hours you give our neighborhood. We believe you speak for the good people who want to make this a safe and great place to live.

    God Bless you Mike, Sonny and Arlene Frankos

    By Sonny and Arlene on Jul 22, 2007

15. Had to add my 2cents in support of Mike’s approach to this man, and others like him, before the-as the other guy put it - “Chicago Jessie and New York Sharpie”-and those ridiculous others that would like to rush in and claim racisim or that the drug dealer’s somehow being treated inhumanely and too harshly or some other craziness do so, as if that young man deserves a defense. What about the lives he’s taken a part in destroying? And, his mother…? She should go to jail with him. It’s obvious that she’s the reason (or a very large part of) he is the way he is. And to those that may want to claim racisim - what about the harm and damage this young black man and others like him are causing to “their own.” (and the mothers like his.) Let’s try to keep things in perspective. Anyway - thank you Mike! (oh, and I’m a black woman-just in case it matters to someone.)

    By lynnette in Columbus on Jul 23, 2007

16. May God Bless Mr. Polensek for TELLING IT LIKE IT IS! We could use a few people like him on Long Island, where drugs/gangs/predators of all kinds negatively affect decent citizens. May he continue to state the truth.

    By Steve on Long Island on Jul 23, 2007

17. Good Job Councilman Polensek, Its about time someone stood up against these thugs and drug dealers.
    I hope you run for president someday, You will have my vote for sure!

    - A fan from Boston.

    By Anthony on Jul 23, 2007

18. Polensek for Mayor

    By p Harwood on Jul 23, 2007

19. In the tired and sad world of political correctness, I am extremely proud of Councilman Michael Polensek. We are treading on a dangerous line of good and evil, love and hate. At some point we as family men have to stand for what are our beliefs and our God given rights.

    Mr. Winston (I choose mister because you are considered a man by law) has chosen to sell crack to anyone, including children. If I saw Mr. Winston in my neighborhood selling drugs to my child, I would first tell my child that they made a huge mistake and I would not have trust in him or her, quite possibly again. Then, knowing what I know about Mr. Winston, I would drag his sorry bottom from the back of my truck until there was nothing left of his anatomy, therefore, removing all evidence of my actions.

    In Texas, as Ohio, we are proud and tough. The simple truth is Mr. Winston; please make the correct choice for your life and family as someone else may make a choice for you that suit their family…and it may not be to your liking.

    Oh and to the mother of Mr. Winston, please ask yourself; where did I go wrong and what can I do to correct this issue? Or you will suffer the consequences. What I learned in seventh grade chemistry is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This is the law of fact. Mr. Polensek did not threaten you or your son, he is stating the obvious. Please step back and assess the situation. All is not lost, yet.

    Yours Truly

    Kick’n your ass in Texas

    By Richard on Jul 23, 2007

20. Thank you for standing up for your ward and it’s citizens. I live in ward 11 and see the thug element all around. Thank you for setting a precedent that thugs and drug dealing trash and wannabe gangsters aren’t welcome in this ward. You’ve got my vote and my support as a citizen of ward 11.

    By Pat on Jul 26, 2007

21. I thought of writing the following two paragraphs.

    Councilman Polensek’s approach lets thugs know that they are not welcome. My society doesn’t need a punk which told a councilman to kiss a part of his black body that ought to have been spanked when that foul mouthed negro disobeyed.

    But a cemetery is too honourable for such an unrighteous black racist. Burning to ashes seems to be more appropriate, then dumping them in Africa, along with his ilk, which have brutalised America.

    But then I thought of the second and third chapters of the scriptural book called Judges. God can use various tools to afflict his people when they disobey him. He can use floods and droughts: and he can also use other nations (races) to get the attention of sinners so that they obey his law.

    America’s practise of fornication, and now sodomy, are not on God’s list of approved activities.

    By Edward McCartney on Jul 28, 2007

22. Mr. Polensek’s letter reminds me of a recent confrontation I had with a crack dealer in the parking lot of a convenience store on E. 185th in the 11th Ward of Cleveland. As I was walking out of the store a crack dealer was walking in. He had left his parked car running with the windows down and the stereo blasting at full volume. It’s bad enough having to listen to someone else’s taste in music when sitting at a traffic light but at least then you can eventually drive away. The idea that this young man would leave his music blaring so loud that the entire neighborhood was being forced to listen to it in his absence was just too much. I shouted out over the racket “This is so rude”. The crack dealer swung around in the doorway and shouted at me “Are you talking to Me?” His angry grimace revealed a mouthful of gold teeth or his “grill” as it’s sometimes called. I knew then that I was dealing with a crack dealer and it was time to move on. However I still couldn’t help myself. I made a gesture pantomiming someone turning down their volume control knob and jumped in my car. I drove off with my heart racing before he could make it across the parking lot.

    Unlike Mr. Polensek I did not use profanity but something had to be said. Would I do it again? I’m not sure. What I did wasn’t as brave as it was stupid. The crack dealer could have pulled a gun and shot me on the spot. That’s what is so frightening about these characters. They don’t believe that the rules apply to them. They truly believe that they deserve respect even though they are not contributing anything to the community. We as law abiding citizens need to communicate to these thugs, in whatever ways we can, that we don’t respect them in the least.

    Mr. Polensek’s language was a little rough but I applaud him for speaking up.

    By Bill B on Jul 31, 2007

23. i have just had a family members home burglarized. thank god that no one was in the house when this happened. the whole house is topsy turvy, and these thugs have made me feel helpless to do anything. the police cannot keep up with all this crap going on in the st hyacinth neighborhood. my friend gary had his head caved in by some idiot on new years eve, survived, and is a neighborhood watch. now i have to fortify my home, get an alarm system, a dog, burglar bars, and maybe set up a bear trap so i can catch these assholes. when you read a letter like this one from a councilman, you want to cheer. thank god for this man.

    By diane on Jul 31, 2007

24. Oh, look, a hypocrite that probably supports the war on drugs attacking the very people it’s marginalized and calling them trash. What a “great” man. You people are pathetic sheep.

    Making drugs a crime causes crime, and you people who support such tyrants deserve all the abuse you get.
    Without prohibition, there would’ve been no Al Capone, and without the war on drugs there would’ve been no Pablo Escobar.

    And you sir, Mr. Edward McCartney are a god-damned fool. You need to join the real world and move on from your inane need for an imaginary friend. I’ll have you know that the bible was written by stone-age morons who believed the Earth was flat and the universe revolved around it. If you use such an archaic piece of trash as the guiding principle in your life, well then no wonder you’re such an ignorant sounding xenophobe. The bible condemns eating shellfish in the same way it does homosexuality in the book of Leviticus. Have you eaten at Red Lobster Mr. McCartney? Well then you’re going to burn in hell for committing such an abomination.

    Living in a world full of such sheep blindly led by a moralist oligarchy makes me ill. You people should be brutalized by all the crimes you create.

    By Donovan Bock on Aug 3, 2007

25. The Un-Suspected Truth about War on Words

    For years, the City of Cleveland has suffered tremendous downfalls and illnesses within our communities. From deteriorating neighborhoods, drugs, crack houses and gangs. Prior to this some wards in our city carried positive reputations for cleanliness, great schools and safe neighborhoods where our children could play without weary, and seniors joyfully sat on their porches reading newspapers with perhaps a cold glass of lemonade. But somewhere, some how this once booming city for greatness began to turn evil. Some folks blame this turn on the current “thug culture” blaming parents while at the same time hollering loudly “its takes a village to raise a child” while others who have the ability to dig deep and think observe the political climate of which this city must endure.

    Recently Councilman Michael Polensek of ward 11 wrote an atrocious and vile letter to a suspected drug dealer, Arsenio Winston. Media coverage was massive after Winton’s mother Tonya Lewis took the letter to local media outlets hoping to get support but instead she got “beat down” verbally by some media outlets as well as a very small portion of community residents. With the city of Cleveland having nearly a population of 450,000, one could hardly say that most folks agree with his tactics when he (according to Polensek) has received a mere 1500 letters (emails) of support. This is less than .005 percent of Cleveland’s population.

    As this story was unleashed, Polensek received national attention for his tough talk of trash talking, disrespect and name calling. Polensek boast about telling an 18 year old drug dealer that if he doesn’t change his ways then he would end up in jail or a cemetery and according to Polensek he could care less about which one of the two come first. Because of the “thug culture” and lack of leadership within our communities, people applauded Polensek simply because of his tough talk and fed-up attitude about the very few young folks who appear to have very little respect for themselves and their neighborhoods. I must add that I too was happy with Polensek’s boldness and apparent leadership, but then my brain began to actually work.

    As I repeatedly watched Fox 8 news, I kept hearing Polensek brag about his 29 year old political career as councilman of ward 11. When Polensek initially became councilman of this ward there were very few to no blacks in this community. The Collinwood community was a place where crime and poverty was few so Polensek did not have to use a matter of severe – demeaning recourse to handle neighborhood thugs. If and when youth decided not to be manner-able to adults and authority personnel, they were easily reprimanded by their parental advisors. But since then the community has changed.

    The unsuspected truth about “war on words” is this:
    1. Polensek has been a city council member for approximately 29 years in ward 11
    2. As council man, it is part of his job to take an active role in maintaining a neighboring and safe environment for all constituents in ward 11
    3. As a councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched ward 11 deteriorate day by day
    4. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched drugs enter ward 11
    5. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched drugs develop in ward 11
    6. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched drugs manifest in ward 11
    7. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched the culture of ward 11 change from mostly whites to now – majority blacks
    8. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched the drugs take hold of black families and youth in ward 11
    9. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek watched the “thug culture” move in while blacks began to poison one another through illegal drug distribution, and black families began to disrupt in ward 11
    10. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek didn’t care about the erosion of the black family institution until the drugs and “thug culture’ began to affect the white family institution in ward 11
    11. As councilman for 29 years, Polensek now witness white families and their youth being influenced by the “thug - drug culture” in ward 11
    12. As councilman for 29 years, once white families began to speak out and threaten to flee ward 11 or simply “get rid” of Polensek now that their children are being affected Polensek decides enough is enough in ward 11

    The war on words between Polensek and Winston was not about a young black boy selling drugs in ward 11. The war on words was not about a racist! Polensek does not appear to be a racist! Polensek is what most see as “today’s” example of a politician – a community leader? The war on words was about a councilman saving his job. The war on words was about a culture of disrespect “thug culture” in a community where white people have become fed up with their council person after seeing their own children and grandchildren began to exemplify behaviors of which America has decided to characterize as being “Black”, “a piece of trash” and “worthless”. Unfortunately and fortunately, Arsenio Winston got what he deserved – a second chance depending on how you examine the situation. At any rate if nothing else, I take a notable review of any leader in this city for taking a risk to improve the community one block at a time no matter what the reason behind the cause of “action”. Let’s take the “ist” out of racist and replace it with “the letter E” which will then spell race – and focus on how we can all improve the “Human Race” to make the City of Cleveland great again!

    Kimberly F. Brown
    2005 Mayoral Candidate
    Cleveland, Ohio

    By Kimberly F. Brown on Aug 4, 2007

26. Hopefully this rather poignant letter will serve as an example to others - that they can call a spade a spade and despite the media wolves, get some positive feedback from actual law-abiding citizens dealing with crime. Crime, in my opinion, is the most deplorable act in that it consumes the energy and resources of communities trying to keep their heads above water. We would have enough problems in Cleveland without thugs who can’t stand being “dissed.” Poverty, education, infrastructure are all challenges that in themselves require a great deal of leadership and support. Crime is sabotage, treason - and we need to stop making excuses for criminals. They’ve made their choice. If a private company was building an airplane and an employee decided to destroy critical components - that employee would be fired on the spot without question. Winston wasn’t fired - he has a chance to change. If more people put this kind of pressure on him and others maybe they actually would change. The reality is, that his mom, his buddies, his entertainment, and people like Donovan Bock(see above) pull the rug out from underneath the rest of us everyday by pointing the finger elsewhere and excusing his behavior. In America, we have choices - we are not simply a product of our surroundings. Winston chose to disrespect his elder at the park and he chose to commit treason against his community time and time again. He deserves no respect and no sympathy. This behavior merely subsidizes sabotage.

    Ms. Brown may be right in that the letter was partially motivated by politics. I sort of doubt that, but in the case that it was - may other politicians take note: Your constituents are sick of political correctness and are ready for a real leader. How many CEO’s hire used-car salesman to candy-coat the state of their businesses - NONE. They hire people that aren’t afraid to tell the truth. Councilman Polensek is hired by his citizens to tell them the cold hard truth. Bravo Councilman Polensek.

    -Tom (Parma)

    By Tom on Aug 15, 2007

27. Very gutsy. Problem is, I have my doubts as to whether or not he would say this to Mr. Winston’s face.
    (And still manage to keep his teeth of course)

    By Jim on Oct 29, 2007

28. The Council man has the freedom of speech and right to voice his opinion. However, ethically he should be more responsible to not use official letterhead from the City of Cleveland. He should have written the letter using his own personal stationary to vioce his angst. Certainly, the young man was not correct in his behavior. You all must understand that we have let our schools fall apart. Youth do not raise themselves. What we put into our youth we get back in the form of violence and destruction. Our adults are the reason the youth do not follow.

    By John on Dec 19, 2008

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