I can't help but see parallels between the fictional State Senator Clay David on The Wire and Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick. Both know how to manipulate city residents, getting them to believe that a lack of support for their antics, even in the black community, is racism. Getting them to believe, in Kwame's case, that voting for the other African-American running for mayor in 2006 was racist. That he is the authentic African-American.
Of course racism exists and is a serious problem but it seems like it's being used as a shield, as a defense.
Of course racism exists and is a serious problem but it seems like it's being used as a shield, as a defense.
Both men know what words to use and their style of delivery comes from the black church and appeals to black voters. They know how to make the audience cry. They can play the victim of a plot to bring them down.
Unfortunately in Kilpatrick's case, the charges are probably real not fictional. He's likely guilty of a number of crimes, but will the Wayne County Prosecutor, Kim Worthy, have the guts to indict him, coming up for reelection. Will the Michigan Supreme Court turn down his appeal to suppress tapes/text-messaging?
Kwame had everything needed to be a good and decent mayor in a hard time, but he craved the perks that came with it--women, parties, expensive cars and vacations. Maybe he was just too young. We should cry, but for Detroit, not him.
12 comments:
Bet his response would be "She-it!"
Too bad it's not as funny as on The Wire.
Mayors are like diapers. They should be changed often and for the same reason.
Sounds like this one's leaking.
Leaking? The whole damned bottom has fallen out.
Great post.
Mind if I link to it and include it on my list of My Tosn Monday participants?
Hey, Travis. Are you the "If it's Monday, let's talk about our hometown, guy? Sure link in.
Yep, that's me.
Hi! I followed Travis' link. He's right, it is a great post. I've never been one to follow politics, but I agree with Jim- I think all political offices should have a limit.
In Michigan, there are term limits on the state houses. That doesn't always solve problems though. Some officials are bad from the get go; others are good for term after term.
Kwame is channeling the spirit of former Washington mayor Marion Berry who used to amuse us to no end.
Of course, Washington improved a lot after Marion Berry got kicked out of office. Maybe the same will happen to Detroit.
The changes in DC are amazing. We can only hope for a bit of it.
The changes in DC are amazing. We can only hope for a bit of it.
The majority of voters finally realized that it wasn't just Congressional arrogance that painted Barry as a malefactor, and that he was more trouble than a boon and a symbol of defiance. Of course, his arrogance had gotten him into electoral (as opposed to legal) trouble once before, when after his sentence was over he thought he could take the at-large city council seat of Statehood Party (now the Statehood/Green Party) stalwart Hilda Mason (no relation I'm aware of). She slaughtered him.
May your fellow fall similarly.
If fall he does. One never can tell.
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