We knew it would come. The issue of race has entered into the DA debate.
Well, actually, it was always there. Since the day Ed stepped into office really.
But man, it is really stinking now.
It stinks because no debate as to the merit of black leadership can avoid the inevitable comparisons to lynch mobs. When DOES a man actually get judged on the content of his character? Not there yet Martin.
But the race card is getting old. Not because racism is getting old either. Racism is going strong.
It’s getting old because it is increasingly being used as a tool in politics and not as a demand for human rights. What is astounding here is, the broken justice system here in New Orleans is resulting in many dead African Americans, thus denying those who live in high crime neighborhoods their right to feel safe in their homes and on their streets. The future of the community lies dead in the street while the citizenship is being attacked for demanding change. And human rights is lost along the way.
Eddie Jordan’s civil rights aren’t being attacked. His job performance is. The people whose rights are under attack are the victims of crime all over the city.
If I have to attack black leadership to save black lives and enrich black communities then I am prepared to do so. If I have to endure allegations of racism, I’m ready for that too. Sticks and stones you know.
I don’t think anyone who has spoken out against the district attorney truly gives a damn what color his replacement might be. They only ask that he or she be better. It’s about competence.
But there seems to be a group of people who DO care what race the DA is.
The attack on Ed isn’t racism. It’s a demand for more from our leaders. And once an African American puts them self in a position of leadership, he or she should expect debates about their merit from all sorts of people, white or otherwise. That’s what leadership is.
It should be said that allegations of racism don’t pay infinite dividends either. There might be a time when the boy cries wolf too many times. How long can this very serious problem be used for political gain? Until people stop believing it.
What’s happening to Ed is a civic protest. It isn’t racism. His defenders should enter into a more serious debate and defend him based on his job performance rather than crying wolf again.
The heartbreaking thing is racism is alive and well in Jena, Louisiana right now. And I’m prepared to get on any bus going up that way. Because those are the real villains.
Amen
Pardon me if this seems like splitting hairs, but there’s no such thing as a “position of leadership.” Leadership is something a person does, not a position occupied. Asking for Jordan to resign is in no way an attack on leadership, black or otherwise. He’s an authority figure, not a leader.
I agree that the accusation of racism is overplayed as a political gambit, and that is hurting us all. Unfortunately it’s a very hard thing to deny. If you say, “I’m not a racist!” then you just sound more like one. Insidious, ain’t it.
I like Editor B’s important distinction. He also posted about this recently.
The refreshing thing about January’s crime march was that everyone came together — black and white — to protest something wrong in this town. Where were the hecklers then? We’ve got to stay focused and not have to end every conversation in tears or defeat, just because someone said Racist!, KKK! or Hitler! Every citizen of NOLA has to have the balls to stand back up and ask, “Weren’t the boys killed in Central City black? Wasn’t Dinerral Shavers black?” And, what about Chris Roberts, Helen Hill, Robin Malta and every person lost to violence in this town? Weren’t they people deserving of justice, for God’s sake?
The city is losing focus on this issue, and that’s what Jordan wants. If we allow the nature of this protest to change according to his terms, he will slip off the radar screen.
The city is losing focus on this issue, and that’s what Jordan wants. I have to agree with that. We need to clamp down on this like a pit bull’s bite.