It would appear that race is still very much an issue in Birmingham politics. However, we’ve come a long way from the days of Bull Connor and fire hoses. Fast forward to present day and a special election to replace Mayor Larry Langford, convicted on 60 counts of conspiracy, fraud, bribery, and money laundering. The citizens were offered the choice between William Bell and Patrick Cooper, both black (before you slam me for that, finish reading – it’s vital for context). The last days of the campaign slid into the sewer as you might imagine but the real shocker, to an an anglo raised north of the line, was the Bell camp’s TV ads discussing Cooper’s divorce, complete with a picture of his very white ex-wife. The unstated statement being “he’s not black enough.” Cooper’s ads implied that Bell had beaten his wife in a domestic violence case. Despicable behavior on the part of both campaigns but Bell came out of the smoke as the new mayor. Tactics, morals, and ethics? Hey, a win is a win, right?
For those of you not familiar with The Magic City’s politics, city government has been dominated by the black community for the last couple of decades. The graft and corruption of the 60’s and 70’s is still there, just changed color.
Can you imagine the uproar had the candidates been white and the ex-wife black? Every lawyer in town would have needed to change his drawers.
Forrest Gump comes to mind.
Race should not be an issue in this day and age but stupid must not get elected. Anywhere.
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