The MAYOR's speech was right on! (Memphis: crime, schools, law) - Tennessee (TN) - City-Data Forum

london1979 · 10-04-2007, 10:28 PM

This city is ripe with racial bigotry. It's refreshing to hear a Memphian be as open and honest as he was. Most Memphians B-S you to death. If you want to be part of a city that segregates itself, come to Memphis.

Dd714 · 10-05-2007, 06:59 AM

I see in my crystal ball.....
This post dissapearing within a few hours! The original poster having "banned" under his title!

london1979 · 10-05-2007, 07:16 AM

Hey, we owe it to anyone interested in relocating to Memphis. We have to give them both sides. A blind man could see how racially divided this city is.

Brian · 10-05-2007, 07:19 AM

Willie Herenton has been in office for too long. The city needs a change.

When is the next mayoral race in Memphis?

I thought that Tennessee had recently revised its law limiting one to hold the same position for eight years?

Pearlbob · 10-05-2007, 08:03 AM

And most of that racism comes right out of Herenton's mouth. You are correct on that one!!!

london1979 · 10-05-2007, 08:28 AM

Brian, I totally agree. I didn't vote. I am registered but I just didn't. I always ask people who do you vote for if neither candidate strikes a cord with you. The answer is simple for me. I never complain about Herenton. Only the people who continue to vote for him. But neither of the other two candidates would have made good leaders, IMHO. I think the issues in Memphis are more cultural than anything. You start addressing them by EDUCATING children. Not putting more underpaid cops on the street. The separate school systems are proof of how racially divided this city is. The Memphis City School system under-performs year after year and is predominately African American children. While Shelby County is majority white. City residents fit the bill for both city and county schools but county residents could care less about failing, dilapidated city schools. It isn't fair and it is an injustice. You talk about REAL change? Let's start with consolidating the two school systems. I know it's a scary thought for many parents. But it believe it wouldn't be a death sentence for schools currently in the county. I'm not saying lower the bar in county schools. I'm saying raise them both to the same level.

london1979 · 10-05-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearlbob

And most of that racism comes right out of Herenton's mouth. You are correct on that one!!!

Yeah, but he's open about it. Unlike a lot of whites here. I guess because I work in law enforcement. Crime is an excellent indicator of racial disparity.

Pearlbob · 10-05-2007, 08:38 AM

Yes, that's what I want. A racist mayor. So glad he's back.

london1979 · 10-05-2007, 08:48 AM

Webster defines racist as.......

1 : one who believes that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

Talking about race doesn't make you a racist. And not addressing it doesn't mean you're diverse. You have the issues if the topic of race makes you uneasy. Race and culture go hand and hand. Here in Memphis, culturally, blacks, whites, and hispanics are different. That doesn't mean we can't co-exist. But Memphis's dominate culture is an inbred redneck one. Now, I don't mean to offend anyone but it's true. I'm not saying it's the only white culture here but it dominates all others. And if you don't conform to it, that's when the xenophobia kicks in.

Pearlbob · 10-05-2007, 08:52 AM

Herenton has said that people who don't agree with him are racist white people. Anyone who does not agree with his ideas are racist against black people. He's said these things. "Shake tha haterz off"??? Give me a break. Great mature, adult, educated leadership there. There's nothing to argue about the guy, his words speak for themselves.