The Big Sting

In light of the latest developments in Memphis politics, it should be a wake-up call to all the shysters. Anybody that has engaged in crooked under the table deals better beware. Once the ball starts rolling, nobody knows where it stops. A lot of the citizens seem to think the crackdown is racially motivated, directed only at Black elected officials. I don't agree with that assumption. It's just that those being indicted didn't cover their tracks. It doesn't mean that they were the only ones guilty. They're just the only ones who got caught.

Councilman Ricky Peete has been indicted for bribery, and it has a twofold effect. His political future as well as his personal livelihood are both in jeopardy. He is the CEO of the "Beale Street Merchants Association" for now. John Elkington the CEO of "Performa Inc." the management company handling Beale street. Has asked for the rental space now being occupied by Councilman Peete and the group. In an effort to do damage control for the streets image Elkington is severing ties with Peete. He has stated he doesn't plan to renew his contract. I don't think it's a matter of race but of business instead. His main concern is that of making sure "Beale Street" remains the top tourist attraction in the state. Some citizens are already critical of the relationship he has with "Beale Street". Strangely many of those same people are crying racism now.

Then we have the case regarding Councilman Tom Marshall. His company has reportedly made about $5 million consulting the MCS. In light of the present push for ethics reform, he has gave up that contract. All things considered was it fair? It might be of questionable motives but it wasn't illegal. Most people wouldn't make that much money if they had three lifetimes. So if he doesn't ever get another job he can live off that comfortably. That makes it easier to give the contract back. They have both a resume and rainy day fund to tide them over until the next contract arises. Even if they don't secure another consulting job somewhere else. It still was a good ride while it lasted.

Before I could post this story something else hit the newspapers. County Commissioner Deidre Malone took $20,000 for her marketing firm. It was supposed to be to market building opportunities to minority contractors. I was born at night, but not last night. All the public relations this plan needed was a simple public announcement. The minority contractors would have came out in droves. This amounts to nothing more than buying political influence. I have yet to hear her say that she has recused herself from any votes. She checked it out for the county attorney's opinion and it was okay. Again whether you like it or not it's not illegal. It appears she has taken advantage of the same loopholes as some of the others. It was only a couple of weeks ago she was pointing fingers at others. That just goes to show. If you're living in a glass house, don't throw no stones.

The list of subjects could go on and on. City Councilman Edmund Ford and former County Commissioner Bruce Thompson have both been in compromising positions. Once again I think some people are basing their expectations of the law on their emotions. The major difference here is the fact that some of them have been on paper and others just pilfered. When you get stung it hurts all over not just where you're stung. Sometime that whole affected area or limb will swell. For all those that don't get caught in this snare. This should serve as notice. In the big sting, sooner or later it all comes out.