Collateral Damage

I don't agree with the position the Mayor has taken in regards to Kriner Cash, since he was chose unanimously by the board to be the Memphis City School Superintendent. Today he made some inroads towards extending the olive branch to Mr. Cash. If indeed he happened to be listening to the interview. Even if he wasn't, I'm sure someone will tell him what was said. The Mayor explained that he was just making an educated observation based on having been involved in the process himself. I still think his ego is at the root of his disapproval. But this lapse in judgement on his part, may be starting to make some sense. The whole thing is somewhat coming together now. The city and county Mayor have both endorsed a plan introduced by council member Bill Morrison. It calls for the abolishing of the school board as we know it now. Then merging the city and county schools under one governing body. To me that sounds like a win/win situation.

Today I think I saw what the problem is in the Memphis community. At least as far as the Mayor's popularity goes. The Mayor is elected by people that don't share his political ideology. If you listen closely, you'll see the Mayor is a Conservative. His underlying message is "personal responsibility." That's where he loses half of his support. They vote for him because he is black. Then go against him when he's not just that. Those he calls "Haters", are simply those looking for a handout. Or those who want to keep the status quo.To estrange all those voters that don't agree with his politics, would be political suicide. He has laid the groundwork for some black people in this city to have a chance they never had before. Some families are owning a home for the first time in three generations. Problem is, they're still doing what they have always done in the past.Why should we expect different results?

I think the Mayor sees Kriner Cash as a blast from the past. He feels like he could set this city back about sixteen years. To the days of when the Ford family was king. When they represented the Memphis black community in local, state and federal politics. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discounting it's importance. It was necessary in it's time, but that time has passed. Herenton almost has them lined up to consolidate the schools. Which is no minor accomplishment. That's the pride and joy and final claim of superiority by the county. The unflattering comments made by the Mayor, I don't think it's as much personal as it is hazards of the trade. In his quest to obtain his ultimate goal. The perceived disrespect of Kriner Cash is collateral damage.