Playground Politics

Today I was reading another blog, and I read where someone knew Thaddeus Matthews as a youngster in school. This blog isn't about him per say, but it is in a way. He has gotten himself entangled in the above candidate's campaigns. In spite of bringing nothing of real value to the table other than his bluff. The schoolmate described him as being a bully back in school. Since he has managed to escape death or incarceration. He still feels like he is back in school. He's like the kid that needed a male influence in his life, but he didn't have a father in the house.When you think about it, the word "bully" best describes him now. He has carried that same mentality into his old age he had as a child. He's smart enough not to hang around others with the same mindset as him. That's why he has lasted so long, and not ended up like his brother. They like him, have nothing to lose. Fools don't bother other fools.

This sudden all out assault on M. Latroy Williams is the handiwork of Paul Mattila. He's paying Thaddeus to do his dirty work, in the form of malicious advertising. A lot of people don't follow his lead, but they listen all the time. Smart people take information anywhere they can find it, discarding that they don't need. Matilla is the incumbent County Trustee who resides in Millington. It seems white politicians in Millington think Thaddeus can sway black voters in Memphis. ( Remember Terry Roland ) I said sway and not deliver. There's a big difference there. They're using him to try and slip in the back door of the black community. Not by having people to vote for them, but not vote for their opponents. Mr. Matilla might have unknowingly brandished a double edged sword. I probably wasn't going to vote for M. Latroy Williams anyway, but I definitely won't be voting for Paul Matilla now. His associations and tactics come into question. He's throwing rocks and hiding his hands. At first he had the advantage of being the incumbent. Now for people like me, even that has been erased. What he has done is put the spotlight on himself.

I think G.A. Hardaway and Eddie Neal are unknowingly at the root of this outcry by Thaddeus Matthews against Mr. Williams. Unless they've figured it out. For those that know the recent history of this saga. The shallow threats of Thaddeus started against G.A. Hardaway. He promised to lead the charge to get him removed from office. And put his full support behind Eddie Neal. When Hardaway didn't acknowledge him as being any more than any other constituent. That was all he needed to start his rant. Thaddeus likes to give the impression that he has pull with elected officials. Because with some,, unfortunately he does. Not with anyone that can help him with Hardaway. Obviously the other Democrats didn't get the memo. Apparently he convinced Eddie Neal though. Being that he has started advertising with him. On the other hand I suspect Thaddeus discovered he wasn't making much headway with the voters. So he's anticipating having to eat his words again. His attacks seem to have had the opposite effect as planned. G.A. Hardaway's appearances on WDIA, and good standing with Bev Johnson. Seem to do far more to help his reputation. Than Thaddeus and his band of followers can do to hurt him. At first glance G.A. Hardaway seemed to be an easy target. But is he really?

This is where this whole thing gets interesting. Remember how the bully was in control until one of two things happened. They met their match or the teacher got involved. Both exposing them for what they really were. Cowards who pick on people who can't or won't fight back. They can slip and make threats, but they can't really do anything else. In essence that's what Mr. Williams and Mr. Hardaway have done. In Mr. Williams the bully found someone to tell the teacher. In this case the teacher being represented by the courts. In spite of what he would have you think. The station isn't going to jeopardize their broadcasting license in support of his antics. On the other hand the bully has found his match in Mr. Hardaway. He is not intimidated in the least, and he makes it known. This isn't good for the bully's business either. Others might start to question how tough they are. Since Hardaway was threatened with the fate of former school board member Willie Brooks. It would be ironic if G.A. Hardaway turned out to be just the opposite. For lack of a better term or description. This is a prime example of playground politics.