Face Time With The Democratic National Convention

For those who missed yesterday's DNC 2012 Charlotte Kickoff hosted by the Charlotte Chamber, here is the video of the discussion.  Included in the panel is Bob Morgan, Mayor Anthony Foxx, Former Mayor Harvey Gantt (who joins around the 30 min mark), Dan Murrey - Executive Director Charlotte in 2012, and Steve Kerrigan - CEO of DNCC.  Note: The presentation doesn't start until the 3:45 mark in the video.

For me, the coolest part of this discussion - and of the whole convention - is the full circle moment of Harvey Gantt and President Obama.  Mr. Gantt, the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University and the first African American mayor of Charlotte, had an early supporter in President Obama.  When you look at the big picture, Mr. Gantt didn't just help pave the way for Charlotte to have the DNC , he helped pave the way for America to have President Obama.

Who The Hell Elected This Guy?

I have loathed Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James for as long as I’ve been a Charlotte resident.  I struggle to understand how Charlotte continues to support a man who repeatedly makes nonsensical comments steeped in bigotry, homophobia, and sheer ignorance. 

In his most recent spew of hate, James wrote in an email to colleagues: 

"Homosexuals are sexual predators. Allowing homosexuals to serve in the US military with the endorsement of the Mecklenburg County Commission ignores a host of serious problems related to maintaining US military readiness and effectiveness not the least of which is the current Democrat plan to allow homosexuals (male and female) to share showers with those they are attracted to."

People are now demanding that James apologize, of which he has (at present time) refused.  I couldn't care less about his apology, which we all know would be a banquet of insincerity. 

Instead, I implore Charlotte leaders to make a public statement separating themselves from James’ comments.  Do you want Bill James to be the voice that the rest of the region and country associates with Charlotte?  Do you want those who live here, visit here, and might move here think this is Charlotte’s stance?  Is this the message you want to give the DNC?

One of the most powerful statements made by Dr. Martin Luther King, was when he said–

“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

So to our local leaders who represent Charlotte – Mayor Foxx, Bob Morgan, Ronnie Bryant, Tim Newman, Michael Smith, and your peers and colleagues – is this a message you want attached to the Charlotte brand that each of you has worked diligently to shape?  

You’ve always proved yourself to be the good people.  Please understand your silence will only suggest your complicity.