Sanford: In lackluster Super Tuesday, Haley continues to stumble over race
Welcome to arguably the most uninteresting Super Tuesday presidential primary since Tennessee first joined the big day of voting in the late 1980s.
Welcome to arguably the most uninteresting Super Tuesday presidential primary since Tennessee first joined the big day of voting in the late 1980s.
Today, the battle is over whether diversity, equity and inclusion should even be mentioned in schools and the workplace. Beyond that, some people locally also want to turn back the clock by suggesting separate judicial systems for Shelby County — the current one for predominantly Black Memphis and a new one for the mostly white suburbs.
What retired Criminal Court Judge Robert “Bobby” Carter discovered — by observation and through data that he could compile — was an eye opener, particularly regarding the dearth of criminal cases that go to trial.
“I believe being relegated to interim chief undermines her authority inside the police department and raises doubts in the community about her leadership at a time when both are sorely needed to help us fight this city’s rampant crime problem.”
“My love of CK’s was about the people, the regulars, who showed up like clockwork every morning and became an informal coffee klatch to talk sports — mainly pro football — and politics, or to share the latest gossip.”
“There is a legitimate public policy debate to be had over the appropriateness of the death penalty. It seems clear that since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in the U.S. in 1976, it has not been a deterrent to murder. And opposition to it transcends political party lines.”
“Young people must be told the truth about our history — not shielded from it because it makes adults uncomfortable.”
“I consider the former mayor, who was elected five times, the most pivotal player in this year’s election for a couple of reasons.”
Each of the seven serious contenders for Memphis’ next mayor owe voters answers to important, and different, questions about their pasts.
“Memphis is at a critical juncture. We cannot afford to continue the stagnation. We cannot continue allowing crime, poverty and low educational achievement to define this city.”
“This is a crucial election. And it’s important that voters get it right. It’s also important that turnout starts to match the interest. So undecided voters, make up your mind.”
“There is no indication that younger voters went to the polls in any significant numbers. But many of those who did show up clearly favored Young.”
“No other state has been successful in turning down federal education money, so Tennessee is plowing new ground with this wrong-headed, purely political sideshow.”
In 1991, U.S. District Judge Jerome Turner said runoffs in Memphis elections were designed to keep Black candidates from becoming mayor. And he was correct at the time.
A city that was already beleaguered by crime is wondering if there is any solution to the violence.
“Our society, particularly our political system, has noticeably degenerated to the point where lying, cheating and exploiting others are often excused, if not overlooked and rewarded.”
“I’m willing to say that, overall, (Jim Strickland’s) tenure as mayor was good. Not great, but nowhere near a disaster either. He does have some positive things to show. But we cannot just brush aside the negatives.”
“We have met the persistent. And they are Tennessee voters.”