There has been so much incompetence in Louisiana politics for so long from white leaders and black leaders alike that I think the racial makeup of the city council, while necessary to note, should be secondary to the larger issue of creating some forward momentum for the city. I don't know that Clarkson creates that force, she has for years been divisive and controversial in her platforms but at the very least I don't think her loyalty to the city can be questioned. It would be my hope that the city retains a healthy racial balance, and I think it will, regardless of the color of its leaders at any given time. And also, since it seems impossible or improbable that any of us will ever be able to ignore skin color, it should be noted that while the list of corrupt or incompetent white politicians in Louisiana is long, it cannot be ignored that the most recent list is led by black men--Congressman William Jefferson, At-large councilman Oliver Thomas, District Attorney Eddie Jordan, and, love him, hate him, or laugh at him, Mayor C. Ray Nagin.
Incidentally, Clarkson is the mother of the very hardworking character actress, Patricia Clarkson.
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Incidentally, Clarkson is the mother of the very hardworking character actress, Patricia Clarkson.
- jimlouis 11-20-2007 4:55 pm