About Jackson Baker’s post, “Henri Brooks Donnybrook: Has the Outspoken County Commissioner Finally Crossed the Line?” …
I am a citizen of Shelby County, and I demand that Henri Brooks resign from her position as Shelby County Commissioner and withdraw her name from the Juvenile Court Clerk ballot due to her racist and prejudicial remarks.
I am a white, middle-aged male who moved to Shelby County four years ago and lives in Collierville. While I will defend Brooks’ freedom of speech rights as a private citizen, as an elected official she must be held to a higher standard. There is no room in any government office for an official who verbalizes racist and bigoted views. She crossed the line and now must be held accountable — by resigning from public service. She can live out the remainder of her days as a private citizen in bitterness and hatred toward other races, but she should not be allowed to represent the citizens of Shelby County any longer.
If Brooks fails to immediately resign, which given her disposition I expect, I ask that Mayors Wharton and Luttrell demand her immediate resignation. I also ask James Harvey, as chairman of the Shelby County Commission, to ask for her immediate resignation. I also call upon all those in a position of leadership to publicly denounce Ms. Brooks and her racist remarks, including the mayors of the municipalities in Shelby County and the other county commissioners.
If a white, brown, yellow or red-colored skin citizen had made remarks similar to Brooks’ but directed toward the black community, the entire black political community would be up for action. Brooks should not be held to a different standard because she is black; a racist is a racist.
Dirk Gardner
I always thought Brooks lived on the other side of the line, so it’s hard for her to cross the line when she’s perpetually there.
GroveReb84
If one cannot keep one’s private feelings and emotions out of public ear/eyeshot, then one should not hold public office. Period. Very unprofessional, insulting, and blatantly racist and divisive. But, as previously noted, this isn’t the first irrational outburst from Ms. Brooks, and won’t be the last.
Mejjep
Many people have a tough time understanding the concept of white privilege. Not Commissioner Brooks, though. When she found out about white privilege, she could not rest until she had invented black privilege.
autoegocrat
About Bruce VanWyngarden’s editor’s column on the RNC’s new debate rules …
If Mitt Romney would have had a spine (an inherent deformity, apparently, that affects establishment Republicans), Candy Crowley would be just a footnote in the annals of presidential debates history.
Nightcrawler
Greg Cravens
About Bruce VanWyngarden’s editor’s column in the May 8th issue …
To say the Flyer only “leans left” is ridiculous. I admit I don’t read your publication every week, but I consider your staff far far left. And for some of you, its a one-issue deal: Gays should be allowed to marry. I am waiting to see any moderate or conservative talk coming from the Flyer. “Commie”? No, not yet. But if you continue to follow the liars on the progressive Democratic front, you will be very close to the “c” word.
John Cole Mitchell
About Bianca Phillips’ article,“Memphis Slim Home is Re-Born as a Music Collaboratory” …
Wow! This is just incredible. I am so thankful for those responsible for this project. Not only does it serve a grand purpose, but it’s a great looking building also — sort of Dwell magazine meets classic barn.
BP
About Chris Davis’ review of Gypsy at Playhouse on the Square …
Everything Playhouse on the Square attempts to mount exceeds mediocre theater on a regular basis. And, most of the time way beyond. Gypsy is no exception.
Kenneth Schildt