Much of history is all about moments in time and in this politically charged era, where black America stands on the precipice of possibility; Detroit's hip-hop Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is not doing anyone any favors.
The time has finally come for the lid to be blown off this case of 'textual healing,' (or text-gate if you're so inclined) and truth be told, it's not looking too good for the 38-year-old mayor of the country's most dangerous city. Today, the prosecutor, Kym Worthy, announced to a packed news conference that she is charging Kilpatrick with eight felonies and his former aide Christine Beatty with seven.
On the very basic level, it sounds like Kwame is guilty of perjury. Yes, the p-word which has made a name for itself by making many-a-corrupt exec shed a tear, throwing Marion Jones, and Scooter Libby in the slammer and making baseball pariahs Roger Clemons and (to a lesser extent) Barry Bonds cringe as they fight their losing battles, to name a few of its victims.
His attorney, Dan Webb is convinced otherwise as he states the questions asked were "too ambiguous." Of course translated, it sounds more like "my client may of may not have had a romantic relationship but he's just trying to save his ass and ya'll just didn't ask the right questions."
It's terrible that Kwame cheated on his wife and his infidelity was duly noted. But should he leave office? That's something that's at least debatable depending on which image of your politician that you choose to swallow and more importantly it's not the issue at hand.
In January, Kwame appeared on television with his apology game in full-effect and the requisite "stern-looking wife-who-acts-like-she-really-needs-to-be-there" swag in tow.
The perjury charges accuses the two (Kilpatrick and Beatty) of lying during a whistle-blower lawsuit about the firing of Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown and about their romantic relationship. The three officers, supposedly doing their duties were fired under suspicious circumstances.
Despite the false testimony, a Wayne County Circuit Court jury last September awarded Brown and Nelthrope $6.5 million in damages. Kilpatrick vowed to appeal, but on Oct. 17, abruptly decided to settle the case and a second police whistle-blower suit involving former mayoral bodyguard Walt Harris for $8.4 million – $9 million with legal costs.
Kilpatrick settled after the cops' lawyer, Mike Stefani, informed the mayor's lawyer that he had the incriminating text messages and would reveal them in court papers he planned to file to justify his request for legal fees in the whistle-blower case.
In what may have been the political move of the year, incumbent New York Governor, David Patterson set the tone by outing himself before the wolves came calling.
Now if only Eliot Spitzer had solicited a prostitute before Kwame was busted maybe he would have been able to take some notes from David Patterson and put his laundry out. But he didn't and now his drawers are all over town.
Like your average politician who gets caught with his pants down (literally and figuratively), the first thing that came to Kwame's mind was deny, deny and deny some more. All in hopes that with enough legal savvy, you can preserve your selfish hold on power. Um, just for the record, the justice department does not play.
If nothing else, his textual antics have taken sexual scandal into the digital age meaning similar to what Barack Obama is doing for the election, Kwame has done for political sex scandals... thanks for that.
But who knows, maybe Kwame will catch a break like this guy
But I wouldn't bet on it.
Kwame Kilpatrick Pictures
** FILE ** Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy addresses the media in her office in Detroit, Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. The investigation into whether Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former top aide committed perjury or other crimes during testimony in a highly publicized whistle-blowers' trial is all part of the job for the Wayne County prosecutor. And she doesn't even consider it the toughest assignment she's had since she's been in the prosecutor's office. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, file)
AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick addresses the media during a news conference in Detroit, Tuesday, March 18, 2008. A nearly unified City Council voiced its displeasure with Kilpatrick on Tuesday, calling on the scandal-tainted mayor to resign. A resolution, which passed on a 7-1 vote in the early afternoon, was more of a "no-confidence" vote. The council doesn't have the power to force Kilpatrick to step down. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick addresses the media during a news conference in Detroit, Tuesday, March 18, 2008. A nearly unified City Council voiced its displeasure with Kilpatrick on Tuesday, calling on the scandal-tainted mayor to resign. A resolution, which passed on a 7-1 vote in the early afternoon, was more of a "no-confidence" vote. The council doesn't have the power to force Kilpatrick to step down. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
AP
** FILE ** Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox speaks during an interview in this April 11, 2005, file photo, in Lansing, Mich. Cox said Wednesday, March 12, 2008, that Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick should resign because he's a liar and a race-baiter "on par with David Duke and George Wallace," and no longer fit for office. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)
AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick gives his State of the City address in Detroit, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. A prosecutor says she will announce in two weeks whether she will file perjury charges against the mayor and his former top aide. The case stems from a criminal probe of whether Kilpatrick lied under oath when he denied an affair with former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty that was revealed in the text messages. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick gives his seventh State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick points towards his family before the start of his seventh State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
The parents and sister of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (L), Ayanna (C) and Bernard Kilpatrick stand before the start of Mayor Kilpatrick's State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
DETROIT - MARCH 11: Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings says the Pledge of Alligiance before Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's State of the City address March 11, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. Several members of the city council protested the Mayor by sitting in the audience instead of sitting on stage with the Mayor. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Protestors demonstrate outside of Orchestra Hall where Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was giving his State of the City address March 11, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. Four members of the nine-member council declined to take their customary seats onstage with the mayor, who is in the midst of a text-messaging scandal involving charges of sexual misconduct and of perjury related to a whistle-blower lawsuit filed by former police officers against the city. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY == (Photo credit should read BILL PUGLIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Comments: (99)
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By: Wyatt on 3/24/2008 6:08PM
It's time to own up to his actions, there is much more at risk.
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By: Cole on 3/24/2008 6:55PM
"It is the duty of youth to bring its fresh new power to bear on social progress. Each generation of young people should be to the world like a vast reserve force to a tired army. They should lift the world forward. That is what they are for."
-Charlotte Perkins Gilman, social critic-
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By: DAVE on 3/25/2008 12:18AM
HE SHOULD STED DOWN . YOU CAN'T JUSTIFY WRONG.
BE A MAN AND STEP ASIDE.
DAVE
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By: Randy on 3/25/2008 1:59AM
This Boy is STU-P,I,D. Anytime you have a relationship with a Human Being somebody knows it. Feelings can not be hidden. The woman gives it away every time becuase of their emotional state. They are happy to be in a relationship and they do not care who knows or who finds out. Secondly, you never lie to the Feds. They have you before they question you. They are just checking to see if you tell the truth. If they put Martha Stewart in Jail with all her money what do you think is going to happen to a Nothing Public Official? I am curious to find out if he goes to a Country Club prison or Leavenworth. Say Hi to Bubba for me. Teach him the Motorcycle dance and the Bankhead Bounce.
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By: Randy on 3/25/2008 1:59AM
This Boy is STU-P,I,D. Anytime you have a relationship with a Human Being somebody knows it. Feelings can not be hidden. The woman gives it away every time becuase of their emotional state. They are happy to be in a relationship and they do not care who knows or who finds out. Secondly, you never lie to the Feds. They have you before they question you. They are just checking to see if you tell the truth. If they put Martha Stewart in Jail with all her money what do you think is going to happen to a Nothing Public Official? I am curious to find out if he goes to a Country Club prison or Leavenworth. Say Hi to Bubba for me. Teach him the Motorcycle dance and the Bankhead Bounce.
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By: Warren W Wagner on 3/25/2008 2:45AM
He is trash and a disgrace to his race. We all need to show responsibility. If this is the best Detroit has to offer. It is time to turn off the lights and go home.
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By: Randy on 3/25/2008 2:59AM
Since the raters would not post my last writing, I'll come from a different angle and get this one posted. This man is totally innocent. There is no way he is capable of this behavior. It goes against all societal norms. He is not capable of these charges. He is leagally married to a fine upstanding Human Being. He is a credit to all polical parties. He is highly regarded such as the likes of President Clinton. He did not have a sexual intercourse with that woman. Please reserve judgement on this fine example of public office. That New York Govenor is innocent also. And the Blind man had a flashback from the 60's. He is innocent also. He did not see a thing. I support all political figures who are falsely accuseed of adultry. They are innocent. Adultry never happens in politics. It is one or two of the commandments. Please stop saying this fine example of Public confidence is going against the teachings of Moses. I would follow this man to the nearest strip club. He can change the people. They would be in church dancing to a 1970 Kirk Franklin REMIX. I love Hip Hop and all the rich preachers. This Mayor did not do IT. Somebody MIS-Spoke or MIS-remembered. He is truly MIS-not guilty. So stop hating the MIS-stres. Is this better raters and judges? Kinda cute isn't it?
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By: Randy on 3/25/2008 3:18AM
Raters and judges of this site. How can you let somebody call that man trash? But my comments don't get posted? Is there a double standard? Do you all have my name on the do not post list? What was wrong with my comment on Tyrese being a singer and using DJ turntables instead of instruments in a concert? It's Hip Hop. This Mayor might have been listening to Tyrese when he was falsely accused of having sexual intercourse with that woman. OL Bill might like a slow Tyrese groove to get his Brain work going. I am proud of this Mayor. He is what Government is about. Did you all not see those important White politicians dancing to beat on TV last year? Carl Rove and the boys was dancing to Hip Hop. What is the problem? Hip Hop is in D.C.. Isn't Marion Berry hip hop. It was a Bang Bang Bogey getting caught up in that hotel room. That's Hip Hop. He could sang a song that states, That was not Me on TV in DC. Put a Doctor DRE beat on and will go gold. That's Hip Hop.
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By: Cecil Jones on 3/25/2008 5:33AM
Let's cut to the chase on this case? A picture is worth a thousand words. No picture in the bedroom of them having sex on you tube and there is only speculation of what they did. These two aren't talking and that means "Not Guilty." Besides, the wife is backing them so what's the charge? Perjury? It can't be proved that they had sex unless one confesses or turns evidence on the other. Don't hate the player, hate the game or get someone who won't talk.
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By: ERIC on 3/25/2008 6:36AM
HE IS A DUMBASS. UNBELIEVEABLE HE IS SUCH PAIN SINCE HE IS RESPONSIBLE..KEEP ON CLEANING UP KWAME..U SUCK
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