You may have noticed recently that Plain Dealer columnist Regina Brett has retired her campaign against drunk drivers in favor of another singular cause: the plight of Cleveland’s black population. But not everyone is comfortable that Brett, the Whitest White Lady Since Shelly Long®, is taking up the black cause. Word is Afi-Odelia Scruggs, a former PD columnist who previously occupied Brett’s space on B-1, will pen a piece for the Free Times criticizing Brett’s new crusade.
Scruggs’ taking on Brett is like Freddie Prinze Jr. taking on the cast of Scooby Doo 2. Yes, she is black. But she also wrote things like this: “Usually I avoid writing about politics because it confuses me. I’m fine on local issues, although I have to be reminded of the difference between a levy and a bond. But I’ve been a bewildered observer of the past few presidential elections.”
I don’t want to speak for black people – after all, I make Shelly Long look like Queen Latifah – but my hunch is they don’t care who is calling attention to what’s going on in their communities, as long as someone is – and doing it well. – Joe P. Tone
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2007.
Regina Brett of the Plain Dealer should find another topic of discussion. The plight of the black community is a concern for all, not just a selected few. After reading her columns as well as 10 point plans submitted by Mr. Caesar Powell and Dr. Rev. Marvin Mcmickles it is even more obvious to all that these so called black leaders have no idea of what to do about the problems plaguing our communities. Results are not driven by one stop slogans. Results and problem solving are gained by creating a community initiative where all areas of concern are involved not just a selected few. Ms. Brett is obviously trying to wedge a wider axe between the entire community as oppose to building an open dialogue of resolution. I just wonder how many 10 point plans Ms. Brett actually received from the entire viewing community, not just the one or two that she would have readers believe as she and the Plain Dealer attempts to publicize and manipulate. Whether you want to believe this or not, there are a lot of outstanding blacks in this community taking a stand in their communities making a differences. Regina, stop playing games – find another way to waste your ink! As a community we have enough to worry about besides your plans of spreading poison and hatred throughout our neighborhoods.
Kimberly F. Brown