Zack Matheny is my Greensboro city council district (3) representative. He's a good guy. He makes some good decisions and he's pretty good about responding to constituent concerns.
I was disappointed in his rationale for voting against accepting a report from the Human Relations Commission on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the subsequent statement of regret for the events of November 3, 1979.
His remarks were small-minded and lacking in empathy (at the 02:59:40 mark). What I found particularly strange though was his turning to former Mayor Keith Holliday as a touchstone for Matheny's objection to accepting the report of the Human Relations Commissions. Leaving aside the question of whether Holliday was ever an inspiring leader on anything, Matheny's selective use of Holliday quotations ignored the reality that Holliday's views towards the Truth and Reconciliation process moderated away from his initial repudiation to an eventual participation and recognition of its possible benefits. It was bizarre, watching Matheny use a broken recollection of history to argue against acknowledging history.
Not once have I heard Nelson Johnson apologize for his role in this fiasco. What exactly is Greensboro supposed to apologize for? This attack was not sponsored by or arranged by the city. Missteps were made that were regrettable but it was not an orchestrated act of violence or racism by anyone in this city.
ReplyDeleteHe has, whether you've heard it or not.
ReplyDeleteNobody has asked the City to apologize for anything that I am aware of.
Nobody has said that the city sponsored or arranged the attacks.
Regrettable missteps may well justify a statement of regret.