Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

Well, he's gone and done it again.

I'm talking about Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, who, even when he tried to keep a lower profile, always seems to end up making front-page headlines.

The latest stems from his actions this weekend, related to a downtown Akron fight, and the police response.

I won't recap the entire story, you can certainly get the best coverage here and here.

Now, let me preface the following remarks by saying something.

I've always liked Plusquellic. He's one of the strongest mayors in the state. Yet, as I've stated before, he does have quite a bit of the "high school bully" in him.

I even spoke out (wrote out?) in defense of the Mayor during his recent recall battle.

But, this latest episode reeks of poor City Hall spin to me.

Look, I'm not naive enough to think everything that comes out of downtown Akron is legitimate and trustworthy. The Mayor is a politician, and there probably needs to be a certain amount of spin-doctoring in order to forward his ideas and agendas, not to mention fund his re-election campaigns.

But, in this case, it's gotten out of hand.

First off, the 911 tapes were officially released by City Hall, not the police department. As a longtime member of the Akron media, I know that this almost NEVER happens.

Usually, you call the PD, ask for the tapes, and they provide them to you, warts and all.

In this case, however, the city released three calls, all of which, I'm going to assume, have been heavily edited and sanitized to help the Mayor's side of the story.

Why do I believe this to be the case? Well, if you listen to "Call 1", as it's listed on the city website, Plusquellic clearly states that this is not the first call he's made to operators.

You can bet there's going to be an ugly fight, that will perhaps head into court, to get the full 911 tapes from that evening.

The second part of this that feels like "spin" is the following quote from the Mayor, courtesy ohio.com.

"What I did was vitally important to cracking this case"

I'm sure the Mayor actually believes this. But, this isn't a Scooby-Doo mystery and Mayor Plusquellic wasn't wearing an ascot (to my knowledge.)

Leave the police work to the police, Mr. Mayor. I get that you have a background in criminal law, I really do, but getting involved in a police investigation after having a few drinks isn't in your, or their, best interests.

In other words, if the police tell you to butt out, butt out!

Look, I'm not going to rush to judgment here. It wouldn't be out of the question that a gung-ho police officer decided to flex his muscles a little too much. And certainly, the head of the police union loves to make mountains out of molehills.

But, would it really be so bad for Plusquellic to simply say "I'm sorry"?

What's wrong in admitting you're human ... you had a few too many ... and that clouded your decision-making ability. Then, follow that apology with a sit-down with those your cussed out, and give them a heartfelt "sorry" as well.

Maybe it would be political suicide for a Mayor to admit he was a little drunk. My opinion, and this is just me, is that he's still a human being, and should be able to enjoy a night out as much as the next guy (as long as he's not driving).

But, I'll tell you one thing, an apology would win a lot more points with this blogger, than a transparent attempt to spin your actions into "Don Plusquellic, super-hero gumshoe of South Main Street."

But, as we've seen time and time again, sorry really does seem to be the hardest word for elected officials.

Poll Dancing

Imagine my surprise today when I opened my mail, to find that I have a new polling location for upcoming elections.

And the new site is somewhat surprising to me.

You see, instead of voting at the quaint little church right down the hill ... instead, I'll be casting my ballot at a local "alternative" school.

I find this interesting on a couple of levels.

First, the church seems to me to be the perfect spot for polling. Quiet, empty on Tuesdays, ample parking, etc.

Secondly, there's been a recent trend to get schools OUT of the polling process, because of concerns over security and traffic.

Add to the fact that the new location is an "alternative" school ... and it's even stranger.

You see, these types of schools are set up for students who, for one reason or another, seem to fail in the traditional school environment.

Even its mission statement states that learning "will be accomplished by emphasizing the development of both academic and social skills."

So, here my question: Will these students benefit from the disruption of their daily routine, by a parade of strangers entering and exiting their parking lot and building.

Perhaps they will. Perhaps it will serve as a real-life lesson in democracy.

Or, it just might cause such a distraction, that learning on that particular day will become even more difficult.

I happen to know for a fact that neighbors of the school weren't really happy when it opened, probably because of the influx of "non-traditional" student in their neighborhood.

I wonder how they feel now ... knowing the congestion that voters will bring to the area.

The Inauguration

Just wrapped up watching today's inauguration of Barack Obama, and what's the point of a blog if I can't say a few things about it?

First off, the scene itself was impressive. The sea of people, the waving of US flags, the former Presidents and Vice-Presidents ... this really is pomp and circumstance at it's best.

I also learned a few things along the way. Such as, Obama became President at Noon ... without taking the oath. Not sure I really knew that could happen.

Also, didn't know that the Oath itself meant so little that the Chief Justice could just say whatever the hell he wanted, and the President could follow along, and still be President.

Hey, John Roberts, some index cards wouldn't kill ya next time. Seriously. You're asked to do one thing, and you can't manage that?

As for inspiration. Yes, it is wonderful seeing a man of color in the White House.

I'll be honest though, as a white male, I'm sure the true impact of this is kind of lost on me.

Seeing the tears in the eyes of African-Americans at the event convinces me more than words ever could that this was an event of historic import. If you'd like some words, check out what my friend Mom2Amara wrote this morning.

It's stuff like that I just can't express, after growing up a middle-class, white kid. And, it's ok for me to admit that.

I got a personal thrill, though, in seeing this, because not that long ago I stood in a crowd of people in Cleveland to see Obama speak. (Of course, Bruce Springsteen was a BIT of a draw for me as well.)

To know I stood 100 yards away from a man who just became President is kind of stunning to me, but very cool at the same time.

As for Obama's speech, I'll let others who are smarter than me dissect that.

I will say this though, I did vote for Obama. I do think this country needs a new direction and new leadership.

But, the days of stump speeches, attack ads, and political posturing is over.

Mr. President, you're on the job, starting now. And it's time to start cleaning things up.

I know we'll have to be patient, and I know times will be difficult, but it's time to fulfill your promises.

If you succeed, you'll probably go down as one of our greatest leaders ever. If you fail, well, I'm not afraid to vote for the other guy in 2012.

The Obama Rally

My feet hurt, my back aches, but it was all worth it.

You see, in my old job, I was the won who got to sit back ... while others attended the numerous political rallies of election season.

But yesterday, a friend and I decided to join the fray.

We were among the estimated 80,000 who flocked to Malls A, B & C in Cleveland for the Barack Obama rally.

But, I'm going to start with a confession. If it was Obama alone, I wouldn't have been there.

No, the appearance of Bruce Springsteen put my decision over the top.

I'm a pretty serious Springsteen fan, I've seen his every appearance in Cleveland going back to the "Tunnel of Love" tour.

The only exception, when he played at a John Kerry rally in 2004.

Some overall impressions of the day:

While the line was well-organized, I felt the crew inside the Mall was poorly orgainzed when it came to crowd control. I got forced out of a good standing position by some over-zealous organizer, and thrown to the back of the pile on a far side.

Also, I thought using a sideways setup on Mall B was a poor choice as well ... with the overflow crowds on Malls A and C. Didn't seem to me to be a good use of space.

A bit of a stumble by the Obama team ... when their "local" organizer came out early in the proceedings to remind everyone that Joe & Jill Biden would be in Copley Monday.

Only he pronounced Copley as Coopley. The crowd got a bit of a chuckle over this one.

After a prayer, an anthem, and a pledge ... we got some politicians, including Sherrod Brown. One gets the impression that Mr. Brown and Mr. Obama are pretty tight.

I wondered to myself how many rabid Springsteen fans would show up just for the Boss.

Turns out ... the majority of people I could see and hear were there to the see the Democratic nominee ... and not the rock and roll hall of famer. I think its interesting that Obama's popularity has eclipsed that of a singing legend.

Bruce took the stage and continues to prove why he's the best. We got classics like "Promised Land" and "Thunder Road." A predictable (but satisfying) appearance of "Youngstown." A cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" (complete with crowd sing-a-long). And it ended with "The Rising".

But, it's what happened in the middle that sent me tingling. Bruce's wife (and fellow musician) Patti Scialfa joined him on stage for "Working On A Dream." A song that is now speculated to be a brand new Springsteen composition, debuting at the rally last night.

If true, it's a dream come true for a Springsteen fan. A world premiere. It's the second of my fandom ... and they're always a tres cool moment.

When the Obamas took the stage ... another great moment ... as the entire Springsteen clan joined the entire Obama family on stage.

As for the nominee himself. I will say this, which we already know. He is an absolutely electric speaker, and that's no different in person.

Obama got off more than a few zingers. And, the abolute high moment was when he was taking aim at Dick Cheney's endorsement of John McCain.

At the mere mention of Cheney's name, the heavens began to open, and a cold November rain came down ... a light rain, but cold nonetheless.

Obama offered a great ad-lib ... saying something along the lines of, "See what happens at the mere mention of Dick Cheney's name."

All in all, I'm glad I went. It was an opportunity to hear a few tunes from my musical idol, and a chance to be within a stone's throw of a man who might be the next President of the United states.

Highway Politics

I laughed when I saw this blurb on Ohio.com today ... explaining details of the McCain/Palin rally in Green.

"If possible, the Summit County Sheriff's Office suggests avoiding Interstate 77 in the Green area and Massillon and Steese roads between noon and 5 p.m. (The candidates will be flying in and out of the Akron-Canton Airport.)"

Awesome.

So, IF POSSIBLE, motorists should avoid the only North/South highway connecting Akron and Canton ... for most of the day!

OK, OK, I know you could use Rt. 21 ... but really? Avoid I-77 if possible?

Trust me, for plenty of travelers that's like saying "Could you avoid breathing for a few hours?"

Another Daily Show goodie!

This is the reason I watch.

The good stuff is about 2:51 in. Oh, and be sure to pause on that "unveiling of new things" graphic ... funny stuff in there.

If you're not watching ...

Seriously, I love The Daily Show.

I actually think it does things that "real" journalists SHOULD be doing ... but don't.

Take a look at this clip from last night ... granted it has a pro-Democrat slant ... but it really shows off how great the Daily Show's research team is.

My favorite Palin

Sorry Sarah, Michael is still #1 on my list.

Pigskin & Politics

Being a now-former TV guy, it's interesting to watch things unfold from the outside.

Of course, tonight is the night that Barack Obama will officially accept an historic nomination to become the nation's first African-American candidate for President of the United States.

NBC's coverage begins at 10pm ... following a pre-season football game that begins at 7pm.

So, here's a question ... what happens if the game runs long? Does Obama delay his speech for a pre-season football game? Of course not.

But, will the network risk missing Obama's speech? I don't think so ... I think they'd cut off the end of the game if they absolutely had to.

But, here's an interesting twist. My old employer, WKYC, is showing the Browns instead of the NBC game tonight.

One difference. The Browns game kicks at 7:30 ... and should go until at least 10:30.

That leaves a greater chance that Channel 3 will pre-empt some of Obama's speech.

Now, I can't say as I blame WKYC. This all comes down to money. Why show the NBC game ... when you can show the Browns, and reap all the local ad revenue from the game.

And, I also know that Obama's speech will be available on about a dozen other channels.

But, here's a question ... how does showing the Browns game ... and potentially missing Obama's speech ... position WKYC's news department?

The station, after all, wants you to turn to it as a source for politics. It has the city's lone television political "beat" reporter, it worked hard to land and sponsor the Democratic debate at CSU, and it has a team of political analysts ... many of whom have given convention insight on the station's 11pm newscast this week.

Doesn't a failure to show Obama's speech undermine a lot if not all of that?

I'm sure Channel 3 has its fingers crossed that the game ends in enough time to cut to the speech.

But if it doesn't, make no mistake, this decision was made for one reason. Cold, hard, cash.

And you can run that one ... right into the end zone.

(UPDATE: The Game wrapped up about 10 minutes after Obama took the stage, which isn't bad. However, while we were learning about the "player of the game" ... Barack Obama accepted the nomination.)