UPDATE 6/25/2008: Guilty.
I’ve got just a few things to comment on regarding the local breaking political scandal involving Milwaukee Alderman Mike McGee Jr.
First, I haven’t seen conservative Wisconsin bloggers this happy since Georgia Thompson was indicted. Whether he’s guilty or innocent, the sheer glee being exhibited by some on the right regarding his arrest is troubling and shows the pure level of disdain – mildly put – they have for someone who doesn’t represent them, much less the city they live in. Events like this often leave an impact on a wider circle of people than some care to think about.
Second, the fact that he doesn’t (as of 24 hours post-arrest) yet have a lawyer out speaking on his behalf in front of every news camera in Milwaukee is incredibly telling. From a pure defense position, the fact that an entire news cycle has gone by without anyone speaking in his defense is going to hurt if and when he goes to trial. I’m curious why none of his previous representation has had anything to say, and the only thing I can come up with is they’re choosing not to represent him on this one. Speculation on my part, but still interesting.
Finally, the allegations against him are a complete betrayal of the trust the public puts in it’s elected representatives and that’s a bad thing for all of us. This country, this state, and this city need to once again believe that their public servants are working on our behalf, and things like this do everything to shatter that trust. We need more public servants who make headlines not for the crimes they (allegedly) commit, but for the deeds they do to make the lives of their constituents better.
I live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI with my wife Jen, our daughter Emerson, and sons Carter and Colton.
“…This country, this state, and this city need to once again believe that their public servants are working on our behalf, and things like this do everything to shatter that trust. We need more public servants who make headlines not for the crimes they (allegedly) commit, but for the deeds they do to make the lives of their constituents better.”
This paragraph seems like it’s missing something…
Oh, yeah:
“Thank you, God bless you, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.”
How about “God Bless the WORLD” why only the United States of America?
Apparently Terry G didn’t get your humor, Les!
At least I thought is was funny. :)
McGee has to go and should have been gone a long time ago. He’s a joke. The public position he occupies is high profile in the African-American community which he cannot handle.
His behavior needs to be rejected by the African-American and greater community of Milwaukee.
Outside of a few people standing outside a courthouse the first few days of this story, I think his behavior has been overwhelmingly rejected by citizens of Milwaukee, regardless of race or ethnicity.
(deleted due to pointless swearing)