WHAT Did That Politician Say???????

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It seems to me that one of the worst things about politicians is that they, like the local TV weatherman, can never ever admit they're wrong. Oh, they'll gladly tell you that their opponent has never been right, or the other party is nothing but a failure, but as for themselves, personally, a perfect track record. Yeah, right. I wouldn't have half the problems with politicians if they would say, "You know, I supported that bill but in hindsight, I think it hasn't been what we hoped." (Of course, they will do that when their public opinion polls show it's advantageous to their election/re-election hopes to do so: "Yes, I used to be pro (hot button issue), but now I'm (the opposite)!") I was genuinely shocked, therefore, earlier this week when our esteemed mayor (ha ha) admitted that HIS PARTY screwed up!! As with a number of other cities -- even mid-sized cities like Louisville -- we have a spiking murder rate. And, like a lot of other cities, the highest number of murders are confined to a particular part of town. Yes, it's usually an area with a high population of unemployed African-Americans. Earlier this week, our mayor announced a plan to revitalize an area plagued by crime. The way to do this, he proposed, is to restore the area to what it was: a "hotbed" for black-owned businesses and black culture. This area, he said, was destroyed in the late 60s and early 70s with the government plan known as "urban renewal," which tore down the black-owned businesses and replaced them with housing. (Hey, housing's good and necessary, but it doesn't provide employment!) He said urban renewal had failed. And he's a Democrat. Wowza. Wish more politicians were that honest to admit that their policies failed. Maybe if they were honest with us -- and, more importantly, themselves, more could get accomplished in this country. One of my all-time favorite political songs: