Call Me Tired of the Birmingham Mayor Drama

Larry Langford, Democratic mayor of Birmingham, AL, has made the corrupt politician stereotype a reality. He’s still the mayor but he’s been indicted on 101 charges of bribery, fraud, money laundering, filing false tax claims, conspiracy, etc. City Council meetings are a joke because if he does not get his way, he childishly berates everyone for not getting with his program. He is the butt of many morning show jokes. While I could admire a strong politician, Langford’s character leaves much to be desired. He may have some good ideas at times but bullying and insulting people do not get you far.

The latest act in the drama of the Langford years is his inclusion on the federal government’s list of local officials who are not allowed to sign for any federal monies or assistance. The reason is that Langford was indicted on criminal charges. Langford’s response? Typical. “I will not roll over for this administration.” (Strong words for Obama, a man he once so ardently supported.) The Birmingham city attorney assured the council that a surrogate could be appointed to sign since their fearless leader could not.

Frankly, I’m surprised that as soon as the charges were leveled, Langford did not quietly step aside. Instead, he chooses to allow his personal issues interfere in the running of Birmingham affairs. I think it says a lot about the character of a man who will not let someone else more qualified take over the wheel. Childish and selfish are two descriptors that come to mind…

While many praise Langford for being a visionary, others tend to look at his ideas with skepticism. Among his great plans are: turning Birmingham into a port city for cruise ships to dock (we’re 250 miles inland), paying the $500,000 fee to apply to the Olympic commission to host the 2020 Olympics (Jefferson County which houses Birmingham is bankrupt), distributing DVDs to youth explaining how black-on-black violence is cultural genocide (even the most liberal TV stations won’t air it because of the overtly racist tones), and a building modeled after the Pentagon to house city government (again…no money, no reason). His ideas are huge, but his plan to get there doesn’t exist nor does it take into account the actual state of affairs in the city.

*Sigh* It would be lovely to find that rare politician who was strong, confident, flexible, realistic, visionary, and uncorrupted.

For now,

Call me annoyed and tired of the Birmingham mayor