Mayor Mitch Landrieu and New Orleans Confederate Monuments

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu understands there are those in all walks of life who would use any excuse to divide, create violence and promote their extreme views.  What happened in Charlottesville is a good reminder and Landrieu seemed to understand that long ago.  So he proceeded on a path to remove several confederate monuments in his desire to defuse a possible future situation that could divide the people, get out of control, injure some one and even bring death.  

But Landrieu is not just another elected official, he is a truly public servant and as such announced his plans to the public, held public hearings before the City Council and public meetings in various parts of the city to obtain comments and input.  His transparency kept every one informed.  The process lasted almost two years before the monuments came down.  The Mayor never backed down from his commitment and the people knew where he stood on the issue.

Many opposed Landrieu's position and thought the Mayor had other political reasons behind his decision and that the security of the city and its people were not the issue.  But what took place in Charlottesville changes the matter as the violence there took place in protest of the City removing the confederate stature of General Robert E. Lee.  And now we see more Mayors and Governors coming forward saying they will start the process of removing confederate monuments in their Cities and States.

New Orleans, "the city that care forgot" has a Mayor who cared enough to make a tough decision that would bring him much criticism and many nasty comments just because he thought it was the right thing to do.  The Mayor stood tall and the Mayors and Governors of other cities and states now understand the wisdom behind Mayor Landrieu's actions.  

This commentary written by Joe Lorio

Charlottesville: The President Continues His Treachery

President Trump continues to betray the Presidency and what American Presidents stand for with his lack of moral behavior.  The President's initial statement concerning the Charlottesville riots and his follow up statements did not sit well with the people and the world and reflected the President's inability to separate himself and his office from the hate groups that Trump counted on as part of his base during the Presidential campaign of 2016.  Nor did it stop Trump from pandering to them since he took office.

Past Presidents stood up to hate groups and their bigotry and racism attitude and division and knew America was better than that.  Trumps lack of morality stems from his business dealings.  He has always had enough money to intimidate others that got in his way and has carried that corrupt attitude to the White House and the Presidency.

Trumps lack of statesmanship concerning what happened in Charlottesville is no surprise to this writer.  He played to the hate groups during the 2016 campaign and even asked his supporters to show the door to protesters at his rallies.  The shame is that conservative opinion writers kept making up excuses for Trump and his lies, his fake news and his alternate facts and were silent the whole time Trump was catering to his hate group supporters.

Hate groups that carry the Nazis flag or symbol, the confederate flag or who wear hoods are only interested in dividing the country and its people and found a divider in President Trump.  Thousands of Americans died during WWII fighting Nazis Germany and Germany has banned the Nazis flag and symbol in public because of the horrors connected to Nazi Germany.

Hillary Clinton's response to what happened was timely, thoughtful and reflected American values and morality.  Most Americans and foreign comments took aim at Trump's response and his lack of understanding what makes America the leader of the free world.  A number of business CEO's appointed by Trump to his business council resigned because of Trump's inadequate response.  Republicans in congress and the conservative news media will continue their week responses to Trump's treachery and then it will be business as usual for them and their ditto head mentality.

PolitiDose long ago reported that Trump was a traitor to America and the people, that he lacked morals and respect for the Presidency, was unfit for office  and that he betrayed the ideals and respect that has made American the greatest country in the world for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Impeachment is the only answer for this President.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio