Kwame Kilpatrick...Innocent Until Proven Guilty

I waited for the Wayne County Michigan Prosecutor, Kym Worthy, to make her decision on charges before finally sitting down to write about my thoughts on the current mayor of my favorite city. Today, Ms. Worthy announced her decision and I must admit, I was surprised by it. Listening to all the news stations and their so-called legal experts, I suspected that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick would not be charged with any crime. Afterall, everything being said on the local and national news about the situation here in Detroit seemed to suggest that the charges that may be charged would be difficult if not impossible to prove.

As Kym Worthy held her press conference, reminding the audience of what we all learned while we were children. Telling us that telling the truth is always the right thing to do, telling us that telling the truth and taking responsibility for your actions is always the right thing to do. She also went on to say that, when a person in under oath of any kind, in court or out of court it is not only expected that a person speaks the truth, it is the law that the truth is spoken.

I have to admit that I have always been a supporter of Mayor Kilpatrick, I find it difficult not to like him, but it is increasing difficult to stand behind him. While I do not live in the city of Detroit, I believe I love the city the same or more than the people who live within the city boundaries. I do not believe I have any right to judge the Mayor, although I do have an opinion on the position he has put himself and the city into. The affair with his Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty, which the Mayor publicly admitted to, is not an issue with me, that is his wife and children's issue. The issue I have with the Mayor is the black eye he has put on the city. The whole idea of him staying in office throughout this mess is very disturbing to me.....How in the world does this city continue to move forward with its Mayor busied and buried in a legal mess like this? How much time will he really be able to give the city? How can he lead Detroit while his focus is on his and his family's own well being?

I guess all any of us can do is sit back and wait for the legal system to run its course. I would like to see a 100% Detroit resident jury seated, if it comes to that, that is who I believe deserves to judge the facts and evidence put before them without prejudice. While I wait, I will continue, as I always have, to volunteer at my chosen Detroit non-profit, eat at my favorite Detroit restaurants, enjoy Campus Martius on a warm and sunny summer afternoon day and watch my beloved Detroit Tigers win (or lose). As I wait, I will also pray. I will pray that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Christine Beatty and others receive fair and impartial trials. I will pray that the people who sit on the Detroit City Council will pull together and make strong and unified decisions to help keep their city on track. But, most of all, I will pray that the residents of the City of Detroit show their strength and character and use this experience to make my favorite city stronger.