Posted on 02/20/2023 3:56:00 PM PST by simpson96
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is facing fierce criticism for comments she made while campaigning Saturday, suggesting that Black residents should vote for her or not vote at all.
Seeking to build support on the city's South and West Sides, Lightfoot spoke at a rally inside Greenwood Oasis church in the city's Grand Crossing neighborhood, addressing Black voters.
"Any vote coming out of the South Side for somebody not named Lightfoot is a vote for Chuy Garcia or Paul Vallas," the mayor told the crowd, in part, mentioning her only Latino and white opponents in the race. "If you want them controlling your faith and your destiny, then stay home. Then don't vote..."
Challengers were quick to react, with some calling the comments an "affront to the democratic process," "dangerous.”
"This is disqualifying rhetoric for anyone hoping to lead a Chicago that is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic city," said mayoral candidate and U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. "We need unity not division."
Another opponent, Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, said Lightfoot "telling residents not to vote unless they vote for her shows that she cares more about maintaining power for herself than empowering communities or getting things done for the people of our city."
"But Chicagoans deserve real leadership and solutions for a better, safer and stronger city, and that is why they are ready to turn the page as we head toward Election Day," he added.
Community activist Ja'Mal Green said comments like Lightfoot's are "an affront to democratic process, where each person’s voice is heard at the ballot box."
“Lori’s desperation is showing, as reality sets in and her campaign crumbles," Green said, adding, “The people of Chicago are too smart to be played by her rhetoric of fear.”
Through his campaign, philanthropist Willie Wilson issued a statement calling the mayor's comments "delusional, divisive, dangerous, and disappointing."
The machine will keep her in office.
Obscure reference (be prepared to be impressed by me).
In the early Adventures of Superman series, Season 4, Episode 3, March 3, 1956, entitled The Big Freeze, gangsters decide to take over the city election and make their guy the new mayor.
Key move is to have big thugs stationed at each good guy majority precinct’s voting place with their arms folded and menacing anyone who tries to vote for the honest candidate.
People give up and leave.
Line: “That’s intimidation. Somebody should have the cops arrest them and charge them.” “They do. Within a few minutes they get the judge to quickly let them out on bail and they’re back right where they started.”
Key line.
“Clark, you know Superman. Get him to do something about all this.”
Kent: “Sometimes it’s better if people live their lives in such a way as to not have to depend on Superman for everything.”
Impressive.
She closed the churches during COVID, no?
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