The Glover Report
TGR: A Chat with “The Bear”: Clarence Mitchell, III Up close and personal:
I was blessed earlier this week to have a conversation with a local political icon whose lifelong body of work has had an impact on the nation. Clarence Mitchell, III, also known as “The Bear”, has been a political godfather to me and countless others for years. His honesty, compassion, and willingness to serve the people are unsurpassed. His love for Baltimore and its people is unparalleled and deserving of many, many accolades.
Clearly, I had to get his thoughts on what is happening on the political scene here in Baltimore. With the mayor, our first African American woman in the top post, under fire for some otherwise petty reasons, the whole climate – in my mind – begs the question of what is happening to black leadership.
With the passing of Delegate Howard “Pete” Rawlings and state Senator Clarence Blount, black political leadership seems terribly absent. Again, in a majority black city like Baltimore, it leaves one wondering just what has happened to black political power.
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TGR: An Interview with noted journalist Charles Robinson: Youth and the Tragedy of Black Political Life:
Maryland Public Television’s Charles Robinson has been reporting the news for decades. He is no stranger to asking the tough question. Nor is he afraid to speak truth to power. Relentless in his professionalism, he has covered everything from the crime and education in Baltimore to the last Democratic National Convention to the inauguration of the nation’s first black president.
Lately, Robinson has been covering the trial of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon.
When asked his thoughts, he replied, “I’m disgusted with the trial.”
He said, “I think a politician’s gotta do better because the youth of the city are watching. They are taking their cues from the adults and to kind of air your dirty laundry in a public forum is sad.”
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TGR: Guest Editorial: Closing the Door on a Case:
The high drama that was predicted in the Shelia Dixon theft trial never materialized. We were promised many things by both sides in this case.
They told us we would see a dastardly lover who took advantage of an unwitting public official; a conniving public official who stole from the poor and engrossed herself at the expense of those who didn’t have means; and a paper trail that would connect the dots. Well, not exactly.
TGR: The Case of Mayor Sheila Dixon: The “What If” Scenario:
I was invited this morning to WBAL TV-11 (NBC) this morning to discuss the case of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. To say the least, it was a terribly uncomfortable conversation. To talk about a person’s future is not my favorite thing to do. However, as a political analyst, it comes with the job.
Hence, as WBAL’s Lisa Robinson proceeded with her line of questioning, the focus was on what will likely happen if the mayor emerges victoriously from the current trial and the perjury trial scheduled for the early part of next year.
“Can she be re-elected?”, asked Robinson.
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TGR: The Dichotomy of a Mayor: Guilty or Not?:
Many of us knew when then-City Council President Sheila Dixon was campaigning to be elected as mayor of Baltimore that she had a cloud of suspicion hanging over her head. It was common knowledge that “they” were after her. At the very least, we knew prosecutors believed that they had something on her … AND it wasn’t going to be pretty. Eventually, she would be forced to confront her issues. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: Loyola Fights Hunger in Baltimore; Fundraiser planned:
As Loyola University Maryland seniors, we have recognized the seriousness of Baltimore’s homeless situation and, as a result, we are assisting Back on My Feet's (BOMF) newly-established Baltimore chapter. As representatives for BOMF, we would like to invite you to a Dance the Night Away Bash, a charitable event in which attendees are encouraged to pair cocktail attire with their favorite pair of sneakers, on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 – 10:30 pm at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore, Md., 21201. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: A Very Bad Urban Novella:
Welcome to the latest drama of an urban Black elected official on trial for issues related to their office. The landscape is littered with these types of trials dating back to Mayor Marion Barry (Washington), Mayor Bill Campbell (Atlanta), and yes, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (Detroit). The details are usually salacious and the current case involving Baltimore Mayor Shelia Dixon will add to this list of strange and unusual urban tales. Read in Full >>
TGR: Black Baltimore: In Search of a Healing:
Join us Tuesday, November 17th as we continue on this journey … in search of a healing:
“Empower Hour” News Talk Show
on
WOLB 1010 AM in Baltimore
10 to 11 am
(Every Tuesday through the Holidays)
Call-ins welcome at 410.481.1010 Read in Full >>
TGR: Missed Trash Day Yields Code Enforcement:
Well, let's just lay out the facts folks: Many Baltimoreans must have forgotten that yesterday was a holiday. Why? Because so many put their trash out for the regularly scheduled pick-up.
In communities throughout Baltimore, Baltimore City's Code Enforcement found reason to stick tags on these heaps of trash that are truly an eye-sore.
TGR: Op/Ed: Fight violence through mentoring:
There's a crisis in our community.
When I first saw the video of 16-year-old Derrion Albert being beaten to death in Chicago, it was as if an alarm went off. Maybe it was just the fact that in the 21st century, something has to be captured on video to seem real, but it immediately hit me that this could be the one: the incident that would wake us up and cause everybody to say that it's time to do something.
TGR: Congrats to Baltimore's Newest Bishop: St. Martin's Kevin Daniels:
St. Martin's Church of Christ, Inc.'s Episcopal Senior Pastor Kevin Daniels was all smiles yesterday as a host of supporters shared kind words about his love for his church, his passion for the community, and his commitment to the youth. Delivering the keynote was none other than Kweisi Mfume, former Congressman and former NAACP President and CEO.
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TGR: MD Poli10: African Americans: Who Will Lead Maryland’s Most Loyal Democratic Demographic?:
From the heights of Harford County to the waters of Maryland’s Eastern Shore – from the mountains in Western Maryland to the farmlands of Prince George’s County – a resounding question permeates my brain on the eve of the 2010 election year: Who will lead Maryland’s most loyal Democratic demographic.
In a 30% black state where people of the darker hue typically vote for the likes of a President Bill Clinton, a Governor Martin O’Malley and a President Barack Obama – I can’t help but wonder what ploys Maryland’s Republicans will come up with next year as the state elects or re-elects individuals to serve in the State House and Congress.
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TGR: Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize Attracts Haters:
One Obama critic is former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, who is now the chair of the Republican National Committee. Steele, who is black, could be considered Obama’s arch nemesis. At minimum, he could even be dubbed as the “Republican response” to Obama, America’s first black president.
Before I proceed, let me preface my next comments with the following: On a statewide level in Maryland, I was a huge supporter of Michael Steele.
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TGR: What if Baltimore's Mayor is Convicted?:
What happens if Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon is convicted? Who will, God forbid an indictment should happen, appoint her replacement?
Personally, I think it is a valid question. And while issues of race and party affiliation have been raised this week, this question deserves an appropriately intelligent response.
Background: A rumor had been put out there on Frank Conaway’s WOLB News Talk Radio Show that suggested that two people not of the majority community were being considered by Gov. Martin O’Malley to replace Mayor Sheila Dixon if she were convicted. Former Baltimore City Solicitor Neal Janey was asked about the procedure for succeeding a convicted mayor in office in Baltimore City.
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