Kwame Kilpatrick Fights On

The Detroit Free Press today reports on the mayor's appearance at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today:

In his first public acknowledgement of Beatty since news emerged that they had an extramarital affair, Kilpatrick said Beatty had been an asset to the city and is "going to be missed terribly."

Yeah, I'll believe that. But anyway, he's a charming, lovable Democrat...it must all be about sex! SEX!

The text messages, from 2002 and 2003, also showed that Kilpatrick and Beatty, former classmates at Cass Technical High School, had misled jurors by testifying they had not fired Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown.

A jury found in favor of the police officers, and the city eventually settled in a deal that has cost it more than $9 million.

Oh, and a teensy bit of horseplay. Brown, of course, was investigating the mayor's office for corruption. No biggie. What does the intrepid hero of our story have to say?

"A week ago Sunday, I was on the front page for developing more in the city than anybody ever, and a week later you go from sugar to bull excrement," Kilpatrick said. "So it's hard."

Mr. Mayor, that's what she said. Anyway, I seem to remember this Ford guy who did quite a bit of developing. What's that? Oh, yes, private industry doesn't count. Those meanies are only interested in making a profit; it's selfless, heroic government that we need to help us! And who better than Kwame Kilpatrick? Patriotism, not profit! And who is Beatty's replacement?

One reporter asked why Kilpatrick chose Kandia Milton as Beatty's replacement when other qualified candidates didn't have his baggage: bankruptcy and $9,418 owed in back property taxes that he paid only after his appointment.

"I think that Kandia Milton is outstanding. I believe he's one of the best people that's ever sat at that council table," Kilpatrick said of his City Council liaison.

Well, if you can't trust Kwame's judgment, whose can you trust? Moot question, though, so not worth discussing.

The day ultimately wasn't about the scandal, Kilpatrick told reporters. "We had an entire day making sure that you understood that we're at work, investing in our city," he said.

A whole day! All better! Look, we're investing in our city! (Too bad no one else is.) Look, investors will tolerate high taxes; they'll even tolerate over-regulation. But they won't tolerate unchecked crime. And it certainly doesn't help the situation when the city's most brazen criminal is also running the mayor's office.