Make Me Understand

There is no cartoon for this post. The subject matter is serious and about the fundamental job of local government. The Rape Crisis Center has been a government agency in the process of collapse for several months and it has now come to a head. I applaud the work the Commercial Appeal has done covering this story. Here as well. On the other hand I am shocked at the lack of outrage by local politicians, aside from Bill Gibbons. Maybe they need reminding that women make up 60% of the voting electorate in Shelby County. It's even higher percentage of democratic voters. It should also be pointed out that Memphis is the most dangerous city in America for women (combined health & crime statistics). Yet the relative silence is deafening.

Our city is notorious for not giving a damn about our own citizens, but it isn't just municipal indifference. The Rape Crisis Center is a regional organization that receives local, state, and federal funding. So Jim Strickland made an attempt at a meeting to find out what was going on only to have it canceled on him. At least he kind of tried. What happened to the other 12 members of the council? None of you know any women or children? Where are the women politicians. State Senator Marrero, County Commissioners Brooks and Malone. If the city can't run it, perhaps the state or the county should look to take it over. Where's our most famous black female, Representative Cohen. This is a partially federally funded program that can no longer protect victims or even properly collect evidence for the pursuit of justice against rapists and child molesters. It boogles my mind that there aren't crowds led by political leaders protesting in front of city hall or the center. Hell, I'd support Brian Kelsey if he started raising a fuss about this. Has apathy and low expectations so undermined our sense of decency that we don't care about the victims of rape and molestation anymore?

We do deserve our politicians because they are a reflection of the voters.