Callin on Commissioner Heimlich to cancel his October 4th event with Bill Bennett.
Who is Dr. Bill Bennett? He once said, to a radio audience estimated at about 1.25 million listeners, "[Y]ou could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down." (For more on the statements, click
here.)
Why does this matter? And what does it have to do with County Commissioner and Jim Petro running-mate Phil Heimlich?
Phil Heimlich will be hosting an event with Dr. Bill Bennet in just a few days at UC! According to Heimlich's web schedule:
[10.04.05] - 06:00 PM
Complimentary PIT Crew Reception with Dr. Bill Bennett [closed to the public]
Commissioner Phil Heimlich invites all PIT Crew members and their guests to a private PIT Crew reception for radio host and bestselling author Dr. Bill Bennett.
The event will be from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm in room 400B of the Tangeman University Center at the University of Cincinnati. RSVP to pitcrew@philheimlich.com or (513) 871-6758. No donations will be requested or accepted.
How can we stand for letting our County Commissioner support individuals who make these kinds of racist statements?
Perhaps Heimlich's association with the likes of Bill Bennett shed new light on old articles concerning Heimlich's time on City Council:
Law-and-order councilman draws ire of peers, blacks
An article by Robert Anglen and Patrick Crowley. Excerpt: When Cincinnati City Council members filed past Timothy Thomas' casket Saturday, Councilman Phil Heimlich was missing. The reason, he said, was to limit any conflicts his presence might ignite. But his absence revealed how isolated Mr. Heimlich has become from the majority of council -- and from residents who say he has nothing in common with the black community.
*Heimlich's legacy: 'Across-the-board cheapskate'
An article by Robert Anglen. Excerpt: Representatives of the Urban League, the African American Chamber of Commerce, Genesis Redevelopment and the Riverfront Classic and Jamboree claimed that Mr. Heimlich had used his office as a tool of intimidation by persistently seeking information about groups that serve the black community.
To be fair, I want to extend an opportunity to Mr. Heimlich to do the right thing. I just sent him this email:
Dear Commissioner Heimlich:
Next week, you are scheduled to appear at an event with Dr. Bill Bennett. This same individual once told his vast radio audience that "you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down."
I formally request that you publicly denounce these racist statements. Furthermore, I request that you explain your association with Dr. Bill Bennett at the upcoming UC event? Why are you fraternizing with known racists?
Why not cancel the upcoming meeting in the name of racial reconciliation?
Your immediate attention in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Subsequently, a copy of this letter has been forwarded to Jim Petro -- who should also do the right thing, denouncing both Dr. Bill Bennett's statements and your association with him (should you not sever those relations right now).
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I will be happy to publish your denouncements online.
Respectfully,
The Dean of Cincinnati
ps: A copy of this letter has been posted to my web magazine.
As the recent controversies in the Mayoral race have shown, we cannot sit idly by while our politicians associate themselves with individuals who make hateful statements. Phil Heimlich should denounce these statements by Dr. Bill Bennett immediately.