Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick: 'They call me a thug and a criminal'
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick speaks with reporters after delivering a speech at Eastern Michigan University.
Chris Asadian I AnnArbor.com
Kilpatrick, the former Detroit mayor whose second term ended amids criminal charges and who is now facing federal corruption charges, was greeted by a standing ovation from hundreds during a speech he gave at EMU’s student center on Tuesday.
Seven hundred people attended the controversial event. Some left early in protest, others gave Kilpatrick praise.
“I chose not to include (the scandal) because people already know the bad things, but no one ever knows the work that he put into being the successful mayor that he was,” said Bernoris Carter, the member of Black Leaders Aspiring to Critical Knowledge, a student group that facilitated the event, who introduced Kilpatrick.
“He’s human and the media can be very heckling… toward a person who has messed up.”
Carter and other BLACK members invited Kilpatrick to campus to speak about second chances.
“They say your past is a first impression. The one thing I cannot and will not agree with is the philosophy that an action dictates who you are as an individual,” EMU student Ivory Harris said before Kilpatrick spoke. “I believe mistakes should not be viewed as something that we can not recover from. “
In a booming voice, Kilpatrick, wearing a shimmering tan suit, light pink shirt and pink tie, spoke of redemption and the negative attention surrounding him.
“Redemption. Redeemed. Reconciled,” Kilpatrick said, adding that he's been given "a ninth, tenth, maybe even twelfth" chance.
“It's important to note that while you’re being redeemed you’re also being a pioneer.”
During his 75-minute talk, Kilpatrick acknowledged his affair with longtime aide Christine Beatty, but downplayed the charges he served 15 months in prison for, calling a Wayne County judge’s order for Kilpatrick to pay $300,000 in 90 days “whimsical.” He also dodged discussion of criminal acts he was and is currently charged with.
“You got to free yourself from people, you do,” Kilpatrick said. “There’s all kind of reasons to hate somebody. The difference between you and I is they broadcast (my indescretions) on TV to all the people who hate me.”
He also told the crowd that he was a victim of overzealous and biased media coverage.
“I know I’m a hip hop mayor and they call me a thug and a criminal,” he said. “Most of what you know about me is not me at all.”
He added that he was blamed for things he had no part in.
“They’re raising your tuition, but they got you mad at Kwame Kilpatrick, obviously that’s my fault too,” he said. “I know, I know, blame Kwame Kilpatrick.”
Kilpatrick said he had forgiven himself for ”lying about my affair.”
“I’ll definitely ask for your forgiveness, but forgiveness is for you,” he said. “When I ask that in sheer humility, for your forgiveness, if you don’t give it to me just know that I’ve already given it to myself.”
He also spoke of the difficulty of being mayor, saying he "never enjoyed the job."
"It’s a job that you constantly have to be engaged in, day in and day out. It’s the toughest job in America," he said. "You ain't never black enough for black folks, you ain't never white enough for white folks."
During a press conference after his speech, Kilpatrick answered just two questions. He turned away from reporters and left after being asked about current charges of accepting a $10,000 bribe.
Kilpatrick's visit to EMU was not a university sponsored event, although university police did provide security during the talk. According to EMU spokesman Geoff Larcom, the group did not pay Kilpatrick a speaking fee but did cover his $400 airfare.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
poindexter1
Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
So glad I did not transfer my credits/degree from Washtenaw Community College to EMU. Not to sure I would have maintained an Honor"s GPA while attending courses with other students and/or organizations that support and idolize members of society that clearly have no remorse towards their criminal actions and continue to seek excuses not to repay all those he directly or indirectly harmed. Eastern Michigan University should be under scrutiny for allowing such actions- lets all hope the unibomber never gets out.
poindexter1
Sun, Dec 4, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
I'd like to thank AnnArbor.com for releasing all views regarding Ex-mayor Kilpatrick regardless on what stance the viewer opinion may be. Particular Mr. Greg's opinion found in today's paper Web View- Sunday, Dec.4,2001. Perhaps a bit stern, Mr. Greg's opinion is spot on in regards to today's youth and our degrading society. Another example of how Detriots "baggage" is migrating west- Ypsilanti is another stepping stone and I pray it will hit a block wall as it nears AnnArbor- Past that I will have to move .
Albert Howard
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
It ain't over till it's over. Guarantee you that Kwame Kilpatrick is far from out of the mix. God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 7 p.m.
Right.........
Hot Sam
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
If it walks like a duck...
julieswhimsies
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
"They call me a thug and a criminal." Well, Kwame....Your crimes speak for themselves.
buildergirl
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
If you read his book, this is pretty much his line the entire time. It's not my fault, it wasn't me it was one of my subordinates. There are a few things I think he did get a bad rap for but a spade is a spade. He did lie about many things and he did some shady things with money. There is a story in the beginning of the of his book about taking some students to boy scout camp. I think it really sums him up. He was trying to do something good but it is all tainted by rule bending and perhaps his sense of entitlement.
Terry Star21
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
I'm not sure, but did he play football up at michigan state ?
genetracy
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
Dear imaginary former UM football player. MSU is plying this weekend for the Big 10 championship. Where is UM playing? Never mind.
hmsp
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.
@salineone: You wrote, "What are the guidelines for comments? Is saying something negative about Obama, the anointed one, reason for removal?" I'm not sure if you are the guy who earlier equated Obama with Kilpatrick, but if you really are dense enough not to know the answer to your question, let me clue you in: Obama has absolutely nothing in common with Kilpatrick except for the color of his skin, so to immediately think of Obama when reading an article about Kilpatrick is proof of the existence of some seriously racist wiring in the writers brain. That is probably why that throw-away post was deleted. And if that writer was you, I am sorry for you.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
hmsp...One such comment came from "InsideTheHall" and it is still posted above. Do a word search and it is there. Pretty disgusting. Whatever happened to showing at least some deference, if not respect, for the Presidency and the person who occupies that office? I think this is pathetic. Still, the First Amendment guarantees narrow and nasty speech, too.
robin
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
I was embarassing to drive around today with my EMU sticker on my car
craig
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.
SIlly Sally, give the poor girl a break. Are you really going to nick-pick over her on that simple mistake that people do all the time and try to cast EMU alumni in a bad light. That's not fair and its not right.
Silly Sally
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 5:04 a.m.
"I was embarrassing to drive..." Please, come on. Learn grammar. It should be either "It was embarrassing to drive..." or " I was embarrassed to drive..." This lack of correct proper grammar casts a poor light on all EMU alumni.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
robin...If you are still in school, you have a great opportunity to help this be a positive event. Join in on discussions of this Kilpatrick thug and try to help people see that there is redemption, but only after taking responsibility for your actions and admitting you were wrong. This is no slam on EMU or its students. What happens from here on means a lot.
craig
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
Don't be Robin. EMU is a wonderful school, don't let this one event and people's over-reaction mess you up like that. Kwame Kilpatrick does not represent our school in any way.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
I admire these students for doing what they thought they should. They invited a major criminal to come and address them. They welcomed him as the invited guest that he was. They listened to him. The question is, "What comes next?" My hope (and expectation, too) is that many of them will sit down and discuss this man and what he said and what he has done. My hope is that they will look more deeply into the facts of the situation involving Kwame Kilpatrick. They will think about what redemption really means and what it involves. My hope is that these students will ask themselves, "What does regret for one's actions and remorse for the people he has hurt have to do with real redemption?" My hope is that these students will figure out why the writers here are so furious and unforgiving toward Kwane Kilpatrick. My hope is that these students will carefully consider how backing such a person denigrates one's own race and culture and gives the mindless bigots a giant target for their racial and cultural scorn. How long will it be before Kwame Kilpatrick is held up even by fairly reasonable people as an emblem of the African-American citizens of the U.S.? My hope is that these students will apply their effort and intelligence to this situation and come to THINKING conclusions that increase their understanding of decency of behavior and the responsibility one has for one's actions. If this happens, then the Kwame Kilpatrick invitation was a good idea. If it doesn't, it will have been a bad idea and should be regretted, an action that Kwame Kilpatrick cannot seem to understand.
a2roots
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
Sorry to say I think you have way too much "hope." I do like your comments but I tend to be a bit more realistic. I "hope" you are right, but.......
salineone
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
What are the guidelines for comments? Is saying something negative about Obama, the anointed one, reason for removal?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
Apparently not. Too bad, though. :-)
Elaine F. Owsley
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
What's the saying? "We call them like we see them."
f4phantomII
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
Also, "If the shoe fits, wear it."
Berda Green
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4 p.m.
really lol
tommy_t
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
"They call me a thug and a criminal" Stop the Press! - That should read "convicted criminal".
rinmem10
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
Golly, Mr. Kilpatrick, the nerve of people to judge you by your behavior. He may be right, "thug" is a pretty subjective term. "Criminal" is not.
krc
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3 p.m.
FYI, all y'all, this thing is also on the 2nd page of the CRIME column! ROFLOLOLOLOL!
a2roots
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
Amazing that there are college students that can embrace his crap. Makes me wonder about the organization that brought him in and it's membership. Poor Kwame, his greed and hypocrisy doomed him. Had he been anything but a thug, liar and thief he could have ruled the empire of Detroit for ever. Apparently college students cannot look beyond charisma.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
Sorry, A2...My comment was aimed specifically at the comment by Stephen Landes. I apologize for not being specific. Or, putting it in the spirit of the article, I did stuff and am proud of my life and I am being redeemed as we speak, so what's your problem? :-)
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
A2roots...I read it and reread it. I don't see another interpretation. Please explain it to me.
a2roots
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
@bbs...my comment is not intended to be a slam on public education. Please do not interpret it that way.
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
I think they are teaching to the MEAP in public schools, just a hunch though, since that is what people from private schools have decided should be the benchmark for what is the makeup of an individual.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
I wondered when that comment would pop up. Why is it that some people feel like they can blame every problem of society on the public schools? What a bunch of crap. I blame it all on the Christian Church. Well, also on the United Nations and more specifically, the World Health Organization. You guys are amazing. Every single issue: What the he!! are they teaching in these danged public schools these days? Maybe they're teaching that people shouldn't take cheap scattergun shots at an institution without having anything to say. Maybe they teach that this is a great country where people can form groups and invite whomever they choose to come and talk. Maybe they teach the difference between stupidthink and debate.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Also makes one wonder what they are teaching in our public schools and universities.
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
He's not a thug, he's just a bug.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.
I said "squish." What I meant to say was good call. lol
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
The restitution he is paying will not come close to repaying Detroit (and the rest of us forced to support it) for the direct monetary damage he has done. And then there are the people who lost their careers and jobs, the further damage to the city's brand and image (I know, I know). It's at least hundreds of millions in illegally awarded contracts, if not billions. And this is just what we know about. How about Tamara Greene? He stole from millions of people. You gonna pay that back, thug? Tell us again how you're just fighting for your people, and the poor folk. In China, he would likely be executed.
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
@jns131: "He would. And more." -- Hmm. You have a point with the "and more". They might make him part of the traveling "Bodies" exhibit. He would be a "large" addition to the normal display - a supersize. And with such an addition, his image might once again adorn buses around the city of Detroit.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
It's possible to fly to China now. GO for it, Kwame!
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
He would. And more.
81wolverine
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
"The one thing I cannot and will not agree with is the philosophy that an action dictates who you are as an individual," Uhhh, yes it does - especially when the actions are consistent as they are with Kilpatrick. Anyone can say anything they want about who the are and what they stand for. It's ACTIONS that reveal where a person actually stands. And Kilpatrick has consistently showed himself (based on actions) to be a liar, corrupt politician, and all-around entrenched criminal. It baffles me why a group trying to promote black leadership would have a terrible role model like Kilpatrick come to speak.
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
He tries to make it sound like a few mistakes. It was a continuous pattern and practice over six years. A pattern of unbelievable greed. And all the while he claimed he was just trying to help "his people" of Detroit. While in reality, he was selling them out every chance he could.
Joy Bash
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
He got where he was on his mom's coat tail. He still think's he was wrongly prosecuted and has no remorse for what he did. He is busy trying to find a way not to pay the $1,000,000.00 he owes. he has fought not to pay from the beginning. I would think EMU should have a say in who speaks on campus. He is nothing more than a thug and criminal. The feds will get him and then hopefully we never have to see his name in print again. Mom raised him to feel entitled to take whatever he wants and is justified in doing so. Can't wait for the feds to lock him up. He is still stealing from Detroit by not paying his fines, after all he has to live in a house he can't really afford. He should be made to live in Detroit in the poorest neighborhood so he can live like the citizens he stole from.
craig
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
I would disagree with EMU not allowing him to speak on campus. He's done a lot of wrong but he's not the anti-christ and not allowing him would send the wrong message.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
"Kilpatrick said he had forgiven himself for "lying about my affair." spoken like a true narcissist. Maybe if he forgives himself for that 38 count indictment the Feds have against him they'll drop the charges.
xmo
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
Kwame and Detroit are what you get with you vote Democrat long enough!
JustMyOpinion
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
I find it truly disheartening that the student group BLACK finds Mr. Kirkpatrick to be someone worth spending their time or money on. It's a very sad commentary on the values and aspirations of this particular group. Like it or not, in this world and our culture, you are always judged by your actions, and rightly so. Their actions in this event speak of moral vacancy. All Mr. Kirkpatrick seems to offer are small excuses for reprehensible conduct and no responsibility and certainly nothing to emulate. Bravo to those who walked out. Kudo's to the protester who stood outside.
kulse012
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
I am looking forward to watching the Federal prosecutors throttle Kwame and end this nonsense once and for all...He didn't ruin Detroit on his own but he certainly killed any positive momentum Dennis Archer fought very hard for...
golfer
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
this is the first true statement you have made in several years. now you know what we have thought of you for years. back to jail
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
When does he go? And can we throw away the key? I really don't want to see him in the press again until he walks into a federal prison never to be seen again. Although the city will never see a dime of that money either. Very sad for the city trying to clean up its tarnished image.
oldguy
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
"...a thug and a criminal." Accurate and concise I`d say Kwame, althought they left out sleeze bag "..a standing ovation..." What the hell is wrong with those people? I might have stood but it would have been to vomit.
Top Cat
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
The people of the City of Detroit needed a life preserver. Kwame threw them an anchor.
InsideTheHall
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Oh, Kwame kan talk the talk but boy he sure doesn't walk the walk. Kind of like the guy occupying the White House. Kwame is a victim of his own "situational honesty". Well, actions have consequences.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:36 p.m.
Other than race and the fact that they are both male human beings, I don't see any connection whatsoever between President Obama and Kilpatrick. You sound a bit racist. Are you?
Pooh Bear
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
Kilpatrick's visit to EMU was not a university sponsored event, although university police did provide security during the talk. According to EMU spokesman Geoff Larcom, the group did not pay Kilpatrick a speaking fee but did cover his $400 airfare. This is a JOKE, right? I bet if I wanted to hold "a none university sponsored event" on campus for my lets say "CHURCH" I would have to pay for the use of building and for campus security." Second, If "I" and my WHITE members invited my pastor to campus to speak about second chances. We would be run out as racial whites. The Black Leaders Aspiring to Critical Knowledge group is a group I want "NO" part in it is know wonder they are in the 99% group.
craig
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
And here's the obligatory race card of the day
craig
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
And here's the obligatory race card play of the day
Brad
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
"The one thing I cannot and will not agree with is the philosophy that an action dictates who you are as an individual." Except that once you have committed one or more felonies you are a felon. And yes, you are a thug. The student group should change their name to "aspiring to critical THINKING" because they seem to have a serious deficit at this point.
rayjay
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
Your actions are a good indicator of your character.
WalkingJoe
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
He said "he never enjoyed the job" of being mayor. Then why did he run for a second term?
Diane
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
to make more $$$$$$$
publiccitizen
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
Because it gave him a powerful platform from which he could be a criminal and a thug.
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
I am asking myself the same question over and over and over again. Why?
TheGerman
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
"Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick: 'They call me a thug and a criminal'" I guess they call them as they see them (or in this case, as he is).
4Bells
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
You go Kwame!! I mean back to Texas . . . . and please, please, please just stay there.
McGiver
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Forgot to add liar and cheat to the list of unsavory adjectives. Best thing to happen since he left office is passage of the Kwame law that prevents people like him from running for office.
Lac Court Orilles
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
So the university didn't invite Kilpatrick to come to EMU to speak, but they did allow it to happen. Students who attend there are embarrassed about this! Where's the thinking... Will John Normal Collins, the 1960's mass murderer, be the next speaker to talk about getting second chances?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Apparently, Collins (now named Chapman) is still serving time in Marquette. I'm sure he is totally rahabilitated and will be glad to talk with these folks. (Sorry. Everything I try to write about him is unsuited for printing.)
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
If he is? He may have to speak from prison. Didn't he get life?
rinmem10
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Is John Norman Collins still alive? He would be kinda interesting.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
If he wants to ask for our forgiveness, perhaps he should come clean on all the crimes he was involved in first? Wikipedia has a great write-up about the Manoogian Mansion Party and the murder of Tamara Greene. Here is a short excerpt from the Wikipedia write-up: "Tamara Greene was a 27-year-old exotic dancer who went by the name "Strawberry", and who allegedly performed at the 2002 Manoogian Mansion party, where she was allegedly assaulted by the mayor's wife, Carlita. In April 2003, while sitting in her car with her boyfriend, Greene was shot multiple times with a .40 caliber Glock pistol which, at the time, was the same model and caliber firearm issued by the Detroit Police Department. Although an official statement by Detroit Police Department claims that Ms. Greene was shot three times, sources from the department's Homicide Division claimed that she was shot 18 times." See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwame_Kilpatrick#Manoogian_Mansion_party" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwame_Kilpatrick#Manoogian_Mansion_party</a>
tdw
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
cinnabar.....Like I said unless there is something unique about the extractor or firing pin marks ( which I am not aware of ) you can't tell.You can use those marks to match a shell to a individual gun.And yes they do make 33 round mags but they hang about 7in out the bottom of the grip.I was more thinking about what the typical DPD cop would have.Oh and the .40 S&W caliber is very common
cinnabar7071
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
tdw in many cases they can tell by the casings what kind of gun was it was used in, and some Glock high capacity magazines do hold more then 18 rounds, I have seen Glock magazines that hold 33 rounds.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
@tdw: I agree with your point that we don't know what actually happened, how many shots fired, how many shooters or if DPS cops were the shooters or not. I only referenced the Wikipedia article for two reasons: 1) because it has a comprehensive discussion of all of the controversies surrounding the man while he was Mayor; 2) because I didn't want my post about the party and the murder to be removed for violating AnnArbor.com's anti-slander rules (it is hard to argue that Wikipedia is not a source you can quote). We will never know the truth unless the people involved in the Manoogian Mansion party and Tamara Greene's murder come forth and tell the truth. If KK wants PUBLIC forgiveness he can start by telling what he knows about both to the public.
tdw
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
Stephen........I don't support that low life in any shape or form but Wiki is not exactly the most accurate source.Unless there is something I'm not aware of ( I was actually certified to inspect the Glocks for the Detroit Police Dept ) unless you have the gun you can't tell which gun was used.( although you can narrow it down to certain makes by the rifling ) also 18 shots would have required 2 or more people or reloading....just saying....
trespass
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.
Redemption starts with a sincere apology and the realization that you did something wrong. The students who invited him should be very dissappointed because their speaker is teaching students nothing about redemption. Instead they are teaching students you can do anything you want and expect forgiveness as an entitlement.
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
He did give an apology and then lied about that one too. I think someone said it was in his new book. What gets me is he hated the job. If he hated the job then why not give it to someone else?
Smart Logic
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.
Poor Kwame. How dare someone call him a thug and a criminal, after all of his corruption and convictions. Kwame, you were an absolutely terrible, corruption-riddled mayor and deserve far more blame than what you've been convicted on. Please go away.
greg, too
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 8:36 a.m.
People thought Detroit couldn't get any worse and then the prodigal son arrived and drove it further into the ground. Why would anyone support him in any way outside of blind racial bias? The man is a failure in every possible way, has further decimated a city that we thought couldn't get any worse, has shown the worst aspects of humanity (blind greed and avarice on a level seldom seen), has brought destruction onto hundreds of thousands of taxpayers lives, and still believes he is in some way wrongly persecuted? At some point, he needs to come to the conclusion that there is no way to be "redeemed" for what he has done. He will most likely be back in prison soon, so I hope he enjoyed scenic downtown Ypsi....And these students in the BLACK group (their name, I didn't pick it) are clueless. Instead of picking a strong, intelligent, honest black woman or man, they brought this piece of trash in as their centerpiece speaker? This just shows their own biases, and those of a lot of people nowadays, i.e. wealth over integrity. In the end, no one cares that he forgives himself. It's those that you have harmed that you need to ask forgiveness from and wait for it to be delivered through redeeming yourself. This man is a joke, a pathetic waste of a life that had so much promise...this man could have saved Detroit, brought it back from the dead, he could have been a national treasure. Instead, he is nothing more than a cliche, a joke, a perfect example of a failed human being.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 6:25 a.m.
Ahh, poor baby. Come on Kwame, get a grip in reality, will you.
shipdog7
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:51 a.m.
I guess everyone is supposed to forget you owe almost a million dollars to the city of Detroit. And that you will be in federal prison soon. Oh yeah....everyone blames you for corruption? Including the FBI. He was just taking what he was entitled to. How was he supposed to know there was no more to take. The rest of the family and friends beat him to it. Did Eastern Michigan make the check out to Kwame's sister? Or did the money automatically go to pay restitution to the city of Detroit.?
alan
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:32 a.m.
"but no one ever knows the work that he put into being the successful mayor that he was" Huh?
jcj
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:24 a.m.
"Redemption. Redeemed. Reconciled," Kilpatrick said, adding that he's been given "a ninth, tenth, maybe even twelfth" chance. Better look to Texas for the 13th chance!
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4 p.m.
Uh, maybe not. They have needles that they do use once a month or so.
Kai Petainen
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 4:04 a.m.
thanks for covering this... i was curious to know what he said
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:57 a.m.
This guy loves the attention. The best thing that could have happened is nobody from the media showing up.
antikvetch
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
"[T]hey call me a thug and a criminal" And now, from our Water is Wet file -
jns131
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
I needed that humor.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Nov 30, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
well played