Kwame Kilpatrick in 'Textual' Seduction

The problem with Textual Seduction...

Much of history is all about moments in time and in this politically charged era, where black America stands on the precipice of possibility; Detroit's hip-hop Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is not doing anyone any favors.

The time has finally come for the lid to be blown off this case of 'textual healing,' (or text-gate if you're so inclined) and truth be told, it's not looking too good for the 38-year-old mayor of the country's most dangerous city. Today, the prosecutor, Kym Worthy, announced to a packed news conference that she is charging Kilpatrick with eight felonies and his former aide Christine Beatty with seven.

On the very basic level, it sounds like Kwame is guilty of perjury. Yes, the p-word which has made a name for itself by making many-a-corrupt exec shed a tear, throwing Marion Jones, and Scooter Libby in the slammer and making baseball pariahs Roger Clemons and (to a lesser extent) Barry Bonds cringe as they fight their losing battles, to name a few of its victims.

His attorney, Dan Webb is convinced otherwise as he states the questions asked were "too ambiguous." Of course translated, it sounds more like "my client may of may not have had a romantic relationship but he's just trying to save his ass and ya'll just didn't ask the right questions."

It's terrible that Kwame cheated on his wife and his infidelity was duly noted. But should he leave office? That's something that's at least debatable depending on which image of your politician that you choose to swallow and more importantly it's not the issue at hand.

In January, Kwame appeared on television with his apology game in full-effect and the requisite "stern-looking wife-who-acts-like-she-really-needs-to-be-there" swag in tow.

The perjury charges accuses the two (Kilpatrick and Beatty) of lying during a whistle-blower lawsuit about the firing of Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown and about their romantic relationship. The three officers, supposedly doing their duties were fired under suspicious circumstances.

Despite the false testimony, a Wayne County Circuit Court jury last September awarded Brown and Nelthrope $6.5 million in damages. Kilpatrick vowed to appeal, but on Oct. 17, abruptly decided to settle the case and a second police whistle-blower suit involving former mayoral bodyguard Walt Harris for $8.4 million – $9 million with legal costs.

Kilpatrick settled after the cops' lawyer, Mike Stefani, informed the mayor's lawyer that he had the incriminating text messages and would reveal them in court papers he planned to file to justify his request for legal fees in the whistle-blower case.

In what may have been the political move of the year, incumbent New York Governor, David Patterson set the tone by outing himself before the wolves came calling.

Now if only Eliot Spitzer had solicited a prostitute before Kwame was busted maybe he would have been able to take some notes from David Patterson and put his laundry out. But he didn't and now his drawers are all over town.

Like your average politician who gets caught with his pants down (literally and figuratively), the first thing that came to Kwame's mind was deny, deny and deny some more. All in hopes that with enough legal savvy, you can preserve your selfish hold on power. Um, just for the record, the justice department does not play.

If nothing else, his textual antics have taken sexual scandal into the digital age meaning similar to what Barack Obama is doing for the election, Kwame has done for political sex scandals... thanks for that.

But who knows, maybe Kwame will catch a break like this guy

But I wouldn't bet on it.

Kwame Kilpatrick Pictures

** FILE ** Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy addresses the media in her office in Detroit, Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. The investigation into whether Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former top aide committed perjury or other crimes during testimony in a highly publicized whistle-blowers' trial is all part of the job for the Wayne County prosecutor. And she doesn't even consider it the toughest assignment she's had since she's been in the prosecutor's office. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, file)

AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick addresses the media during a news conference in Detroit, Tuesday, March 18, 2008. A nearly unified City Council voiced its displeasure with Kilpatrick on Tuesday, calling on the scandal-tainted mayor to resign. A resolution, which passed on a 7-1 vote in the early afternoon, was more of a "no-confidence" vote. The council doesn't have the power to force Kilpatrick to step down. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick addresses the media during a news conference in Detroit, Tuesday, March 18, 2008. A nearly unified City Council voiced its displeasure with Kilpatrick on Tuesday, calling on the scandal-tainted mayor to resign. A resolution, which passed on a 7-1 vote in the early afternoon, was more of a "no-confidence" vote. The council doesn't have the power to force Kilpatrick to step down. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP
** FILE ** Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox speaks during an interview in this April 11, 2005, file photo, in Lansing, Mich. Cox said Wednesday, March 12, 2008, that Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick should resign because he's a liar and a race-baiter "on par with David Duke and George Wallace," and no longer fit for office. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)

AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick gives his State of the City address in Detroit, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. A prosecutor says she will announce in two weeks whether she will file perjury charges against the mayor and his former top aide. The case stems from a criminal probe of whether Kilpatrick lied under oath when he denied an affair with former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty that was revealed in the text messages. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick gives his seventh State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)

Reuters
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick points towards his family before the start of his seventh State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)

Reuters
The parents and sister of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (L), Ayanna (C) and Bernard Kilpatrick stand before the start of Mayor Kilpatrick's State of the City address in Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2008. Embattled Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick on Tuesday said scandals threatening to derail his second term amounted to a "hate-driven, bigoted assault" against him and vowed to stay in office and fight for sweeping investment plans for the city. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES)

Reuters
DETROIT - MARCH 11: Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings says the Pledge of Alligiance before Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's State of the City address March 11, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. Several members of the city council protested the Mayor by sitting in the audience instead of sitting on stage with the Mayor. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Getty Images
Protestors demonstrate outside of Orchestra Hall where Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was giving his State of the City address March 11, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. Four members of the nine-member council declined to take their customary seats onstage with the mayor, who is in the midst of a text-messaging scandal involving charges of sexual misconduct and of perjury related to a whistle-blower lawsuit filed by former police officers against the city. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY == (Photo credit should read BILL PUGLIANO/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Reader Comments

1. It's time to own up to his actions, there is much more at risk.

Wyatt at 6:08PM on Mar 24th 2008

2. "It is the duty of youth to bring its fresh new power to bear on social progress. Each generation of young people should be to the world like a vast reserve force to a tired army. They should lift the world forward. That is what they are for."
-Charlotte Perkins Gilman, social critic-

Cole at 6:55PM on Mar 24th 2008

3. HE SHOULD STED DOWN . YOU CAN'T JUSTIFY WRONG.
BE A MAN AND STEP ASIDE.

DAVE

DAVE at 12:18AM on Mar 25th 2008

4. This Boy is STU-P,I,D. Anytime you have a relationship with a Human Being somebody knows it. Feelings can not be hidden. The woman gives it away every time becuase of their emotional state. They are happy to be in a relationship and they do not care who knows or who finds out. Secondly, you never lie to the Feds. They have you before they question you. They are just checking to see if you tell the truth. If they put Martha Stewart in Jail with all her money what do you think is going to happen to a Nothing Public Official? I am curious to find out if he goes to a Country Club prison or Leavenworth. Say Hi to Bubba for me. Teach him the Motorcycle dance and the Bankhead Bounce.

Randy at 1:59AM on Mar 25th 2008

5. This Boy is STU-P,I,D. Anytime you have a relationship with a Human Being somebody knows it. Feelings can not be hidden. The woman gives it away every time becuase of their emotional state. They are happy to be in a relationship and they do not care who knows or who finds out. Secondly, you never lie to the Feds. They have you before they question you. They are just checking to see if you tell the truth. If they put Martha Stewart in Jail with all her money what do you think is going to happen to a Nothing Public Official? I am curious to find out if he goes to a Country Club prison or Leavenworth. Say Hi to Bubba for me. Teach him the Motorcycle dance and the Bankhead Bounce.

Randy at 1:59AM on Mar 25th 2008

6. He is trash and a disgrace to his race. We all need to show responsibility. If this is the best Detroit has to offer. It is time to turn off the lights and go home.

Warren W Wagner at 2:45AM on Mar 25th 2008

7. Since the raters would not post my last writing, I'll come from a different angle and get this one posted. This man is totally innocent. There is no way he is capable of this behavior. It goes against all societal norms. He is not capable of these charges. He is leagally married to a fine upstanding Human Being. He is a credit to all polical parties. He is highly regarded such as the likes of President Clinton. He did not have a sexual intercourse with that woman. Please reserve judgement on this fine example of public office. That New York Govenor is innocent also. And the Blind man had a flashback from the 60's. He is innocent also. He did not see a thing. I support all political figures who are falsely accuseed of adultry. They are innocent. Adultry never happens in politics. It is one or two of the commandments. Please stop saying this fine example of Public confidence is going against the teachings of Moses. I would follow this man to the nearest strip club. He can change the people. They would be in church dancing to a 1970 Kirk Franklin REMIX. I love Hip Hop and all the rich preachers. This Mayor did not do IT. Somebody MIS-Spoke or MIS-remembered. He is truly MIS-not guilty. So stop hating the MIS-stres. Is this better raters and judges? Kinda cute isn't it?

Randy at 2:59AM on Mar 25th 2008

8. Raters and judges of this site. How can you let somebody call that man trash? But my comments don't get posted? Is there a double standard? Do you all have my name on the do not post list? What was wrong with my comment on Tyrese being a singer and using DJ turntables instead of instruments in a concert? It's Hip Hop. This Mayor might have been listening to Tyrese when he was falsely accused of having sexual intercourse with that woman. OL Bill might like a slow Tyrese groove to get his Brain work going. I am proud of this Mayor. He is what Government is about. Did you all not see those important White politicians dancing to beat on TV last year? Carl Rove and the boys was dancing to Hip Hop. What is the problem? Hip Hop is in D.C.. Isn't Marion Berry hip hop. It was a Bang Bang Bogey getting caught up in that hotel room. That's Hip Hop. He could sang a song that states, That was not Me on TV in DC. Put a Doctor DRE beat on and will go gold. That's Hip Hop.

Randy at 3:18AM on Mar 25th 2008

9. Let's cut to the chase on this case? A picture is worth a thousand words. No picture in the bedroom of them having sex on you tube and there is only speculation of what they did. These two aren't talking and that means "Not Guilty." Besides, the wife is backing them so what's the charge? Perjury? It can't be proved that they had sex unless one confesses or turns evidence on the other. Don't hate the player, hate the game or get someone who won't talk.

Cecil Jones at 5:33AM on Mar 25th 2008

10. HE IS A DUMBASS. UNBELIEVEABLE HE IS SUCH PAIN SINCE HE IS RESPONSIBLE..KEEP ON CLEANING UP KWAME..U SUCK

ERIC at 6:36AM on Mar 25th 2008

11. This might be the most dangerous city in America but the man has done a pretty decent job. I remember when I 1st met him in 2003 when Detroit hosted the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. it was a wonderful experience. I had never been to Detroit and was somewhat apprehensive about going, but I applaud him because he is taking on a tough job combating the violence that is ravaging the city. So what if he did or didn't have an affair with this women it happend in 2003 him and his wife have moved on let him be. Former Pres.Clinton stayed in office and finished out his term after he finally admitted that he cheated on his wife he lie continously until the evidence was stacked against him and still finished his term after he went through the impeachment process and was still in office nobody complained.

Bottom line is if you don't want him as mayor run against him in the next election. He must be the best person for the job because he has been in office for awhile.

SouthernHunay at 6:48AM on Mar 25th 2008

12. AOL has his last name wrong in the title. His name is KILPATRICK, they put FITZPATRICK both in the title and photo caption...

Regardless this is a sad day for Detroit, its bad enough the economy here sucks, no jobs, and now we have to look at this man I just want to puke every time I look at him or hear him speak. I will pray for his boys and wife.

Interesting, youngest mayor at 35 and in jail by 40...

Elle at 6:50AM on Mar 25th 2008

13. We (Detroiters) are sadden at the events that have taken place. This is not about sex or the texts, its about arrogance. These people think they are above the law. The mayor and his "friend" are not the only ones here that are in trouble. There are a WHOLE bunch of folks in trouble behind this and Detroiters are happy that OUR Kym is putting a stop to all the BS. There is alot of blame to go around please all those involve get ready to eat your piece of the blame pie. All those who lied, hid stuff and who investigated the wrong things (sex instead of murder or assault).

detroiter at 7:10AM on Mar 25th 2008

14. Well done thus far Prosecutor Worthy! No one irregardless of race, power, and position is above the law.

Paula at 7:36AM on Mar 25th 2008

15. Job well done. Sort of! Where was the job well done when that young lady was killed after the so-called party and where is it now. If my wife or anyone elses wife or whatever comes home and catches any of us with a stripper and our wives beat the woman up and she then comes up dead we're all going to prison.

Prime at 9:03AM on Mar 25th 2008

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