As I listened to James Craig speak about his candidacy for Michigan governor recently, I became outraged. Filled with confusion, I searched for the comedic relief that usually brings comfort in the most awkward situations. Certainly it was awkward when the relief I found resided in the memory of Craig receiving the Sambo award years ago.
Craig spoke of running for governor to a concerned crowd at Nandi's Knowledge Cafe. He spent the majority of folks' time reminiscing on his time as a cop, followed by his emphasis on the importance of people not forgetting he’s from Detroit, despite his running as a republican.
Though I can’t say that I’m one to support any side of the political party coin, Craig’s rhetoric as a declared republican is a cause for concern rather than support.
I’d like to take this time to address questions that went unanswered as the former chief failed to utilize the allotted time for questions. As seems to be his practice, he made a hasty departure before serious questions could be asked. It’s almost as if the ghost of scrutiny appeared, manifesting as the long line of concerned citizens waiting to speak, causing him to flee.
At some point (aspiring or current) politicians should understand the harm they create when leading campaigns in misleading ways that are not rooted in critical conversations.
“We are in danger as a nation when silencing any form of speech that goes against the status quo” - bell hooks
On that note, below are some thoughts that went unexpressed.
Dearest former police chief James Craig:
You spoke on the need for the return of constitutional policing and I’d love to hear what constitutional policing means to you considering the constitution’s failure in protecting Black and brown people since and prior to its emergence. Who deems it constitutional and is it voiced from the perspective of those most affected?
The delusion and contradiction you presented when you stated your support of the truckers who “peacefully” protested at the Canadian border recently left me wondering why you did not have that same compassion for bodies who peacefully protested against police brutality in Detroit recently.
What does the protection of all people look like to you and what beliefs are they rooted in?
You mentioned several times your upbringing as a Detroiter who’s had conservative parents while also mentioning your pride for being an alumnus of Cass Technical High School.
I can understand how someone of that background can be so far removed from the realities of low-income residents though I’d like to raise the need for understanding further.
Your campaign flier lists your three main points to:
Make our streets SAFE again,
IMPROVE education & UNMASK our kids, &
Unleash Michigan's BOOMING economy
As you preached about making streets safer by removing “violent criminals”, I wonder what this implies as oftentimes Black and brown people are arrested due to racial profiling and petty crimes. It’s been reiterated for decades now the importance of understanding that safety needs to center investment into communities rather than a heavier police presence.
You stated the implication of the failure of public school systems which you believe has led to the low literacy levels for students.
Your solution of further divesting from public schools as if police budgets and private investors haven’t done this enough. You instead suggested investing in charter schools, which presents a danger. It disregards underpaid public school educators and could lead to the abandonment of public school facilities which are central to many neighborhoods, causing more danger for these areas.
Families are in need of resources to improve their quality of life to better focus attention on their children for the improvement of their education. How do you plan to redirect necessary funds to budgets related to public services (transit, economic development, public health) for this improvement?
Though it was not quite clear what your position is on how to ‘Unleash Michigan’s BOOMING economy,’ you did however state, “You cannot have economic development if you don’t have young people who can read.” This is again harmful rhetoric as data has proven the effects of children’s school performance relies more than on their ability to read. Rather than addressing minors as the reason for the failure of Michigan’s economy, I’d love to hear more about your plan to improve conditions for the poor working class.
I’m left wondering who it is you’re really protecting. I’m wondering who you were running from as you started to dodge more pertinent questions toward the end of your Q&A session. I’m curious about your ability to have critical conversations rather than talking to people about your history in law enforcement as justification for serving as state governor.
Good luck on your ‘conservative fight’.
Critically speaking,
“AreSee”