It was particularly saddening for me to realize that from the perspective of her socialization 72 years ago, Councilwoman Poole had no reason to even question the origins of the letter that she attempted to read at the council meeting. She actually believed originated from an African American pastor, and never considered that it could be a plant. The forms of speech used in the letter fit her framework for common communication amongst African Americans, an additionally disheartening, underdeveloped, thought. Along the same vein, there was no reason to apologize or recognize anyone but the City Hall employees who had to answer complaint calls and her family who had to endure the pain of the situation. However, it is well known that we cannot effectively apologize for others.
Censures carry no legal ramifications or penalties.
Several Council members were extremely displeased with Councilwoman Poole, as were the majority of the citizens at the council meeting. Councilman Stephen Beltz, who drafted the original censure, offered twice to resign if Poole would do likewise. I will not give my resignation. The vote concerning a street named after Dr. King was postponed until April 11, 2000. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.