Confused about the proposed downtown hotel project? That just shows you've been paying attention.
My newspaper column recaps the hotel situation to date. You can read the whole thing after the jump.
Another column on the same topic, by A&T economics professor Lawrence Morse, starts out well enough, with arguments about income and wealth disparities and the benefits of economic stimulus. Nothing about the viability of this project, or the process that got us here, but, hey, he's feeling a different part of the elephant.
Then he derails: "Some people may be concerned because the neighborhood empowering itself is predominantly black."
Which people? Random assholes, which would be unfortunate but part of real life, or the people asking questions about the project and the process in public? Because if it's the latter, let's see some evidence, and then let's consider whether the questions themselves are worthwhile in any case.
Next Morse is on to race riots in Atlanta 104 years ago, fomented by incendiary newspaper coverage, which is supposedly similar in some way to N&R coverage of this story. So there you have it: question the project and the process, and you're the next thing to a lynch mob.
Let me reiterate for Prof. Morse my support of economic stimulus, my anti-racist values, my respect for the the Ole Asheboro neighborhood group (I work in the neighborhood, fwiw), my interest in overcoming disparities in income and wealth, and my endorsement of a viable downtown hotel approved by a transparent process.
Now, Professor -- what about this project and this process?
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