Benton Harbor the 21st century’s Selma, says mayor
Hundreds of people gathered in Benton Harbor yesterday to protest the Emergency Manager law that has stripped power from the local government.
“Benton Harbor is the new Selma of the 21st century, a battle ground for human rights and civil liberties,“ Mayor Wilce Cooke told a crowd that gathered in the town library before the march. “The whole world is watching us to see what is going to happen here in Benton Harbor. What happens here could affect the nation as a whole.”
John Waltz of Heartland Revolution announced a campaign to recall State Rep. Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville) who sponsored the Emergency Manager bill.
Others promised to voice their concerns over the Emergency Manager law when Gov. Rick Snyder comes to town to lead the annual Blossomtime parade on May 7.
Blogging for Michigan has video of the rally and speeches.
Maddowblog has video of Jean Klock Park and the Jack Nicklaus golf course that has taken over the center of the park. Some fear that Emergency Manager Joe Harris may sell off the rest of the park.
The New York Times also has a story about the situation in Benton Harbor.
