Sanford: Revising the brutal history of slavery is not a winning campaign message
“Young people must be told the truth about our history — not shielded from it because it makes adults uncomfortable.”
Topic: Otis Sanford
RSSThere are 104 article(s) tagged Otis Sanford:
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July 2023
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Sanford: Despite personal opposition, Mulroy makes right call on death penalty cases
“There is a legitimate public policy debate to be had over the appropriateness of the death penalty. It seems clear that since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in the U.S. in 1976, it has not been a deterrent to murder. And opposition to it transcends political party lines.”
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June 2023
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Sidebar: Otis Sanford reflects on a lifetime in journalism
The Daily Memphian columnist and contributor to WKNO and ABC24 News joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the importance of local journalism.
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May 2023
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Sanford: The court battle is over, but more pressing residency issues in mayor’s race remain
“Whether the residency issue continues to dog Van Turner and Floyd Bonner Jr. in the court of public opinion remains to be seen. But both have legitimate responses about their time living outside the city.”
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Sanford: If only Clarence Thomas had the integrity of Memphis’ Abe Fortas
“Republicans, through dirty dealing and hypocrisy, have managed to pack the Supreme Court with a 6-3 ultraconservative majority that is having a profound and negative impact on the lives of Americans.”
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April 2023
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Sanford: We still don’t know who can run for Memphis mayor, and city hall is not helping
“With incumbent Jim Strickland forced to leave office at the end of the year because of term limits, the field is wide open for anyone who can make the best case for why she or he is the most qualified and most electable candidate.”
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Sanford: Memo to state House Republicans: Political dynasties don’t last forever
Given the activism that is being whipped up among younger voters and others who believe there should be some limits to gun rights, the Tennessee 3 incident could be the turning point away from GOP super-dominance in Tennessee.
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March 2023
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Sanford: Chapman’s retirement a reminder of his enormous impact on public safety
Buddy Chapman, 83, is calling it all quits. He will step down as the leader and face of CrimeStoppers effective April 1.
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Sanford: Chicago police leader’s outrage is righteous
Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson, who is African American, seemed to channel the sentiments of millions of Americans who know that hate crimes are real. They are disgusted by the idea that someone would lie about being a victim.
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Sanford: This heartbroken Ja Morant fan is hopeful for an all-star comeback
Memphis needs a feel-good story, a redemption story, of overcoming stumbles, our pain and our negative national image. We need Ja Morant to bring his moves back to the Grindhouse soon and break ankles — not hearts.
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February 2023
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Sanford: Deadly violence by an out-of-towner only adds to our city’s woes
“Let’s pay tribute to one of the good ones who, by losing his life, reminded us again how dangerous policing can be.”
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Sanford: Family of Tyre Nichols deserves justice for a fun-loving son
Memphians, who already feel beleaguered by violent crime that at times seems out of control, must now come to grips with the fact that elements within the police department — however small — are partakers of criminal violence themselves.
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December 2022
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Sanford: Litterbugs are hurting our legacy as a beautiful city
For the sake of all of us who believe cleanliness is indeed next to godliness, let’s make a commitment in the new year to support the cleanup efforts in Memphis.
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Sanford: My big brother Louis’ courage, influence and love will never be forgotten
“Louis had such a dominant influence on my life – perhaps even more than my parents. And I always wanted to be just like him.”
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November 2022
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Sanford: Renaming VA Medical Center for Luke Weathers appropriate honor
“And there is no Memphian, past or present, more deserving of the recognition. Weathers’ story is one of resilience, courage, perseverance and heroism.”
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Sanford: Two words best describe Lee’s impressive reelection victory — BlueOval City
In Tennessee, it was GOP business as usual following Tuesday’s midterm election. The legislature remains under total control by Republicans and Gov. Bill Lee cruised to reelection without breaking a sweat.
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Sanford: If colleges can consider family legacy in admissions, why not race?
Diversity in many forms should be a compelling societal interest. And race should be one of several factors used in making hiring decisions.
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October 2022
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Sanford: Brent Taylor’s ‘radical left’ ad belies his reputation as a conciliator
“With all that cash and goodwill going for him, Taylor could easily take the high road, the 100% positive road, to a smooth Election Day victory.”
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Sanford: With reelection all but assured, is higher office possible for Gov. Lee?
Recent speculation has focused on Gov. Bill Lee being a possible national candidate for elected office in the future — if not in 2024, then in 2028.
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Sanford: GOP leaders pushing hard for ‘right to work’ amendment, but are unions really that bad?
“I’ve witnessed shameless corporate greed and blatant union nepotism. And on balance, I believe the positives of organized labor outweigh the negatives.”
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Sanford: Capitol rioter from Millington isn’t only one conned by persuader-in-chief
“At least Sandlin and others who stormed the Capitol are now admitting their wrongs and are facing the consequences. I’m still waiting for the deniers holding elected office to come to their senses.”
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Sanford: 60 years after integration of Ole Miss, this Black graduate comes full circle
At a time when politicians are doing their darnedest to run away from our racial history by censoring it in schools, Ole Miss deserves accolades for treating the 60th anniversary of James Meredith’s enrollment with the pomp and circumstance that it deserves.
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September 2022
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Sanford: For next year’s crucial city election, only serious candidates need apply
While the November midterm election is shaping up to be a real snoozer locally, the Memphis mayoral election on Oct. 5, 2023, is fast becoming the most consequential mayoral race in more than 30 years.
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Sanford: Fighting crime requires real solutions, not political grandstanding and finger-pointing
Tenn. Gov. Bill Lee, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, MPD and the TBI all share the responsibility for our failure to reduce local crime. But their responses in the aftermath of an incredibly tragic week are not good enough.
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Sanford: A caring lawyer, a ruthless youth offender and, 22 years later, a heartbreaking homicide
One was an attorney who used the law to make a positive difference in society. The other was a gun-wielding juvenile delinquent. Their paths crossed on the evening of May 25, 2000, and now, 22 years later, it serves as an eerie backstory to the tragic kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher.
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