"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
It's only one word.
Only four letters.
You wouldn't think something that takes up such little space could cause so much controversy.
The term is: "Homo."
Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James leaned in closely to fellow Commissioner Vilma Leake and asked if her dead son was a quote: "homo."
"James: 'Your son was a homo, really?' Leake: 'I'm going to hit you. Don't talk about my son that way.'"
James did not use the word "homosexual."
He did not ask tactfully about her son's "lifestyle."
He did not say "gay."
He chose one of the most derogatory, insensitive, harsh slang words out there.
Then he said it in a casually mocking way, slightly off-microphone, to a mother whose son was dead.
Commissioner James: You're in the wrong.
Freedom of Speech is a beautiful thing.
We appreciate you having strong opinions and speaking your mind.
We especially appreciate you having strong opinions as an elected official.
But....come on.
You were out-of-line and inappropriate with your choice of words.
If you legitimately wanted to ask about her son because it pertained to the discussion at hand, we absolutely think you should.
But don't be so obviously disrespectful.
Anyone watching the tape can see right through you.
You owe Commissioner Leake an apology.
We don't think you should be punished by the Commission -- Free Speech is Free Speech -- but say "Sorry," move on, and for goodness sakes, treat people with the respect YOU wish to receive.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" – tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
