David Clarke: Profiles in Cowardice

Republican radio host Jeff Wagner on Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke:

First, who’s kidding who? Face it, David Clarke really is a Republican.

Over the course of the last four years, Clarke has taken a number of courageous positions that reflect mainstream Republican thinking. Whether it has been his continuing calls for the community to take responsibility for the violence that plagues our streets to his often harsh (but dead on accurate) criticisms of the breakdown of social structures in society, Clarke has established himself as a leading conservative voice in the community. I say this fondly but David Clarke running for office as a Democrat is like Teddy Kennedy serving as a spokesperson for the Christian Coalition.

Finally, a voice on the right saying what many of us on the left have been saying for the past year or two.

Clarke, believing he can't win an election as a Republican in Milwaukee County, continues the charade, running as a Dem while showing up at GOP events and quacking like a Repub.

Wagner writes that Clarke is making a mistake, that he will lose in a Dem primary but could win in November on the GOP ticket. I disagree with that analysis -- but I agree that the sheriff should have the courage to take off his sheepskin and show himself for the voracious Republican wolf he really is.

How about it, Sheriff? Time to display some of that courage you like to talk about -- taking a stand for what you believe in. It's the conservative way. Or is that just a philosophical discussion? David Clarke: Profiles in Courage, or Profiles in Cowardice?

What's it gonna be, guts or glory? In this case, I don't think you can have both.