Pittsburgh City Council never ceases to amaze and confound. It chose to use valuable time to honor a “noted” Pittsburgher with a day of his own. Was it distinguished city native and historian extraordinaire David McCullough? No. Dance and acting legend Gene Kelly? No. Ninety-year-old veteran comedian Marty Allen? No.
It was a rapper, the oft-arrested Wiz Khalifa, who uses his music to assert the glories of (illegal) marijuana.
I believe that our war on drugs is an abysmal failure and that an individual should not go to jail for smoking a marijuana joint or two, but marijuana use continues to be a violation of federal law notwithstanding its “legalization” by a number of states. We travel a dangerous road when we honor individuals that believe themselves to be above the law.
What type of example is set for impressionable youth through celebrating and lauding the slovenly and criminal justice system-defying “artist,” Mr. Khalifa?
Perhaps it was appropriate on multiple counts that the honoree wore a cap with the word "Dope" emblazoned on it when he appeared in City Council Chambers to accept his award.
Today is officially Wiz Khalifa Day in Pittsburgh. What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments.
Editor's Note: Oren Spiegler is a blogger for Patch. You, too, can blog on Patch. Click here to get started.
This stupid move got media coverage, including pics of Peduto and this rapper in the PG. Of course, the story had Peduto's name written all over it. I'm doubting that most (any?) members of Council even knew of this man before the meeting. Why did they vote to affirm the resolution? Is this a classic case of quid pro quo, when others bring crazy resolutions to Council? I suppose Ravenstahl has to sign the resolution to be effective, right? The open question: Will this exposure help, or hurt Peduto politically? Is this "any publicity is better than no publicity" at work? When the campaign rhetoric cranks up next Spring, will anybody remember this craziness?
Protecting the brand? I don't think so.
David got hid bridge after all! http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/12/05/16th-street-bridge-to-be-named-after-david-mccullough/
After all, the Alamanac is limited in both openess and technologically limited by a horrible web experience. Plus, the 2 local magazines are published on an infrequent basis and mostly full of articles completely biased by advertising. Nevertheless, Patch purports itself to be a 'News' site and thus the headlines should not be 'opinion' articles by guest posters.