It just makes sense. Because if you go three terms, then you might become a cranky old asshole who cusses out anyone and everyone at every opportunity.
In a profanity-laced speech Tuesday, Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker lashed out at critics of a publicly supported hotel on the Christina Riverfront during a ceremony to announce the construction of another apartment building in the Justison Landing development.
“We should be excited about our city. I don’t understand where all the negative people come from. They all ought to go to hell and forget it. We don’t need them. I mean, they’re about as useful as a doggone flea on an elephant. Nothing,” Baker told a crowd of about 30 people who had gathered at the site of a proposed $17 million building across from the Kooma Restaurant and Lounge Bar on Justison Street.
Winding up his remarks, Baker said, “I don’t care anymore. You can’t kick me no more. I’ll kick your ass.”
In an interview later Tuesday, Baker did not temper his earlier remarks.“Anybody who opposes me, I call a fool,” he said. “I don’t sugarcoat it.”
Well that’s just wonderful. Nothing makes me excited and proud about a city than a profanity and insult-laden tirade from a mayor who has been on the job far too long.
Now, some of you may call me a hypocrite here, since I use foul language and insult my ideological and political opponents every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But I am a blogger. I am not an elected official.
How does a two term limits connect to this? Well, sometimes you just get tired of dealing with people. You get more abrupt and rude in your official duties, duties that call on you to be gracious and dignified, at the very least in public remarks you make in and around the city. If you can’t manage a veneer of dignity and graciousness in office after 10 years and during your third term, then perhaps it is time for you to take a powder.
Then again, Mayor Baker may simply be an asshole.
Baker’s outburst is among several in his 10 years as mayor and 28 years on City Council. In March, Baker ripped into City Council for daring to question his budget proposal. He also has lambasted council members by calling them “idiots” more than once in public settings.
Come January 2013, I am sure most of us will be happy to see Mayor Baker and all his graciousness get shoved out the door.