Friends, foes of Riddick steamed over recall move

It is amazing to see that people are still supporting him and forgetting all the things he has said or done. We are talking about a man that always turn every situation into a racial situation especially when dealing with the police department. Let's remember that we are talking about a man who time after time has resulted to violence. As a African American I would be em brassed for him to represent me. He is suppose to be a role model for children but instead of trying to better himself he constantly blames everything on everyone else and giving excuses instead of admitting that he did something wrong. Don't forget he broke laws again. This is someone who doesn't pay his taxes or assaults people time after time. If he truly cared about his community he would offer help to those that needed it. He could use his power to truly help people instead of running his mouth. Just think about it, if one of the white council members said anything he has they would be out of office already!

It is a shame that a man like Mr. Riddick can divide a city. He does more to hurt race relations with his continual garbage. Richmond went through the same problems ten years ago and hopefully they are behind us. Our problem council man ended up in Fed. prison for tax evasion. I understand he is now a free man. Hopefully, he won't come back.

Look, judging from the comments displayed here and on the last article, all that has been accomplished is this subject has strengthened rather than changed oppinions. The same people that voted him in will vote for him again. The best thing that can be done is to treat him like an annoying little brother. If you ignore him, he will go away.

blacks are visiting pilot online and we are reading and something is very wrong in the city of norfolk for one of its own to feel this way about the police department some thing is very very wrong.

The double standard that I see and hear irritates me beyond words. Why is this man allowed to say such racist things? Where is the outrage? I just don't get it. Racism is racism and should not be tolerated. There should be consequences for this man's racist remarks. As a community leader and supposed role model, he should be held accountable. How sad that this is not so.

I'm weary of the whole race card game too. Grow up people. If you violate city code, you pay the consequences, whatever your color. People need to stop making excuses and blame shifting. Exactly what message are we sending out to our youth?

As far as MLK Jr, didn't one of his speeches go something like " I dream of the day when people will be judged by the quality of their character and not the color of their skin?" The vice mayor should be thoroughly embarrassed. His character(or lack there of) is showing.

What is inherently amusing is there are few supporters of Riddick that can actually construct a coherent argument. Almost all within the support catagory don't have a clue what institutionalized racism is. I doubt anyone, including Riddick, can provide valid facts that support these accusations. So far, all of the crying of racism against African Americans amounts to nothing more than perception fueled by Norfolks entitlement minded, bigoted Vice Mayor. In Riddicks mind, white police are supposed to look the other way when confronted with black criminals, those that live in free public housing carry no responsibility for their own misfortunes, Darden carried no responsibility for his own death and was purposely gunned down, it is OK for a black to commit assault, he shouldn't have to pay taxes and his neighborhood should be immune from the same ordinances that he staunchly applies to all others. If one takes off the blinders, they can easily see that the true racist is Riddick.

Why is it Riddick constistantly plays the race card when it is to his advantage. Seems the ignorant racist does not understand the root of "represntative" is represent. As vice-mayor, he seems oblivious to the fact that he represents All of the people. What an embarassment to his race as well as the city of Norfolk. Paul, do the right thing....just go away.

[quote]"The former head of the city's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urged dialogue.

"It's pitting one segment of the community against the other," said Charlie Bryant. "They need to cease and sit down and speak to each other more calmly."[/quote]

The only one here pitting one segment of the community against the other is Paul Riddick. He encourages racial divide every time he opens his mouth. Why doesn't he use his pent up anger and energy into solving some of the problems that he has been elected to do, rather than continuing to drive it into African-Americans heads that they are always the victims of whites? I think it's rather laughable that he decided to "play the race card" in this particular situation as well. He feels "victimized" for being cited for city code violations (what, is he above the law?) and his response is to stir up racial tensions, and placing himself above the law abiding citizens who elected him.

It is saddening that Mr. Riddick is constantly excoriated by his pundits as a racist, simply because he refuses to ignore the elephant in the room. Whether you like his style or not, and really the arguments against Mr. Riddick are purely stylistic because they are completely devoid of substance, he is the only one who is ever willing to address the ever looming specter of race and how it affects each of our respective communities. Let the other members of the co-opted black bourgeoisie and the hegemonic white establishment tell it and you would think racism and its insidious and pervasive influence is a nightmare of the distant past that we have long triumphed over. Well let me tell you that it is not. Its legacy and its vestiges are still as potent and pervasive as they ever were and are borne out by the disproportionate incarceration rates and poverty amongst African Americans, of course unless you like so many bigots would contend that African Americans are inherently inferior.

Everyone with a high school degree knows what an ignorant idiot, reversed racist Riddick is. But for Fraim to suggest that he shouldn't be removed from the position of Vice Mayor smacks of political correctness in an attempt to keep the black voters appeased. I'm madder at Fraim than Riddick for that.

A Black officer was killed! Please let all the comments and investigations speak to the matter of "how" and "why"... leave the messenger alone or encourage and support his observation. Thank you Mr. Riddick for having the courage to "recognize" and speak out! We only get one chance at life...please continue to "keep it real" Remember God loves you and his wisdom and support is not lacking in any way!

It would appear that Vice Mayor Riddick can say whatever he wants to and indeed he has.
It would also appear that voters can recall him as they see fit and it seems they are working through that level of effort.
In both cases no ones rights have been infringed.
Not sure what all the hub bub is about.
It seems to me that the system is working.
If Ward 4 votes Riddick out then so be it - that is their right.
It is also the right of anyone to institute the recall within the confines of the law.
Too bad Mr. M. L. King isn't around - he would probably provide some much needed advice to Riddick.
Anyone can take anything and turn it negative, but it takes someone special to rise above and honorably work through difficult issues.
And really, I thought there was just one race - the human race!

The reason why more council members aren't speaking out is that they are scared to death of the ramifications. If they speak against Riddick they know they become exactly what he constantly claims, even though there's no truth to it. And this recall effort is a joke. Do you really think the people in his ward are going to vote him out?? They are the ones who voted him in! I applaud McCabe and Roberts but you guys need to put pressure on council and the media. They are the only ones who are going to be able to correct this problem without it looking like a witch hunt for what certainly will become another racial issue. No councilperson I've ever heard of has ever gotten away with what he spews everyday of his term. Maybe a lawsuit by the police dept should be brought against him for defaming them without presenting facts that proves his remarks. Wonder what he would call it if a black officer was to accidently shoot a white officer? Hopefully we never find out. I'm glad Norfolk has him.

If people who write these comments understood cut and splice, they would realize the comments by our v/mayor were placed there w/out the leading comments prior to his remarks. The whole story will not be shown on channel 10. The v/pilot should have and the city also stood up and requested under the foia all the info needed to quiet the questions that linger on officer darden's murder. If nothing else the 911 tapes should be released. This was a tragedy just as raymond chandler's death. We deserve answer's. I support the vice mayor and only wish there were more "men" stepping up to the plate. Funny most comments are from other "hampton roads" residents . Norfolk is the silent majority and many who wish to speak out don't have computer's. Media folk's get it together.

I guess a lot of blacks aren't visiting pilot online becuase I'm shocked at the % of these comments that are in agreement. It must be close to 90%. I guess if Riddick would say all the blacks have been shot, so they can't visit this website. This is the sort of thing that comes with the terrority when you have such a racially diverse city, he's crazy for sure, but a lot of the people he represents are looking for an easy excuse like "The white man is hold me down!" instead of the harse reality which is that they're indifferent, immature, and uneducated and that's there real problem. The people who can't accept those truths will continue to support Riddick and people like him. If you dont want to live in a place with racial tensions, move out west, it's very segragated there. If you're gonna live here, buckle down.

There is nothing wrong with the statement credited to Mr. Riddick but the timing is off. What is the corelation between a dirty yard and a police shooting that took place over 3 months ago? For some people its their mouth rather than their good that lives on after them and such is Mr Riddick. Spasm of the mouth is not easy to treat. For his supporters, race issues shouldn't be reduced to issues to cover-up misdeeds.

Wanna know why police target you more? Anytime you turn on the news, 95% of the crimes are committed by blacks. You're out driving at 2am, music blaring, 8 people in the car with gang insignia, smoke pouring out the windows and in a high crime/drug area....that's why. Yeah, you being black may have persuaded him to look at you harder...but isn't why he pulled you. That's not racism...it's called law of probability. Don't blame the cop...blame everyone of your brothas and sistas out there committing the crimes, forcing people to establish this kind of mindset. Why doesn't Riddick address this aspect of it all? It is the truth...with #'s to prove it. Just like when the Darden shooting went down. Everyone wanted to blame a cop (one or the other)...but noone wanted to acknowledge that if these idiots of Young Terrace were behaving, none of this would have happened to begin with. Stop blaming others and take responsibility for your actions and your people's actions Riddick.

When I read some of these threads, im amazed. Va.Beach ,our city councilman and mayor is willing to remove the residents from there homes, so the navy can stay(please). I didn't hear you trying to vote them out of office.(Why?) All white, but I guess i'm racist too, for saying that. I grew up in Norfolk, as a black youth, it was confusing. We were told to move on, you can't stand there, go in the house (Norfolk police) etc... my point is, we as blacks look at things different than you do(whites). We say what we think is right or how we feel. I think there is no crime against that. Now you might not like it, but you have to respect it. If not, what do we say? You can't handcuff a man for saying what feels. We all do it. Read to the stereotypes on this thread,when it comes blacks. I think it would be a mistake, if they voted him out of office. People will stand up for they think is right.

For the gentleman who stated, "For as much as he gets paid...". City Council members do not make alot of money for their service, let that be known. The position certainly helps their private interests and business connections since most on council are businessperson's (lawyer, funeral home director, etc.). As for Mr. Riddick, I dont think deserves to be kicked off of council. I do believe he needs to step down as vice-mayor. He seems to look out for the black community more than the community as a whole. If race equality is a serious local issue, let's address in a symposium or public forum so as a community we can collectively own the solution. Waiting until he is responding to a code violation, to bring up racial issues is non-productive to not only his point but to the problem. I live in a mixed nieghborhood and have seen everyone get coded for one violation or another. If a black community wants a change then code enforcement and sting operations are a start in discouraging crime.

You just made a martyr and victim out of a despicible racist jerk. You have now given Riddick further ammunition in his spurious institutional racism claims. Like it or not, the remedy for elected officials who make stupid, racist statements is owned by the electorate. You have now made yourself the poster boy for institutional racism. Put a lot of thought into that did you?

Pilot ("Mayor Paul Fraim said he is angry with Riddick, but he opposes the recall and urged his council colleagues not to participate. He also opposed any move to take the vice mayor's position from Riddick. " )
Mr. Mayor you don't any sense. You're angry but you are afraid of this man. You put him in office to appease the voters and you knew going in what Riddick's stance was. If I was Norfolk City council. I would investigate all of Mr. Riddick's claims of racism to find out if they are true or not. If not then remove that man for crying wolf all the time from the city pay roll. If they are true and he can show proof then process the guilty. I for one am tired of hearing the same old racism blues song being played every time Mr. Riddick opens his mouth when he does not like something.

I agree with the assessment of this voiced by DD Delaney, below. This issue of race is one that Norfolk needs to discuss - and soon. In retrospect, I wish the mayor had used his Town Hall meetings to talk about this.

Further, I have to wonder about all the weighing in on this topic by non-residents of Norfolk. Only 13 of the first 40 comments are coming from Norfolk residents. I hope more Norfolk residents will weigh in.

Although Mr. Riddick lacks charisma and tact, his comments should be addressed and a study done to see if his claims are valid. I have only lived here a short time, but I would like to see this city move forward to becoming a better place to live and not be divided by misunderstanding and hatred.
One more thing - "Freedom of speech" and "Freedom from speech" are two different concepts and often confused. Freedom of speech is provided by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and protects you from being jailed or fined because of establishment of religion or exercise of speech. It also protects the press and the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Freedom from speech is not protected and there are consequences in this society for what you say in a public forum. Many have lost their jobs due to inapporpriate comments; however, removing Mr. Riddick from office hastily won't sovle anything.

I think it is ashame that in this day and age a person is not able to speak out about injustices toward African Americans. Paul Riddick has the right to speak out and say what no else wants to say. I admit he at times has had issues that may be questionable. The only reason that he is catching flack now is because he said something unfavorable about the Norf police dept and being an African American I feel that there's a lot of prejudice in this city against African American people, I have witnessed it myself from the Norfolk police dept and others. There should be more people like a Paul Riddick that opens there mouths to speak out instead of saying nothing.

Just another example of how "the man" is gonna try to get you one way or another. I admire the guy. Although some of the stuff he says is "controversial," its usually on point. Like when he commented on the Military Circle police shooting. Like it or not, what he said was true. It wouldn't have happened at MacArthur (newer, more upscale) Mall. Of course they try to discredit him by saying he's racist, but this is nothing new. Any black leader not afraid to tell the truth will get portrayed as racist or "inflammatory"(ex. MLK, Nat Turner, Malcolm), when in actuality its the people that try to demonize that deserve those labels. Mr Riddick doesn't see things in black & white by choice. As a city leader, he sees things we don't see, and he gets the raw account of what happens. But unliike other politicians he gives his true opinion, instead of trying to sweep it under the rug. That's what's lacking nowadays in this country. Instead of trying to fire him, we need more like him!!

Like the man or not, you have to remember how he got to where he is.....he was freely elected by the people of his district. They deemed him the person they wanted to represent them in Norfolk government. Therefore, it doesn't matter if he ruffles some feathers, with his sometimes provocative if not outrageous comments. (I can't believe some of the stuff he comes out with). But, if you polled his constituency, I'd bet most would say that they generally agree with him. For that reason, I don't believe the recall should take place. I'm from Virginia Beach, and I don't know the man, except for what I read in the newspapers and see on TV. I will say, however, that he reminds me of another flame thrower, Reverend Al Sharpton. While there's a lot Reverend Al says that I don't agree with, his histrionics and sometimes wild statements have a way of shining a thousand watt spotlight on problems that others would rather sweep under a rug. Maybe that's a lousy analogy....but maybe it's not.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about Mr. Riddick,but he is the only one on the Council that really speaks up and cares about the little people (poor, disadvantaged,etc.)

Mr. Riddick only speaks the truth and the white race don't want to hear it ask long as they can sweep things under the carpet everything is ok but blacks need to know the truth. As far as the toms on your board they just don't want to be going thru the same thing that Mr. Riddick is going thru so they just sit back and egg the white man on.

This backroom agenda of the City council is part of the root of our issues in Norfolk. The citizens of his ward should elect someone if they choose to oust him. Enough is enough of this kind of half democracy. It is the citizens of that ward that have a right to decide. The council for too long have had too much power. We should not forget about the opposition to the Council's secret sessions. Lately, the Granby Tower deal comes to mind of something that most citizens of Norfolk opposes but that the council refused public word on. Just an example of how our city government and council, with the exception of Dawn Hestor, are polluted with corruption and self service rather than public service.

He is a disgrace to norfolk, and the entire tidewater region. He needs to go! His racism and bigotry will spread across the region and upset what delicate balance we might have.