Fresh Squeezed

Tom Beck’s firing this week brings to mind a piece of information we received a few months ago, back when we were getting all sorts of plans detailing the elaborate ways the city was going to get rid of Fred Russell. This story had it that Tom Beck would be fired so that Fred Russell could be next in a racial tit for tat, certain races needing a certain number of votes to achieve certain things. Obviously both men are of the same race, but when it comes to Augusta’s racial politics, that doesn’t always matter. We hope it hasn’t gotten to the point that the commissioners are willing to sacrifice our government’s top people in order to settle petty scores. For one thing, race-based politics are just plain sad, and for another — is sending Russell packing really that vital to the smooth running of the city? Sure, Augusta could be in better shape and hell yes we’ve got our share of problems, but considering who he’s got to work with, hasn’t Russell done all right? Maybe lemonade isn’t for everyone, but when you’re given lemons, it’s what you make.You Might Also Like: