I lived in Memphis for 12 years. I am safely back to No. Cal now. But I remember my time there with many great memories. The outrageous characters of the south are living and breathing. Local politics baby! That is where the best of these characters are enshrined. In the metro Memphis area alone, there are dozens of these larger than life politicians. You would think that the public would be outraged, or even fed up with this type of behavior. It seems actually voting out a powerful public figure seems to be a tough thing to do. Our friend Allen Elliotte channeled the late, great Huey Long, when he said "Only a dead girl, or a live boy" would cause the demise of a powerful southern politician. In that same voyeuristic vein, I give you the best example. The Fabulous Ford Family!!
If you want to get a peek at an old school, no holds barred politician, you need to meet John Ford. Harold Ford Jr's uncle. He is an amazing public figure. Not for his public service, but rather for his public spectacle.
When I lived in Memphis, the Ford family was the power broker for the entire region. Local, state and national politics have all been dominated by members of this fascinating family. Just about all of the elected Ford's but Jr. have been publicly embarassed by claims of corruption. But they all soilder on.
My fascination with John Ford has reached it's peak. After years of flaunting all the rules of common decency, he is seemingly near the end of the line. John is on trial right now for his involvement in the Tennessee Waltz corruption case. This trial is just the latest dust up John has weathered.
I know that the life story of John Ford would make a great movie. I am thinking Sam Jackson in the title role. The script would write itself. Here is John's reaction to his ex wife's attorney,
"That mother (expletive) got me in all the (expletive) trouble,'' Ford complained bitterly over drinks at The Peabody in April 2005. "I said, 'Man, I'm out three hundred thousand mother (expletive) dollars because of your (expletive) sloppy (expletive).' ''
I smell Oscar!!!
The Commercial Appeal has a love/hate relationship with John Ford. They condemn his actions, but can't seem to get him off the front page.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/...
I can't be the only one who has watched this family wallow through the mud of regional politics. So, before I begin my screenplay I was hoping for some great Ford family memories. All of you mid southerners know what I am talking about. Think back to all those good times and share em right here!!