Waller Lansden and the Belle Meade Country Club
So there's an interesting debate going on from our post yesterday about Mike Stewart, who is angling to replace disgraced state lawmaker Rob Briley. The question is whether he should have to answer for the behavior of his peers at Waller, Lansden Dortch & Davis. A lot of Stewart's friends are rushing to his defense, and I recommend you go back and read their comments.
Now let me add one last point (for the week) about Waller. Bob Boston, a partner who serves on the firm's Board of Directors, also serves on the board of the notoriously discriminatory Belle Meade Country Club, which still operates like it's 1963. The club has no black members from Nashville and doesn't allow women to vote.
Stewart himself doesn't belong to the place. (My guess is he realizes he can enjoy a more modern facility at the East Nashville Y.) But Boston's leadership role at the club raises more questions about Waller. Why would one of the pillars of your law firm join the board of such a backward place? (And that's not to mention that the club looks more like a two-bit bed and breakfast than a supposedly luxurious social institution.)
Update: Read Sean Braisted's alternate take here.
Comments
Perhaps you should ask that question of the person you quoted favorably at length in this week's cover story, the Hon. Gilbert S. Merritt, member, BMCC, and staunch death penalty opponent.
Along those same lines, why does the Scene take all that ad money from Lee Beaman, notorious Republican 527 funder? Is it because you're...horrors...in it for the money? I mean, real progressives would do it for the justice, man.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 02:32:32 PMNot to mention prominent past and present Democrats John Jay Hooker who only left BMCC due to lack of money, Bobby Thomas, and Jim Cheek at Bass Berry and Sims. Can't anyone play golf and go swiming without politics being involved. You guys who think politics all day need to get a life.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 03:04:39 PMNo arguments there.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 07:55:43 PMY'all, including Sean who may not be a y'all - I can't tell, are so funny. It's just the boys' club as always. Why even fret over it?
Posted 06/27/2008 at 10:01:10 PM