We haven’t seen or heard much from Florida’s first Black, female, Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll — at least not since she was hand picked by Rick Scott in the heat of a very close election against Alex Sink a few years ago. After he successfully “purchased” the Governor’s mansion, Carroll was allowed to make the rounds so that citizens could meet her. We were led to believe that she would be given an opportunity to make a difference in our lives. We thought that she would be a spokesperson for Blacks and women in Florida. We were wrong.
Scott quickly muzzled a talented, efficient administrator — only allowing her to make public comments on rare occasions. But then, given her recent statement in which she denied having a sexual liaison with her female staff aide, saying “Women that look like me don’t engage in relationships like that,” maybe Scott knew what he was doing after all
It is not our intention to pass judgment on Carroll or to determine whether she is guilty or innocent of adultery. She has said she is innocent. We must believe her until she is proven otherwise. The stain of the accusation may remain far longer however. Add to that the insensitivity of her comment lodged against women who love other women and one cannot help but be disappointed.
Of course there are some who are just plain angry and want to chop off her head. But that’s perhaps a bit too extreme. One would think that being a public servant, a former leader in the armed services and a well-traveled woman of means, that Carroll would have better sense. Or at least more of a heart than to lump all lesbians — or anyone else — into one category.
What does a lesbian look like? What does a gay person look like? What does a poor man or a poor woman look like? What does a person with AIDS or cancer look like? Really Jennifer? Are you just another person that checks off identity boxes without realizing that the box represents a living, loving person? If so, once again we have the wrong person in office.
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