Flyer Flashback
To mark the Flyer's 20th anniversary, we're looking back at stories from our first two decades.
by Bruce VanWyngarden
This week in 1996, Senior Editor Michael Finger decided it was time to send many prominent Memphians off to summer camp. Not literally, like Gitmo, but figuratively, and with a little gentle humor.
The first Steve Cohen/Harold Ford Jr. contest for the 9th District seat was well under way, and allegations were flying. Finger thought young Ford should head off to "Camp Pop-Sed-Sow," where he would take classes in "Nepotism 101" and "The Pitfalls of Puberty." Finger suggested Cohen would enjoy "Camp Needa-Bea-Kon-Gris-Man," where he could study "Inside the Beltway" and "Gambling: A Sure Bet."
Former Commercial Appeal cartoonist Mike Ramirez was slated for "Camp Gay-Bash-In," with classes entitled "It's Only Balanced When It Leans Right." Recently deposed radio-talker Mike Fleming was set for a few nights at "Camp Rush-Wanna-Be."
Mayor Herenton was off to "Camp Smak-A-Ford." Former state senator John Ford had a rendezvous with "Camp Pah-Lee-Mon-Eee." Har. Har.
Local TV news reporters were all traveling to "Camp Blo-Dry-Ah," where they would take classes in "Sincerity: How To Get It; How To Use It to Your Advantage" and even the Flyer staff went to "Camp Muck-A-Week" for courses in "Lawsuits: Proof That We're Popular" and "Ethics: Cash, Check, or Gift Certificates?"
Ah, those were the days. And, for the record, Michael Finger is still "Won-Fun-Eee-Guy."
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