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.”