The Publicly-Funded August Wilson Center's Woes

I read with interest that the publicly-supported August Wilson Center is in dire financial circumstances and has laid off a significant number of staff members.

As those that operate the facility attempt to determine why there is so little support for it, might I suggest that part of the reason is the Center’s proclivity to invite haters as honored guests (your Regional Asset District tax dollars at work)?

Most recently, “Reverend” Jeremiah Wright, of “God damn America” infamy appeared.  According to this "holy man", the dastardly attack on our nation of 11 September 2001, the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent men, women, children, and infants of all nationalities, was something we deserved.

Last year, Wright pal, “Reverend” Louis Farrakhan brought his virulent anti-Semitism to the Center.  When Jewish organizations brought their concerns to  about this to individuals like Moderator Bev Smith, they were told on no uncertain terms to mind their own business and butt out.

I would note that neither of these appearances featured any guest to balance the extremism of the featured speakers.

I wonder how those behind the Wilson Center would respond if David Duke were brought to Pittsburgh to appear at a publicly-funded facility and how frenzied the reaction would have been if George Wallace had been the guest of honor at a forum in the 1960’s to provide his rationale for “segregation now, segregation forever” as he stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to bar admission to black students.