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The words are a bit archaic, but the sentiment is timeless. Since the song was written in 1933 as a show tune, references such as “so I chaffed them…” can be forgiven (I didn’t know what this meant either; i.e., teased). Subsequently recorded by top performers such as Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee and Harry Belafonte, the song survived until a group called “The Platters” altered the rhythm in a 1958 release, pushing “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” to top billboard status as a Rhythm & Blues hit.
The same sentiment is expressed in an idiom, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire”. It seconds the supposition that something else may lie at the origin of smoke. Although smoke is visible, the true nature of its source – the fire – may be obscured. Whether in matters of love (I write this on Valentine’s Day) or other passionate causes, those observing without full knowledge of circumstances or facts can be drawn – purposefully or inadvertently – to false conclusions by smoke in their eyes. The passion or fire may be real and righteous, but hidden or misplaced by the smoke it creates.
All of this leads me to comment on a public spat between Fremont Councilmember Teresa Cox and Fremont Mayor Lili Mei over Black History Month. A general proclamation was read by the mayor celebrating achievements of Afro-Americans as “a lesson to all that everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity has the ability to impact history and the future.” The mayor also noted prominent local leadership positions of Afro-Americans. Dyesha Gardner of the Fremont Human Relations commission accepted the proclamation and, at that moment, all appeared normal.
Subsequent comments from Councilmember Cox indicated that the matter would be far from routine. She announced her submission of an additional proclamation, “customized to focus on educational excellence tied to Ohlone College, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and “The Devine Nine.”” Councilmember Cox accused the mayor of “disrespecting me” by rejecting the second proclamation without comment or reply (denied by Mayor Mei). In a heated statement, Cox cited the importance of an educational “circle” to encourage inclusion of Afro-Americans and the historic lack of representation – “a seat at the table” – prevalent in U.S. history even though Afro-Americans have contributed so much to the nation.
Bitterness and resentment were hard to ignore as the tirade continued. Councilmember Shao raised a point of order to stop it and City Attorney Debra Margolis tried to limit discussion since it bordered on violation of the Brown Act that demands prior notice of such conversations if part of a council meeting. However, Councilmember Cox was not to be denied and completed her statement [bolstered by others who seconded her grievances during public comment]. Mayor Mei offered a brief reply, without elaboration, that she had responded to the councilmember’s request.
The issue is not whether Councilmember Cox is correct in her complaint, rather the form and true “fire” of the argument. While Black History Month has many societal facets associated with it – business, finance, education, science, sports, legal, etc. – often institutions embrace particular segments of the universe of human endeavor. In this case, the city of Fremont decided to issue a broad statement of respect without specific regard to educational factors – the substance of Councilmember Cox’s argument. She may have been better served to present such a proposal to Fremont Unified School District or the Ohlone College District for ratification, but while the fire of her argument is a valid and understandable point, the smoke of “disrespect” and anger over a perceived slight, especially as the election season begins, is a bit suspect.
When your heart’s on fire,
You must realize, smoke gets in your eyes
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