Racism Cry Unfounded? 

The African American community is wondering if charges against one of their own are true or unfounded. The state of New York has chosen to name the Aqueduct Entertainment Group, or AEG as the new operators of the slot machines at the race tracks. Governor Paterson said that the group was the best qualified and that they offered the best results and returns for the state of NY and its people. However, as soon as the selection was made, there were those that started crying foul. 

They said that the slot machines only went to AEG because Paterson was interested in courting favor with Rev. Floyd Flake. They said that he had a secret meeting with Flake to gain his support in the next election for governor, and that is why he gave the slot machine franchise to him. Paterson has already said that the meeting was to discuss other matters and that it didn’t even take place until the committee had made their decision on the slot machines.  

However, the Feds are now investigating the charges to see if there was any kind of wrongdoing in the choosing of AEG for the slot machines. But Queen’s congressman Rep. Gregory Meeks thinks it is more about the color of their skin then a choice that Paterson may have made. They say that the only reason that there is a question about the slot machines is because Flake and Darryl Greene of AEG are both black. 

Of course, the Feds are also investigating Meeks – as he was involved in the non profit company New Direction Local Development Group which is accused to stealing money from the Hurricane Katrina victims.