'Right approach': Wes Moore hailed as he slams DEI attacks over Baltimore bridge collapse as 'foolishness'

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: In the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Black leaders in Maryland have firmly rebuked attacks referencing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as "foolishness" and "racism."

Governor Wes Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, both Democrats, addressed the controversy surrounding DEI, emphasizing the need for unity and focusing on recovery efforts rather than divisive rhetoric.

Governor Moore's Firm Response

Governor Moore, who assumed office as the third Black governor elected in US history, dismissed criticisms aimed at DEI.

“My response is I have no time for foolishness. I’m locked in. I’m making sure that we can get closure and comfort to these families,” he told CNN’s 'State of the Union' on Sunday, March 31.

“I’m making sure that we are going to open up this channel and be able to get boats and ships and get our economic engine going again,” he added.

“And I’m making sure that we’re going to get the Key Bridge rebuilt. I have no time for foolishness, and so I’m not going to delve into it.”

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge occurred when the container ship Dali lost control and collided with a pier, leading to widespread damage and disruption. Some politicians, including Utah state representative Phil Lyman and Florida Republican congressional hopeful Anthony Sabatini, insinuated that DEI policies contributed to the disaster, the New York Post reported.

Mayor Scott Denounces Racially Charged Accusations

These remarks sparked outrage and condemnation from those who viewed them as racially charged and unfounded. Mayor Brandon Scott, a young Black leader, confronted the issue head-on, denouncing the suggestion that DEI played a role in the bridge collapse as absurd and racially motivated.

“I am a young Black man and young Black mayor in this country. We know that there are a lot of racism [sic], folks who don’t think I should be in this job,” Scott said during an appearance on CBS' 'Face the Nation' Sunday.

“I didn’t want to be out there that night answering questions about DEI. I’m worried about the loss of life. We know how ridiculous that is. Those folks are afraid as I said this week, to use the N-word. This should not be even in conversation," he added.

While Governor Moore refrained from directly addressing the racism inherent in the DEI accusations, he reiterated his commitment to supporting affected families and first responders.

“My focus is on making sure these families are getting the comfort and the closure that they need. Making sure that our first responders are getting the support that they need,” he said. “I frankly do not have time to be able to deal with anything else. I’m locked in. And I’m focused on what matters right now.”

Social Media Reactions

The governor was lauded on social media for prioritizing recovery efforts, with many condemning attempts to politicize the tragedy.

"He is absolutely correct," one posted on X.

"This is exactly right. Love this man," another gushed.

"Good! It's a shame that people would spread that nonsense!" someone else added.

"That's exactly the right approach to this relentless use of this partisan dog whistle," a comment read.

"Good on Governor Moore!" another chimed in.

Economic Ramifications and Reconstruction Challenges

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had significant economic ramifications, particularly for the Port of Baltimore, which serves as a crucial entry point for goods. With an estimated $80 billion worth of cargo passing through the port annually, the disruption has impacted thousands of workers and businesses.

The prospect of rebuilding the bridge, estimated to cost at least $400 million, poses further challenges to the region's recovery efforts. The economic impact of the bridge collapse extends beyond Maryland, affecting industries and businesses across the nation.

“This is a national economic catastrophe as well,” Moore stressed. “This is going to impact the farmer in Kentucky. This is going to impact the auto dealer in Ohio. This is going to impact a restaurant owner in Tennessee.”

In a separate interview. United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the long road ahead in reopening the port and rebuilding the bridge.

"Is there any sense of how long it would take to rebuild that bridge?" CBS News host Ed O'Keefe asked.

"We haven't received estimates on that yet..." Buttigieg responded. "I can tell you the original bridge took about five years to build. But that doesn't necessarily inform us about the timeline of the reconstruction."

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