In 1991 Hillsborough County Commissioners created the “Moral Courage Award.” It recognized those that stood up to government for the community good. It was well intentioned, but inevitably left wiggle room. Some recipients seemed morally courageous; others appeared to be more like gadflies. Still, it was about people trying to make a difference – against the odds – who were recognized. We all get that.
What was never a good idea was to attach somebody’s name to it. Unless it was Nathan Hale, it would have disappointed — or infuriated — someone. When it was named for the polarizing, political activist Ralph Hughes last September, it dumbfounded anyone not a member of the libertarian-development community. It also blindsided everyone when the IRS filed a claim this year saying that Hughes and his business owed $69.3 million in unpaid taxes and interest when he died last year.
It further fueled the furor. Already, some previous MCA recipients had returned their Hughes-tainted awards.
Then into the fray stepped the Hughes family, who requested that his name be removed from the award. The Hughes name on the Moral Courage Award was not only inappropriate, but it had become hurtful to the family. Another unfortunate consequence of the political name game played last year.
The County Commission then voted — unanimously — to remove Hughes’ name from the Moral Courage Award. Commissioner Rose Ferlita struck the appropriate tone and rationale when she noted that it was about more than the name of Ralph Hughes. In fact, it was about no individual’s name being attached to the award at all. It was too limiting.
“Moral courage comes in many fashions, many degrees, many arenas,” stated Ferlita.
Amen.