Coffey: "I was never against the YMCA."

In his New York Times column today, Frank Rich tosses off this classic:

"No matter how many teachable moments we have, some people won’t be taught."

Meanwhile, the Tribune surveys the YMCA's first year.

Center of the city: Nearing a year in New Albany, YMCA is boosting fitness and business

The downtown New Albany Y touts a membership of approximately 10,000 people, equating to more than 25 percent of the city’s population. November will mark its one year anniversary, and (executive director Joe) LaRocca said the YMCA has availed despite a recession and double digit unemployment numbers locally.

There is acclaim from all quarters, and yet as is his political habit, city council president Dan Coffey won't be taught.

City Council President Dan Coffey said he doesn’t regret the qualms he raised when New Albany was weighing its involvement with the YMCA ... Coffey said he was against using tax money then, and he’ll be opposed spending $12 million for a parking garage.

I was never against the YMCA ... Coffey said.

He did everything in his power to stop it, pandering to the Luddite fringe every step of the way and fanning a culture war in the process, and now would have us believe that this somehow does not constitute being against it. That Coffey won't be taught is obvious, but isn't this statement plainly false?

And isn't that more of the same?