MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- Standing in his Matthews front yard, Commissioner Bill James defended his racially charged email. He says he intentionally used explosive language, calling the urban black community "a moral sewer" in order to ignite a dialogue about low performing, inner-city students.

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VIDEO: Commissioner James Memo Outrages Community

"There is no nice, politically correct, Charlotte way, to address this issue because it is something that no one wants to talk about," he said.

Much of Charlotte is talking about James and his e-mail. At the government center, County Manager Harry Jones lashed out. His own email to James called the comments racist.

Even Commissioner Normal Mitchell, who considers James a friend, thinks he went too far.

"But that's Bill. I constantly talk to him to tell him it's not what you say, it's how you say it. And if you care so much, just remove some of those highly explosive words," said Commissioner Mitchell.

In two sentences, James used plenty. His memo said, "Most people know why CMS can't teach kids within the urban black community. They live in a moral sewer with parents who lack the desire to act properly."

Tom Cox, the outgoing commission chairman, believes it's time for republicans to stand up not with, but against Bill James.

"Those kinds of attitudes, those kinds of 'isms' have no place in the Republican Party," said Cox.

"What I'm saying is okay. I'm a white guy. I'm a republican. A white republican isn't allowed to talk about this. But you know what? I'm going to," he said.

The chairman of the county Republican Party said James' comments hurt the party.

Some republicans say they're worried that if James keeps talking, they'll all suffer in upcoming elections.

Still, James won't apologize. And for his part, he said simply, "I'm right."