Funny how something as dull as a booth at a city festival can cause such a stir of controversy.
EDITORIAL: Booth site flap is much ado about nothing
At last weekend’s July 4th Freedom Festival in Jefferson, an attorney in town got upset at the group which was sitting at a booth on the sidewalk in front of her office.
Booth space for the festival had been assigned by the City of Jefferson for the event. This particular table space was reserved for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Like all other booths on the street, the SCV paid a small fee for the space.
But attorney Shelley Cox didn’t like the group being located in front of her office. Cox, who is black, apparently didn’t like the Confederate symbolism being so close to her place of business.
After she complained, the city asked the group to move to another location, which it did without further incident.
But will the public square in Jefferson ever cease to be a source of silliness over free speech issues?
For years, a group of religious zealots have gone to the square on many Saturday mornings to scream sermons at passing motorists. More recently, the group began waving placards showing gross photos of aborted fetuses in an effort to voice its anti-abortion views.
Some in the city wanted to shut the group down since motorists complained about the photos. But whatever you think about the group and its message, it does have a right to assemble in a public space and to spew a message.
In a similar way, the SCV group had a right to its booth space on the city street. Just because one person objected should not have caused the city to gyrate and ask the group to move.
We live in a culture of hyper-sensitivity where people seem to look for reasons to be offended. While some may not agree with the SCV or some of its political views, the group does have the right to express those views.
As far as we know, this group wasn’t harassing anyone or causing any problems. Ms. Cox just didn’t like what they represented and created enough friction to have them move.
But in this week of July 4th when our nation celebrates its freedom, one has to wonder how long freedom can exist in this nation when people like Ms. Cox have such a low tolerance for speech with which they disagree.
Booth space for the festival had been assigned by the City of Jefferson for the event. This particular table space was reserved for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Like all other booths on the street, the SCV paid a small fee for the space.
But attorney Shelley Cox didn’t like the group being located in front of her office. Cox, who is black, apparently didn’t like the Confederate symbolism being so close to her place of business.
After she complained, the city asked the group to move to another location, which it did without further incident.
But will the public square in Jefferson ever cease to be a source of silliness over free speech issues?
For years, a group of religious zealots have gone to the square on many Saturday mornings to scream sermons at passing motorists. More recently, the group began waving placards showing gross photos of aborted fetuses in an effort to voice its anti-abortion views.
Some in the city wanted to shut the group down since motorists complained about the photos. But whatever you think about the group and its message, it does have a right to assemble in a public space and to spew a message.
In a similar way, the SCV group had a right to its booth space on the city street. Just because one person objected should not have caused the city to gyrate and ask the group to move.
We live in a culture of hyper-sensitivity where people seem to look for reasons to be offended. While some may not agree with the SCV or some of its political views, the group does have the right to express those views.
As far as we know, this group wasn’t harassing anyone or causing any problems. Ms. Cox just didn’t like what they represented and created enough friction to have them move.
But in this week of July 4th when our nation celebrates its freedom, one has to wonder how long freedom can exist in this nation when people like Ms. Cox have such a low tolerance for speech with which they disagree.
Defined tags for this entry: Jefferson
I must say I was surprised that lawyer Cox would attack the right of freedom of speach. I was even more surprised to See the Athens Banner Herald acting as her propagandist. Kudos to the Jackson Herald for standing up for freedom of speech.
Thank You,
Randy Evans
Those who feel Confederate imagery is a symbol of pride have every right to display it. However, as a Black resident of this county and a Jefferson business owner who views Confederate imagery as a symbol of hatred, I had the right to request that the booth be moved.
This is less a free speech issue than it is an issue of respect. The Sons of Confederate Veterans paid their fee and, thus, had the right to a booth at the Freedom Festival. But they did not necessarily have the right to a booth at the doorstep of a Black attorney. I do not believe that anyone intended offense by initially locating the booth outside my office. That space was assigned randomly and not at anyone's request. I do believe that there was a complete lack of consideration for my feelings and those of other Black community members upon learning that offense had been taken.
I cannot stop the frequent reminders in our society that I am judged by the color of my skin. I can, however, take a stand against reminders that are thrown in my face. This incident was such a stand, albeit a small one compared with the struggles of other Black members of this community. In this regard I am happy that what could have been resolved amicably has turned into an ongoing debate. Unless more of these incidents - including everything from smug comments to law enforcement profiling to murder - are brought to light, I and others like me will continue to be perceived as overly-sensitive whiners. The dangers of being Black in Jackson County are real. Wake up.
This occurrence would never have become media fodder had the booth merely been moved. Had it been considered preferable to remedy a slap in the face to me and those who recognize the historical significance of my business instead of blindly fearing that the Sons of Confederate Veterans would be angry over being asked to relocate, then I would not have had the need to draw attention to this matter. Either the Freedom Festival organizers want the event to be welcoming to the entire community or they don't. I wonder if it would be considered "much ado about nothing" had someone complained about a booth at which condoms are distributed located by a children's activity or a booth showing graphic images in the name of pro-life located outside of a food establishment?
I will never back down from my belief in both a free society and that we all owe one another some basic level of respect. Within certain constitutional limits we all have the right to say whatever we want. It's up to us to decide whether civility dictates discretion. What's most comical about this situation is that my conflict was not actually with the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Never in a million years would I think I'd ever have reason to say this to those men: Thank you for your civility.
But this is a matter of sensitivity and decency. The Confederacy was fighting for States' Rights. Unfortunately, one of those rights was slavery. Time has handed down its verdict: Slavery is evil. I don't think anyone in their right mind would disagree with that.
The history of the Confederacy can never divorce itself from its constitution protecting domestic slavery. Therefore, wouldn't it be better to celebrate this "heritage" privately, so not to offend the descendents of the atrocity of slavery?
To the Sons of the Confederacy: From a fellow citizen, please don't put on public displays as there is no tasteful way to accomplish this. It is hurtful to many of our citizens and friends. Jim Crow laws were finally changed only 43 years ago and feelings are still raw. Thank you for your consideration.
As for the gentleman that suggested that blacks that fought for the confederacy were volunteers, he really doesn't understand the relationship between a slave and a master. Nothing can be volunteered or refused. A slave is a slave, subject to the whims of a master, i.e. rape, beatings, murders and other atrocities. You must be free to volunteer. The blacks in the North were free and did volunteer.
Yes, we have the right of freedom of speech and the freedom of expression and we also have the right to be stupid and insensitive and hurtful.
I am the Third Lt. Commander of the Jackson County SCV Camp. Let me first say that some things you pointed out were right, why others were wrong. We have every right to "put on public displays", as long as there is not any injuries, or any other type of "scuffle". Many people (actually most of the people) in Jackson County support our Southern Heritage, and shame on you for asking me to not "walk in the shoes" of my Great Great Grandfather. I would believe a apology from you and Ms. Cox is in order, not just for the SCV, but also the citizens of Jefferson. Thank You,
Andrew Dorsey
Third Lt. Commander
Jackson County Volunteers, Camp 94
Sons of Confederate Veterans
www.freewebs.com/camp94
Abraham Lincoln said, "those who would deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."
I love American history and read about it, study it (at the university level) and visit museums. This is where your heritage belongs sir, in museums and books, not the public square, so that we can remember how terrible those days were so that we never listen to the ilk of your great great grandfather again. I would love to look at your old artifacts and share my Civil War photos, etc with you, but not in public where this activity could be hurtful.
General Lee was a great general and so was General Longstreet, General Stonewall Jackson, etc. But their cause was, in the end, judged by history, flawed. General Grant was a flawed man, overtly oppressing Jews and having a corrupt presidency but, in the end, it is his cause that can be celebrated, even today.
Perhaps it is you that owe we Americans (and modern Southerners) an apology for celebrating the rebellion after it was so soundly put down 143 years ago. We don't believe in this nonsense any longer! Yes, you have that right. But it hurts some of our citizens and it divides us. We have a Memorial Day for all American soldiers killed in action. No one denies that your great great grandfather was a good soldier. I'm sure he was. He was an American soldier. There are none better on earth. I salute him, but not on the public square.
Your great great grandfather is dead and could care less. He never had the tools to understand the difference between good and evil. (Considering the times he lived in, at least he had an excuse.) Sometimes being a good soldier is not enough. I know there are Germans who worship their Nazi ancestors but to most of us, this behavior is repulsive. (and illegal in Germany) I don't compare your grandfather to Nazis but his cause was no better)
There are other Americans other than Confederates and Southerners who have committed atrocities too. (some northerners owned slaves and let's not forget the carpetbaggers) And blacks can be racist too (Rev. Wright, Louis Farakhan) but we aren't celebrating that are we?
So go on and celebrate. But don't expect us to applaud. Your movement is no longer mainstream. The more you are in the public, the more controversy you will cause. And I don't foresee a bright public future for your organization. After several hundred years of oppression, I don't see Black Americans joining in your celebration ever.
I haven't been able to determine exactly what you think I should apologize for. I gave my opinion and meant not to insult you or your ancestors. It is we who have to stick together as Americans against a world that hates freedom and hates both you and me.
And for the people that think the Confederate flag is a symbol of racism, it is not. It is a flag for independance.
Let me stress again that the SCV is a non-political, non profit organization, sworn to protect the true hitory of the 1861-1865 time period.
"Any people, anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable and most sacred right - a right which we hope and believe is to liberate the world. Nor is this right confined to cases in which the whole people of an existing government may choose to exercise it. Any portion of such people, that can may revolutionize and make their own of so many of the territory as they inhabit.
Abraham Lincoln
January 12, 1848.
Andrew Dorsey
Third Lt. Commander
Jackson County Volunteers Camp 94
Sons of Confederate Veterans
I am not a racist. I have some good black friends, some that are better than my white friends.
All because the KKK uses the Confederate flag, it does not mean that the Confederate States of America or the SCV is racist.
I would like to thank everyone for listen to my oppinions, and let me stress that I do not want to cause a fight. I just want simpliy for people to see the true facts of went own in the 1861 to 1865 time period. Once again, thank you.
If you wish to contact me any further, email me at jacksoncountyvolunteers@yahoo.com.
Andrew Dorsey
Third Lt. Commander
Jackson County Volunteers Camp 94
Sons of Confederate Veterans
www.freewebs.com/camp94
my first comments were made before i knew she way black...and now I sstill feel the same....except now i believe she is even more pathetic and the city of Jefferson should lower their heads in shame.
I will not spend one dollar in the city of jefferson because of this....and that lawyer should be given the boot too.
Hey Jefferson...get it right or you won't get none of mine!!
The Confederate flag is more significantly a symbol of hate and racism in the years since the Civil War as evidenced by the actions of those who fly it. It is a symbol of blatant disrespect to those enslaved under it. The racists who live among us know that too, but hide behind some seemingly noble concept of "heritage" while ignoring the hurt it causes even today.
I ask this: Are you an American, or are you on the side that fought against the America we hold dear?
We live in a culture of hyper-sensitivity where people seem to look for reasons to be offended. . . . But in this week of July 4th when our nation celebrates its freedom, one has to wonder how long freedom can exist in this nation when people like Ms. Cox have such a low tolerance for speech with which they disagree."
***
I ask this: suppose it was a German "heritage group" celebrating their recent Nazi history from the 30s and 40s, displaying swastikas and touting their noble ancestors and the fatherland. Mike do you really believe that no one would squawk at that, that no one would ask that group to move? Mike would you have the tolerance to let that stand? Would you want them in fornt of your newspaper office, flying a Nazi flag? It's not that different in this case. The South was wrong on slavery and should not be celebrating that horrid past.
As for the hypothetical NCAAP booth and the hypothetical white business owner scenario that you describe -- I would hope that your newspaper would cover that story honestly. And I would try to understand it in its full context.
a)Her statement of "learn the facts",the booth location was not on her property (city property).
b)"Walk a mile in my shoes" there has been before you others who endured many miles so that you may have your shoes, ie;the chance for you to work hard to pursue your law degree.
c)Why did you not address this matter in your response to the festival organizers, they put this booth at it's location.
d)To the reference,"the reminders that are thrown in my face",take a broad look at the world we live in, all races regretably put oppression on others, we should oppose this, not promote it, ie; Iraq, Darfur Province Sudan, Eastern Europe, China, Haiti.
e)To the "dangers of being Black in Jackson County", go to one of the aforementioned regions and compare danger,I assure you your danger will be pale in comparsion.
In closing you have the right to show opposition to the location of this booth, you also have the right to show a total disregard of tolerance of what some Americans may hold sacred. However, it is a shame you chose to do this on what all Americans hold sacred,both here and abroad, our(yours and mine)Celebration Of Independence.
Respectfully,
David B. Smtih
Jefferson, Georgia, USA
Interesting article in the ajc.com today.
Shame on the State of Georgia for using the Confederate battle flag as a racist symbol in the 1950's.
The state flag belongs to all citizens, black and white, and not just the redneck remnant of the confederacy who have spilled the blood of our brothers and sisters on our sacred soil for nothing more than the reason of hate.
And flying the confederate flag on your truck is your right but you will look pretty silly in the 21st century flying a racist flag. Time to grow up Johnny Reb. The war is over and has been for 143 years.