This is a story we will follow closely as it unfolds in the coming months. At the time this took place in Douglasville, Georgia the abolishing of all things Confederate was sweeping the nation. "Rallies" or "convoys" of flag weilding trucks could be seen all over the country riding from one event to another in a show of solidarity and cultural pride. This incident took place right on the backsteps of this page's home. I must disclose now that I have close ties to a couple of the individuals who took part in that days "rally".
A lot of questions have and will arise over the next couple of months as this case plays out now that it has gone "legal". For instance, why was the District Attorney of Douglas County Brian Fortner so intent on bringing this before a grand jury to seek out criminal charges? Was he looking to prevent himself or the county from being labelled racially insensitive? Possibly avoiding any smear ammo in his next election cycle? I'll answer that question now. Absolutely not.
I do not know Mr. Fortner personally but I am an astute follower of all things local politics in Metro Atlanta. I followed his campaign closely and did due diligence on all the contenders for the office he currently holds. One recurring attribute that was continuously applied to any conversation about the aforementioned Mr. Fortner was that of integrity. This is one instance where the voters got it right. If the office he commands brought forth this case to a grand jury than there is substance to the accusations being made.
Another question surely to arise will be what effect will this have on how citizens choose to excercise their First Amendment rights to free speech? Will there be an unattended consequence of stifling ones willingness to sanction such displays in the future? Most citizens would agree that the group should have used better discretion in how they chose to "rally" for free speech. At first glance the parade of trucks with all their rebel glory did conjure images of a time which we decided long ago would not define us as a community. But...
As i stated before i have close ties with a couple of the individuals who were members of the Respect The Flag group. One person in particular has quite a bit to say about how those events unfolded that day and their recollection of that day couldnt be anymore opposite of what has been reported in a lot of media outlets. After much prodding I was finally able to convince that person to speak with me on the condition that they remain anonymous. I am more than happy to oblige. For that side of the story you will have to check back tomorow.
Before passing judgement on incidents like this we must remember the old saying; there are three sides to every story, theirs, theirs and then the truth.
A lot of questions have and will arise over the next couple of months as this case plays out now that it has gone "legal". For instance, why was the District Attorney of Douglas County Brian Fortner so intent on bringing this before a grand jury to seek out criminal charges? Was he looking to prevent himself or the county from being labelled racially insensitive? Possibly avoiding any smear ammo in his next election cycle? I'll answer that question now. Absolutely not.
I do not know Mr. Fortner personally but I am an astute follower of all things local politics in Metro Atlanta. I followed his campaign closely and did due diligence on all the contenders for the office he currently holds. One recurring attribute that was continuously applied to any conversation about the aforementioned Mr. Fortner was that of integrity. This is one instance where the voters got it right. If the office he commands brought forth this case to a grand jury than there is substance to the accusations being made.
Another question surely to arise will be what effect will this have on how citizens choose to excercise their First Amendment rights to free speech? Will there be an unattended consequence of stifling ones willingness to sanction such displays in the future? Most citizens would agree that the group should have used better discretion in how they chose to "rally" for free speech. At first glance the parade of trucks with all their rebel glory did conjure images of a time which we decided long ago would not define us as a community. But...
As i stated before i have close ties with a couple of the individuals who were members of the Respect The Flag group. One person in particular has quite a bit to say about how those events unfolded that day and their recollection of that day couldnt be anymore opposite of what has been reported in a lot of media outlets. After much prodding I was finally able to convince that person to speak with me on the condition that they remain anonymous. I am more than happy to oblige. For that side of the story you will have to check back tomorow.
Before passing judgement on incidents like this we must remember the old saying; there are three sides to every story, theirs, theirs and then the truth.
Radically Speaking
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