(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
So many things to cover in this week’s column while keeping in mind that I am only afforded so many words. I’m going to make sure however, to address another comment that was told to me by a reader.
Let’s start with the topic of the week, the Commissioners’ trip to Colorado, and the comment from former Commissioner Jerry Brigham that I read over the weekend. “In my opinion John Clarke, and Dennis Williams had no reason to attend the NACO convention to be wined and dined and spend taxpayer dollars.”
I spoke with someone whom I felt would have considerable insight about this. Their response to me was that “John’s trip was paid for prior to the election, and since he was registered, he should go.” He also stated, “There was absolutely no reason for Dennis to go as his term is up, and he hadn’t done anything the entire time he’s been there.”
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Understand it’s THEIR WORDS not mine. I will let others assess his accomplishments on the commission.
I have attended several conferences like this over the years, and they can definitely provide some much needed and useful insight. Oftentimes you can hear about great ideas that you wouldn’t consider for your community and see how they work in other areas of the country.
But I believe Michael Galluci made an interesting comment when he said, “For your reading pleasure, every one of these ‘classes’ mentioned are in fact posted on line. Now you know, and perhaps a follow -up quiz would be in order for the Commissioners.”
That’s very interesting; at least I can see some of the notes…but there’s nothing like sitting in the actual class.
The conversation of the Confederate Monuments was brought up again, and there was a large contingent of supporters for the monuments. They were decked out in full regalia as well, from Confederate flag hats, and belts, to shirts expressing their love for the Old South.
Let’s state this for the record. I don’t think that every person who wears Confederate flag designs, flies a Confederate flag or supports the Confederate Monuments is a racist (although some of them are).
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In times like this you may display bad taste, but by no means does wearing a specific shirt make you a racist. No, but the ACTIONS of a wearer of a shirt like that does show their true colors. Doing things that will create a divide, or something with the intentions of holding someone back—that’s a sign of a bad person. But most of you already know that.
After speaking with a friend of mine this week, I believe my sentiments are similar to his in reference to the Confederate Monuments: they don’t bother me. If they can be moved at no cost to those of us who don’t care—move them. If the people who own them want to move them—let them. Let me ask the readers, what are your thoughts on the monuments?
A few things coming down the pipe to think about…
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
