SPEAKOUT (471-6636)

Thursday, August 13, 2015

You can't change history

I don't really consider myself a "Southerner" although I appreciate many southern customs which set the people of the South apart from others in the U.S. - their respectful use of "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" and the way they pull to the side of the road when meeting an approaching funeral procession. I haven't given much thought to the meaning of the Confederate flag. For Southerners, it probably relates to how it feels to be a southerner, their experiences, customs, unique pattern, and their attachment to their lifestyle, communities and history. I identify with the flags of the city of Sikeston, the state of Missouri and the United States for similar reasons. Ever wonder what Native Americans think when they see the U.S. flag? Do they think of the atrocities perpetrated on thousands of Native men, women and children who died on the forced march along the Trail of Tears? Do the Stars and Stripes make Native Americans think of the U.S. Calvary's attempts to obliterate their ancestors in years gone by? Why are there no calls to remove all traces of Old Glory? Aren't we concerned about the feelings of the Native Americans? Our history and symbols of our history are what they are. Removing the Confederate flag from public view will not change history or what people think about that symbol of our past. Surely many Southerners see the removal of the Confederate flags as a declaration by our government that all Southerners and their ancestors are and were evil - second class citizens unworthy of any place in our history, our present or our future. Why must Southerners be forced to give up a part of their history, simply because others are unwilling to move past it?

Proceed with due care

I have a question for the city of Sikeston. This past week there was a funeral procession going through the big stop lights and they were being led by the Public Safety, but there was no one at the stop lights to help direct traffic. There was an accident. The family was already distraught about losing a loved one, and then they have to have a loved one that is hit, causing them to have to go to the emergency room, and more stress is put on them. I was just curious to why there was nobody there. And it took them almost 20 minutes before they ever got there to the scene. Just wonder why this family had to go through this?

According to Mo. statute 194.500-509, funeral lead vehicles must have an amber or purple light or lens or alternating flashing headlamps. The law gives the procession the right-of-way, except it must yield to emergency vehicles. Once the lead vehicle lawfully enters the intersection, all other vehicles in the procession may follow as closely as safely possible without stopping, but must exercise due care.