Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

NAACP to 'patrol' South Carolina borders
The State ^ | 1/13/02 | RODDIE BURRIS

Posted on 01/13/2002 7:44:43 AM PST by shuckmaster

The NAACP will begin posting "border patrols" at various entryways into South Carolina within 30 days urging tourists not to stop in the Palmetto State, the civil rights group said Saturday.

"The border patrol is our way of standing at the Georgia and North Carolina borders (and asking) that you not stop, not stay in hotels, and don't buy gas" in South Carolina, said Nelson B. Rivers III, NAACP national field director. "Or better still, that you turn around."

The initiative is part of a plan the group unveiled Saturday to turn up the heat on state leaders in 2002 to completely remove the Confederate flag from the State House grounds.

Tourism officials reached Saturday expressed concern the action could hurt the state's economy, already laboring through a recession.

Rivers said the group will hold a third annual rally at the State House on Jan. 21, in part to protest the flag. The NAACP also will launch a national campaign that uses billboards, flyers, bumper stickers and television to discourage tourism in the state.

South Carolina has been the target of economic sanctions against tourism - at $9 billion a year, the state's largest industry - since 1999. Then, the NAACP began increasing pressure on the Legislature to take the Confederate emblem off the State House.

In what they said was a compromise, lawmakers removed the flag from the atop the State House, and from the Senate and House chambers in July 2000. At the same time, however, they raised a Confederate flag on a pole on the State House's front lawn.

In 1999-2000, tourism officials said the sanctions cost Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head $10 million in lost revenues. Since the compromise, the impact of the sanctions has waned, those officials have said.

'DISAPPOINTED IN THE DECISION'

However, tourism officials Saturday expressed concern about the NAACP's new plans.

"At Parks, Recreation and Tourism, we're disappointed in the decision to take these further actions," said Marion Edmonds, a spokesman for the state tourism department.

"We felt that the Legislature's decision to take the Confederate flag off the dome and out of the Senate and House chambers was a good-faith effort to resolve the issue."

Edmonds said he was unsure of the impact the new NAACP actions might have. "These are actions that have not been taken before in South Carolina, to my knowledge. We don't know what to expect."

Others expressed concern the actions could hurt the state's economy during a recession.

Tom Sponseller, president of the Hospitality Association of South Carolina, said, "Anything that can hamper tourism, especially in a time like this, could have a severe impact on the overall economy."

Ashby Ward, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, said: "Right now, I'm angry. It borders on the ridiculous. The legislators from all walks of life settled on this situation in Columbia, and I realize nobody's happy, but it is a compromise. This issue should just be past."

Ward added: "It seems ridiculous in this kind of economy, with the nation focused on this war on terrorism - to drag something from the past out like this is beyond my comprehension."

Spokespersons for Gov. Jim Hodges did not return calls Saturday. House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, also could not be reached.

S.C. Attorney General Charlie Condon said the civil rights group's plan breaks the law.

"It's an illegal secondary boycott and so on behalf of the state of South Carolina I'm going to be looking into the possibility of bringing a lawsuit against them for monetary damages," Condon said.

In explaining the border patrols, Rivers said NAACP personnel periodically would be stationed at various South Carolina entrances, "with protection," to let travelers know that sanctions are still in place.

Rivers said he will spread the message that economic sanctions are still in place against South Carolina as he delivers speeches across the country over the next 45 days about black history.

"The NAACP has made up its mind," Rivers said at a monthly meeting of the state NAACP in Columbia. "We will not stop until the Confederate flag has been put where it should be - out of sight, out of mind."

The NAACP also has been urging athletes and entertainers to avoid coming to South Carolina. The group said it will continue that effort with fresh energy this year and in years to come.

State NAACP head James Gallman called on national religious leaders, meeting planners, performers, artists, athletes and others to avoid South Carolina. He also asked S.C. residents to honor the boycott by taking their vacations outside the state.


TOPICS: Breaking News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: dixielist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 481-500501-520521-540541-546 next last
To: shuckmaster

I think a bunch of folks should fly the Confederate Battle flags from their car antennas when they drive across the State lines just to visit SC. I would if I were in that part of the country.

501 posted on 01/14/2002 7:00:37 AM PST by Colt .45
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Dutchy
Sheer madness. A blackwoman called the Hannity radio show last Friday condemning his racist guest who supported the change made to the firemen's statue in NYC. I wish I could fully recite what this intelligent, sensible and angry woman had to say, but to paraphrase -- stop dividing the country with racist rhetoric and putting your nose into trivial matters. If you REALLY want to help the black community, try promoting education and the need for two parent households and investigate how to rid their neighborhoods of crime and drugs. Flags and statutes will not do it, but leaders who really care will!
502 posted on 01/14/2002 7:11:48 AM PST by StarFan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 327 | View Replies]

To: StarFan
Bump!
503 posted on 01/14/2002 7:26:01 AM PST by Howlin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 502 | View Replies]

To: yawningotter
The only way to stay in Charleston is at a Bed and Breakfast. For some unknown reason I am fond of the Ashley Inn. Now they could serve breakfast!

...

...

I'd like to recommend 2 Meeting Street to you. I believe that it offers an unparalleled access to the Holy City. Be sure to take night walks and keep a sharp ear out for the whisperings of the spirits of Washington and Calhoun, Edgar Allen Poe, the Swampfox, Sergeant Jasper, and the Men of the Hunley.

...

...

“Charleston, sir, was the finest city in the world; not a large city, but the finest. South Carolina, sir, was the flower of modern civilization. Our people the most hospitable, the most accomplished, having the highest degree of culture and the highest sense of honor of any people, I will not say of America, sir, but any country on the globe. And they are so still, in their temporary desolation.” –-William Gilmore Simms after the War of Northern Aggression

504 posted on 01/14/2002 7:32:03 AM PST by one2many
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 492 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
The NAACP know they gotta be out of their before it gets dark.
505 posted on 01/14/2002 7:32:40 AM PST by Texbob
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
Thanks for the tip. I just order something from them, mainly in support.
506 posted on 01/14/2002 7:36:26 AM PST by Genaro
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
I hope this happens. Me and a BIG group of my biker buddies would LOVE to ride there from Atl. and tell them what we think. On a WEEKLY BASIS.
507 posted on 01/14/2002 7:37:25 AM PST by Southside_bubba
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Gaston
Are you related to the old Gaston Clan from up around Chester, SC?

If so, I have some excellent URLs for you.

508 posted on 01/14/2002 7:38:12 AM PST by one2many
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 497 | View Replies]

I want to see them try to stop the Southern 500 crowd from spending money in SC.
509 posted on 01/14/2002 7:44:02 AM PST by Overtaxed
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 501 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
Makes me wish I could afford a winter vacation in South Carolina.
510 posted on 01/14/2002 8:05:20 AM PST by R. Scott
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
Cool! The NAACP is going to remind me to stop and spend money in SC, how nice. I travel from NC to GA and back a lot and will now make it a point to stop in SC to eat and fuel. And I haven't been to Myrtle in a while, think I'll start planning a trip there for the Spring.
511 posted on 01/14/2002 8:05:40 AM PST by SirAllen
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
I can't wait to drive over to South Carolina. When I stop at the "Welcome Center" to collect my free State map, I'll sign the guestbook. Where it says "Reason for Visit", I intend to write "Taunting the NAACP" (or something similar with more colorful language).
512 posted on 01/14/2002 8:20:15 AM PST by Charles Martel
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #513 Removed by Moderator

To: shuckmaster
This is to close to being WORK. It wont endure the week.
514 posted on 01/14/2002 8:28:29 AM PST by Bullpine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Howlin
I thought my family would all drive down to visit you, IN SEPARATE CARS!
515 posted on 01/14/2002 8:37:01 AM PST by StarFan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 503 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
"We felt that the Legislature's decision to take the Confederate flag off the dome and out of the Senate and House chambers was a good-faith effort to resolve the issue."

They were never interested in any "good-faith effort" you %$*&ing twit!! As long as whites continue to roll into a fetal position and cede more and more ground on the threat of "boycotts" that don't cost the Southern economy a damned dime, they will not quit until the battle flag is dead and buried.

Dear God, when will we these cowering politicians and Chamber of Commerce types grow a pair?!

516 posted on 01/14/2002 8:50:12 AM PST by winin2000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: shuckmaster
Rhett: I'm going to Charleston, back where I belong.

Scarlett: Please, please take me with you.

Rhett: No, I'm through with everything here. I want peace. I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace. Do you know what I'm talking about?

LET'S ROLL!!!!!!

517 posted on 01/14/2002 9:03:22 AM PST by Liberty Ship
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ROCKLOBSTER
"In what they said was a compromise, lawmakers removed the flag from the atop the State House, and from the Senate and House chambers in July 2000... In 1999-2000, tourism officials said the sanctions cost Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head $10 million in lost revenues. Since the compromise, the impact of the sanctions has waned, those officials have said."

Principles for sale!

518 posted on 01/14/2002 9:09:24 AM PST by Redbob
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: dagney
Quite right. Savannah IS a great place to live, work, and play. Unfortunately for the anti-NAACP crowd, its in GEORGIA.
519 posted on 01/14/2002 9:22:48 AM PST by T. Rustin Noone
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: Khepera
Road Trip?
520 posted on 01/14/2002 9:38:40 AM PST by Dakmar
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 481-500501-520521-540541-546 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson