NAACP moving ahead with planned border protests against South Carolina

The State ^ | Feb. 12, 2002 | (AP)

[aomagrat]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dismissing threats of a lawsuit, NAACP leaders said Tuesday they will move ahead with planned "border patrols" against South Carolina to urge people not to spend tourism dollars in the state.

The protests at rest stops and welcome centers, which could begin as early as this month, are part of the NAACP's ongoing economic boycott over the state's display of the Confederate flag on the Statehouse grounds.

South Carolina NAACP executive director Dwight James told about 100 people at lunch meeting that he is not fazed by Attorney General Charlie Condon's promise to take the group to court.

"We've been through other threats of intimidation. We're going to press on until we reach the prize," James said.

Condon has said the protests are illegal because their aim is to harm someone else's business. He also argued that a welcome center is a nonpublic forum reserved for greeting visitors and it would be unlawful to use it to discourage tourism.

Speaking Tuesday in Mount Pleasant, Condon said he was optimistic leaders of the state NAACP will abandon the plans because the group's overall membership doesn't support them. He cited members of the Legislative Black Caucus who oppose the protests.

Condon, himself running for governor, said he plans to contact members of the civil rights group, perhaps by getting a membership list and writing to them.

"I'm certain if their voices are heard they will overrule the leadership of the NAACP here in South Carolina," he said. "We need one South Carolina. We need a South Carolina that is united. We don't need a divisive fight over a meaningless issue."

The NAACP has boycotted the state since early 2000, unsatisfied with the Legislature's compromise to remove the flag from the Statehouse dome and place it at the Confederate soldier monument on another part of the grounds.

James said the NAACP won't stop until what he calls "the flag of hate, the flag of slavery" is removed from Statehouse grounds.

"The Confederate swastika belongs in the past," he said to cheers. "It belongs with the other relics."

James declined to give an exact starting date for the protests, although the group said previously they would be held in late February at spots along major highways such as interstates 77 and 95. Billboards and other methods will also be used to get the message out.

NAACP leaders have described the planned protests as "informational pickets," in which volunteers will hand out pamphlets to visitors.

The NAACP's legal advisers have told James that the "border patrols" will not be a disruption to motorists or business, and that members are well within their constitutional rights to protest at the welcome centers.

James also said he has no plans to seek a meeting with Condon.

"If he wants to meet with the NAACP he can meet with our attorneys," he said.

Franklin McCain, one of four black college freshmen who inspired sit-in movements across the South in the early 1960s when they refused to leave a segregated lunch counter in downtown Greensboro, N.C., was in the audience as James discussed the upcoming protests.

McCain said he understands that the "border patrols" will make some people feel uncomfortable.

"This organization is not about comfort," he said. "It's in the business of making people change through discomfort."

[aomagrat]

What a bunch of backstabbing racists. The NAACP wanted the flag off the Statehouse. They got it. Now they want it off the Confederate Soldier's Monument. If South Carolina gives in again, what do you want to bet that the NAACP will demand removal of the monument next?

[VinnyTex]

They'll be demanding that we take down the American flag next

[sheik yerbouty]

That's their ultimate aim.

[buccaneer81]

Back to Garden City Beach/Surfside Beach for me this summer!

[Eddeche]

McCain said he understands that the "border patrols" will make some people feel uncomfortable

and irate, and possibly violent.

[Cobra64]

..."We've been through other threats of intimidation. We're going to press on..."

Just like you NAACP whackos will try doing in preventing free passage from one state to another. BTW, your are about three generations behind in labeling your enterprise. Are you still "colored" or African American? If the latter, then you should be the NAAAA.

These people don't even recognize that they are supposed to be Americans.

Twelve per cent of the population stirs the pot of American turmoil among ourselves.

[leadpenny]

If we get a couple of days notice, I'd be glad to start a convoy from Northern Virginia. We could pick up quite a gaggle between here and the NC/SC border. After we get there we find the first rest stop on I-95, FReep 'em good and then go spend some money in South Carolina.

[ottersnot]

James said the NAACP won't stop until what he calls "the flag of hate, the flag of slavery"
is removed from Statehouse grounds.

Wasn't this "horrible"flag placed on the statehouse by a Democrat in the first place. D-Sen Ernest Hollings I believe.

[MissEdie]

Ya'll COME ON DOWN!! We here in the Palmetto State would love to see you!!

[Twodees]

James has used very poor judgement in referring to the battleflag as the "Confederate swastika". That was the dumbest thing he could have done at this point, mark my words. This showed that he has no regard whatsoever for the people of South Carolina whether they're black, white or indian.

Showing such contempt was an extremely ignorant thing to do.

[X918]

I hope fathers will protect their families from being assaulted by these moron predators using any weapons they can get their hands on. To bad South Carolina doesnt have concealed carry or harsh winters.

[who knows what evil?]

My wife and I will be visiting South Carolina either this weekend or the next. We will be spending money at the stores; at the gas stations; and at the restaurants. We are bringing several friends...they will also be spending money in the same venues. We will be driving separate vehicles...we will ALL be filling our tanks. The NAALCP can bite me where the sun doesn't shine.

[aomagrat]

South Carolina does have concealed carry!

[Pearls Before Swine]

Can you say ..."backlash?" I, for one, am sick of generalized protests designed to "raise" my conciousness--i.e., change my mind in a manner subordinate to someone elses prejudices, beliefs, or just plain egotistical needs.

[Twodees]

The place to be will be on the I-77 border crossing at Fort Mill. There's no NC rest stop close to the border and the SC welcome center gets a lot of traffic.

That is definitely not a good place for these race baiters to show their ignorance, but that's where they're going to make their biggest scene.

[rohry]

We just moved down to South Carolina in November and can’t believe that any group would intimidate visitors who want to spend money in their own state. It’s like pi$$ing in your town’s only well because you don’t like the Mayor.

The local talk shows are having a real hoot over this, by the way. I would be laughing too if the potential for someone getting hurt weren’t so real.

[wardaddy]

Over 17 replies and no NAACP defenders or Southern bashers yet....I'm suprised ...is the Sherman thread still going? ...maybe they're distracted.

[caisson71]

I'll be in South Carolina for my vacation. Haven't had one in over 10 years and this is a good reason for one - in SC.

[rohry]

I am new to SC, but I am pretty sure that concealed carry has been in effect here since 1996.