News Tribune

usmc007 1 year, 6 months ago

It amazes me how the NAACP stands up for actions Like this; But when i a service connected disabled Marine Veteran experiences racial slurs, assualted, more importantly lost ALL of Military Educational Benefits in reporting the incidents to outside source only to have it swept under the rug... I have a question for Mrs. Clay: How can someone who's suppose to Be the President of the local NAACP but Yet instill work for the State as an Attorney to which Nine times out of TEN he's gotta report to them either way going to Fight and MOST OF ALL Protect someone's RIGHT'S?

I attended Linn State Technical College. Its all a dog and Pony show to me. From the NAACP, HUMAN NO RIGHTS COMMISSION, SECONDARY BOARD OF EDUCATIONS, AND THE OFFICE OF PROFFESSIONS.

BUT THIS IS WHAT I VOLUNTEERED FOR WHEN I JOINED THE UNITED STATES MARINES -SEMPER FI USMC007

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

usmc007: I would like to know - what do you think should happed because the song 'Dixie' was played? What do you think Cheryl Clay should do?

The article says the university's band director 'didn't understand the significance of the song as related to the square' and apologized. What more should happen?

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usmc007 1 year, 6 months ago

Honestly, If i was done intentionally then that's understandable to pursue the issue but the band director made a honest mistake and apologized, so therefore shouldn't non thing else happen in this situation in my oppinion; to which I am learning doesn't count much even THOUGH I have fought to PROTECT THOSE who don't want to PROTECT me and my Rights. MRS. Clay and the whole NAACP need to RE-EVAUATE what their REAL PURPOSE IS..IN THE OPPINION OF DARRYLE McGregor.

That unlike your average citizen Have Truly Earned it by Joining the Most Elite Fighting Force the United States Marine Corps and this Is the Treatment Veterans recieve for Following the Rules of Society and believing in a SYSTEM only in AMERICA mind you I am a DESERT STORM VETERAN still fighting the Storms OF POLITICS and BLIND JUSTICE.

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JCLifer 1 year, 6 months ago

Oh good grief...

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Sequoia 1 year, 6 months ago

The band director didn't understand the song he was playing. Do they not teach the Civil War in history class anymore?

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usmc007 1 year, 6 months ago

As I stated the Band director made a mistake and owned up to it...In my case it was blatenly written on my desktop, and I was the victim for Months and Months. Just to think had I been immature and Made Linn STate A Virginia TEch.....Nobody would even care what caused it or the Facts of the Matter they would LABLE me as A Marine Veteran who Flipped his Wig, not as A GRown mature individual who has worked for State REps during the State Ignaugaration or As the Individual who had the opportunity to Attend the Presidential Inaugaration VIP section mind you but This is The SYSTEM I'VE FOUGHT FOR TO PROTECT MY RIGHTS AS WELL AS ANY OTHER CITIZEN OF THE USA, I even recieved a letter from Michael Keller yes he works for OUr President and they informed me it was a matter of the state...But less than two weeks later the President is Having a beer summit when His Pal experiences the same issue..i COMPLAINED TO EVERYBODY IN THE STATE OF MO. EVEN TO THE FBI(LOCAL OFFICE) ONLY TO BE TOLD YEAH I KNOW THE SHERIFF THERE, YOU CALL HIM AND GET BACK WITH ME...ONLY IN THE STATE CAPITOL LOL.ONLY IN AMERICA WHERE IN MY EYES EVERYBODY IS EQUAL well suppose to be.....I can see why VETERANS SNAP.....

SEMPER FI

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spelchek 1 year, 6 months ago

I wish I was in the land of cotton,
Old times they are not forgotten;
Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land.
In Dixie Land where I was born,
Early on one frosty morning,
Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land.

I can see why someone would get so upset over such vile lyrics. They should have played Big Pimpin or Fornicate The Police instead.

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usmc007 1 year, 6 months ago

I am the true Poster child of In-Justice....Of the system that's in place to Prevent these kinds of Actions to which onLY APPLIES TO WHICH CLIQUE you are ASSOCIATED with. It's not about Principle anymore....The SOCIETY WE live in is so consumed with stuff that really doesnt make sense or Matters. I am 40 yrs old I don't care what color anyone is; What Political party they belong to because here's FOOD FOR THOUGHT: NO MATTER WHO THE PRESIDENT IS YOU WILL ALWAYS SEE A UNITED STATES MARINE OUTSIDE HIS DOOR AND WE DON'T GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS. It's just ashame that I went through this and followed the PROCESS only to be swept under the Rug...and STRIPPED OF MY VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS THAT I EARNED WAY BEFORE I HAD TO ENDURE THE HOSTILE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT LINN STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND DOING WHAT A MATURE 40 YR OLD IS SUPPOSE TO DO REPORT IT AND NOT DO DAMAGE LIKE A UNDISCIPLINED IMMATURE ADOLESANT.

(THEY CAN TAKE ALL MY VA BENEFITS, BUT THEY CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY MY MARINE PRIDE TO ADAPT AND OVERCOME)!

I AM NOT MAD AT ALL, BUT EVERY CHANCE i GET i WILL LET THE WORLD KNOW WHAT I HAVE ENDURED AND CONTINUE TO ENDURE FOR BELIEVING IN OUR SYSTEM THAT I FOUGHT TO PROTECT UNLIKE YOUR AVERAGE CITIZEN.

i AM NOT THE ONE TO CRY WOLF EITHER- HAVE ALL DOCUMENTATIONS FROM MY LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CORRESPONDENCE CHIEF TO EVERY DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI. sO YES BLIND JUSTICE DOES EXIST AND NOW THEY MIGHT DO SOMETHING BECAUSE OF MY BLOGS LMBO NO SHAME IN THE GAME....HAVE SPELLED MY NAME OUT AND EVERYTHING. jUST REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THESE SO CALLED ORGANIZATIONS, AND DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE SUPPOSE TO PROTECT AND ETC BUT FAIL MISSABERLY...

P.s. Who is REALLY SUPPORTING THE TROOPS?

sEMPER FI USMC007

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

Sequoia: What is the connection with teaching about the Civil War in school and this song?

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

The incident happened and the apology was given...ok, but I don't believe the band director didn't know what the meaning of that song was about. Now he/she may not have known that some innocent people were murdered in that very spot, but I'm sure some of the towns people knew, so the unawareness angle doesn't hold water. Enough people knew that song stood for nothing good and enough certainly knew about the murders that took place there. Yet they let that evil song be played anyway. That is the same disgraceful attitude that has allowed the fires of racial hate to continue festering all these years

I still have living relatives that remember being forced to drink from separate water fountains, attend separate schools and ride on the back of the bus. My grand parents (god rest their souls) actually told us of their accounts of them watching as innocent friends were lynched. I've seen pictures of the what a whip does to human flesh. Now even though I don't hold a grudge for the horrors which Dixie and those Dixie Lover's brought to innocent people. I certainly DO NOT EVER consider those who celebrate that period as simply celebrating gentler times filled with honor and respect. Dixie was and is evil and it stands for nothing but HATE! For some people going through Dixie is like a Jewish person walking through Dachaue or one of the other horrible camps where so many innocent people were murdered. Shamefully....Dixie happened right here in America.

As for the FT Poleece Song. I don't support that, but I'll tell you this. Not very many Cops/people if any at all, was killed because of that song. You can't say the same about the Dixie tune, because millions were killed simply because of their race and the verses of Dixie filled the air! Yeah they knew and could have prevented the incident from happening, but just in the past...nobody spoke up and did the right thing.

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JMO 1 year, 6 months ago

I'm 48 years old and never knew Dixie was about slavery until 10 minutes ago when I googled the (oringinal) song lyrics. I grew up singing it in grade school - the "modernized" version that everyone else knows I suspect. The original version is pretty offensive. I generally think political correctness is starting to stretch the bounds of common sense and that everyone should grow a thicker skin, but I understand now what the fuss was about. Still, how many people even know the song was originally about anything but pride in being from the southern states?

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spelchek 1 year, 6 months ago

Anyone who finds Dixie disturbing isn't paying attention to the world around them. They also don't realize the slippery slope they're on either.

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

JMO I appreciate you actually trying to learn a little more about the situation before reaching your conclusion. Your actions give me hope for a better tomorrow. Now as for a few others, well let's just say my hope is that one day they too will actually face the obvious truth..which is. As long as people continue making excuses for the evil treatment that this nations people heaped upon other innocent Americans. Americans will continue living under the cloud of confusion, lies and unaccepted guilt.

True, 360,000 Union solders may have died fighting in the Civil War, BUT NONE OF THOSE 36,000 SOLDIERS WOULD HAVE HAD TO DIE IN THIS WAR IF THERE WERE NO CRY TO KEEP "DIXIE" ALIVE! ALSO NOT ALL OF THOSE UNION SOLDIERS WERE FIGHTING TO END SLAVERY AND GUARANTEE FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR THOSE "MILLIONS" YES "MILLIONS" OF INNO0CENT PEOPLE WHO WERE DENIED THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS! SURELY YOU DON'T DENY THAT MILLIONS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE WERE RAPED TORTURED, MURDERED, LYNCHED, MUTILATED AND JUST PLAIN KILLED FOR NOTHING MORE THAN BEING A PERSON THAT LOOKED DIFFERENT. ALSO INCLUDED IN THOSE INNOCENT MILLIONS ARE THOSE PERSONS WHO SUPPORTED AND TRIED TO HELP THE PEOPLE WHO LOOKED DIFFERENT! Regretfully the biggest insult and shame came after the mess was over. After the War was over, slavery ended BUT NOT THE HATE! That's why the Dixie Lover's were able institute a equally horrific and barbaric systems of legalized "Jim Crow", Black Codes, Pole Taxes, Segregation and other unfair unconstitutional practices to MAKE SURE INNOCENT PEOPLE WERE STILL DENIED THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS. The people who supported this mess was the same people who supported "DIXIE" AND THE VICTIMS OF THIS MESS, were the same group of people who were victimized by the Dixie Supporters. So you tell me how "longin for the return of Dixie" was/is anything but hurtful for so many!!

In closing, I'm being responsible and saying the F the Poleece song is wrong and I have/do/will not promote that anti Police attitude. Yet I also know that not very many people, if any, were harmed because of this tune. ONE CANNOT HONESTLY SAY THE SAME ABOUT "DIXIE LAND"!

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

wow: what aught to happen to put the past to rest? What does it look like?

When I say 'the past' - include slavery, jim crow, rape, murder, lynchings, poll taxes, segregation, and other unfair hurtful acts related to the slavery here in the US.

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evenkeel 1 year, 6 months ago

I think it is a catchy tune! The lyrics I am not too hepped-up on.

Kind of like most John Mellencamp songs- good beat, don't pay much attention to the lyrics. Since I've forgiven John Mellencamp for letting some record company executive insert a "Cougar" into his name for awhile, I am ready to forgive Dixie for the original lyrics. I like to be big that way.

How about you wow? Do you like being big or do you LIKE being peeved?

If you want to get offended, how about anything Rod Stewart has sung post Maggie May? Sheesch. Rod Stewart has caused a lot of hurt. (And those wounds are still fresh!)

By the way, did anyone think that the Band Director was sending a message that he (or anyone else) is pro-slavery or pro-segregation or pro-lynching? I didn't think so.

I think the Pride Band is simply pro-music. Rod Stewart-I have my doubts.
As for Dixie: play on Dixie. It's a toe tapper for me.

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

Tap away folks it's your choice...all I say is don't get "peeved if someone is upset about your immoral and sick form of humor, enjoyment and amusement. Don't be surprised if some people speak out against your cry to return to the land of Dixie. Don't pretend the Dixie Song, Dixie supporter's etc, etc, is not offensive to most people who apply common sense. Oh sure, those of us anti-Dixie-ites have to understand that "ignorance" is just that "ignorance". However for us to simply accept the public support and display of Dixie, the Confederacy, etc, etc, would be allowing those horrible days and ideas to go unchallenged. Not speaking out against such ignorance is what allowed it to happen in the first place...and "Boo" I/many others don't plan on letting that mess be repeated by anyone. In short, while you Dixie Boyz and Girls are in public having fun "a hollerin and a yappin and given yer Rebel yells" as the choir sings Dixie. Don't get upset if while you're tapping to the beat, someone from the public comes along and politely steps on your toes.

Folk's, if you wanna promote hate, that's your choice, but do it in private on private property.

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JMO 1 year, 6 months ago

Now I have this stupid song stuck in my head.

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evenkeel 1 year, 6 months ago

wow, it is time for you to shrink your bloated, overactive grievance gland and quit pumping out so much bile. Here is my prescription for you. Since Dixie was played to commemorate General Lees' surrender, from now on whenever Dixie is played, you COULD CHOOSE TO DECIDE that playing Dixie is a celebration of the Confederacy's defeat and surrender. See? You can CHOOSE not to be peevish. That is, unless you think peevishnessness bestows on you some kind of moral prestige. Which it does not. (And your ill-temper is really not doing a thing to keep the Confederacy from rising again. So quit patting yourself on the back for that non-event.)

If you want to promote peevishness that is your choice. I CHOOSE not to play your grievance game. It is tiresome.

Can notes be hateful? I like the tune and I think it is good music.

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wcywing 1 year, 6 months ago

Apparently Pres Abe Lincoln liked the song too. Protest Dixie, confederate flag etc. however the more protest there is the counter protests there is. Btw bugs bunny sang it too, but he beat yosimite sam who dressed up in a confedrate uniform.

More free speech is the answer to free speech u dont like

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

wow: I have read your recent posts and it looks like you have not answered my questions. Of course, your are free to choose to not anwer them. I would really like to read/hear your response. so, I am asking again:

wow: what aught to happen to put the past to rest? What does it look like?

When I say 'the past' - include slavery, jim crow, rape, murder, lynchings, poll taxes, segregation, and other unfair hurtful acts related to the slavery here in the US.

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historybuff 1 year, 6 months ago

In 1906, three black men were lynched in that square. I think that is one of the reasons some people were upset by the playing of "Dixie" in that particular place. The story should have included that information in order to be complete. Springfield had a pretty nasty history when it came to blacks after the Civil War.

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spelchek 1 year, 6 months ago

Let us ban the Star Spangled Banner too. It represents our country that freed itself from British rule all the while utilizing slavery to build it's economy. When I see the American flag I think of bigots and racists. See how that works?

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

Thanks historybuff - I understand the same thing. When I read this part of the article - 'The Springfield News-Leader (h--p://sgfnow.co/vTvkJA) reports the band played “Dixie” on Nov. 18 as part of the dedication of Park Central Square, where three black men were lynched in 1906. - I got that udnerstanding.

It looks to me like a lot of this discussion is about symbols and what they mean to us - individually and collectively - and how to handle the past.

As you well know, historybuff, Its really a mess. No one alive today created this mess. Yet we are the ones to deal iwth it. As with many traumatic things, the harm is always the worst of it and the fallout can be troublesome. I am certain 'we' are doing quite well with it.That is my bottom line.

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spelchek 1 year, 6 months ago

wow -- is going to love this!!!

"I Wish I Was in Dixie" is a popular song about the South. It was allegedly written by composer Daniel Emmett, a Northerner from Ohio, and published in 1859. Emmet's claims of the origin of the song were many and varied. According to one such version, Emmett was taught the song by the Snowden family of African American musicians, then freemen of color, with the lyrics coming from a letter written longingly of life in the south by Evelyn Snowden to her father

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evenkeel 1 year, 6 months ago

asb, I don't play along with your grievance mongoring. The song Dixie is not evil. The lyrics that I know (which are few, since I am not much of a lyrics person and readily admit it) are not evil. The notes are put together in a way that is pleasing to the ear. Come-on, give it a hum and then tell me it is not good music. Then try humming the Star Spangled Banner sometime--it is not easy.

It does seem to tick you off that I don't go along with your political correctness. You'll need to shrug that off.

I am pretty certain that no one in Springfield had bad intent. No one, anywhere that I am aware of, wants the Confederacy to rise again, wants to segregate people or wants to bring back Jim Crow laws. Of course, I hang out with sweethearts. (Really, I do.) I also like to think the best of people unless irrefutable proof exists that I am mistaken. I think that is why I am so cheery. (Except, of course, when I think of the mountain of debt that the Federal government is piling up that will destroy us all. Though I am thankful that Obama doesn’t seem to know what comes after ‘trillion.’” )

asb, why do you insist on subscribing bad motivations to an innocuous (non-)event? Other than the obvious moral preening that you habitually engage in. Why do you need to work so hard to feel good about yourself? Maybe you just need a hug.

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

Even though it's hard to believe the Band Leader made a mistake. He/she did apologize for what happened. As for where the Dixie song came from and it's original purpose. If you think that freed men of color composed this song to celebrate and encourage going back to a place where other people of color where treated like animals....well you're crazy. And even if it were true these men of color did create this song. It would not be the first or last time men of color made fools of themselves. It also still doesn't make the song any more acceptable. It still does not devalue the true fact that "the song represents an awful cultural festering in America. So, once agian for "anyone using common sense to simply accept the public support and display of Dixie, the Confederacy, etc, etc, would be allowing those horrible days and ideas to go unchallenged. Not speaking out against such ignorance is what allowed it to happen in the first place...and "Boo" I/many others don't plan on letting that mess be repeated by anyone".

How can we put the past to rest? That's a very good question. I think we've made some progress; however every time someone cries "racism" just because it's semi fashionable. Well that makes it harder for the person who has really been a victim of racism. Also when there is actually proof of racism, then we as a nation have got to take an honest interest in making sure the racist get's properly squashed. We also have to stop making excuses for supporting the Confederacy, Civil War and that time period. Nothing about it was right. Our founding father's were slave owning racist and sexist. It's a known fact, yet we tend to try sugar coating their accomplishments. We need to openly discuss why the United States Supreme Court Judges helped legalize Jim Crow, Black Codes and Segregation. We need to discuss why American politicians sat idol as men and women were beaten, murdered, raped and killed and nobody ever was prosecuted. We need to stop trying to protect people from the American truth.....which is even though this is greatest nation on this planet. Some of the people who inhabited and currently inhabit our country, were and are some most evil and cruel humans to ever walk America's streets. In short Americans have a lot to be proud of, but they also have a lot to be ashamed about as well.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

wow: I appreciate you answering my question about how to put this particular past to rest. You are the first I have heard actually acknowledge people claim they have experienced racism when it is not the case at all. It truly does make it difficult to address when it really happens....crying wolf story.

I also really appreciate you acknowleding the wonderful things about this country as it is now. As has been evidenced by many other stories of recent times, we are working out some stuff - as it should be. It is truly wonderful we live in a country where we have the luxury - the opportunity to communicate and express ourselves freely asd we are now....if we so choose. We are blessed! We are truly a privileged nation! I would like it to continue to be blessed. This dialogue we are all having is a part of building on the wonderful foundation our forefathers laid out for us. You may wonder how I can possibly say that and do it with peace of mind and sincerity. Truth is, there was a time when I thought much like you. I am infinately grateful that I see things a bit differently. You are correct. This country's founding fathers were slaveowners. Brilliant men.....and slaveowners. We are all package deals - we have our pluses and minuses. We clearly see the minuses of the founding fathers. We can factor in that it was the way things were back then - that only explains part of it b/c they knew....deep down they knew. I refuse, however, to accept your line of thinking that people are evil - or there are some people who are evil. I know deep down -can't prove it - we are all basically good people.

I so very much agree with you that slavery or any other form of abuse, disrespect to another human being - regardless - is wrong. I am certain all - ALL POSTERS - on this story agree with this statement....and therefore you and I. I am certain all posters here are good caring people. Thus their reason for posting their thoughts - ideas, opinions - and factual information. Having read all comments here - I am soooo certain of it! Evenkeel said it even better: 'No one, anywhere that I am aware of, wants the Confederacy to rise again, wants to segregate people or wants to bring back Jim Crow laws.' I would like to add - If by chance, someone says they do, see them for what they are...empty, hurt, seeking a way to uplift themselves by making others less. That is all it is. to be continued...

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

I so appreciate that you care about the future of this country so this sort of systematic institutional vulgar abuse remains in the past. I am with you on that. And that you are doing everything you possibly can to prevent it. i strongly encourage you to rethink how you do that. First, it is important to recognize people DID things to prevent stuff back then. A good example is the story of Celia. You may be familiar with it. For those who are not: Celia was a young 14yo woman bought by a man who lived outside Fulton. He raped her at least a couple of times - she gave birth to two children as a result. He was murdered. She was arrested for his murder. She was 'found guilty' and sentenced to hang. People in the community took her away from the jail cell where she was held. Eventually she hung for the murder. Sometimes they have vigils in December for her over in Fulton. Anyway, there have always been people who have attempted to help others - slaves, freed slaves, etc... all through the centuries. Liberia - a country set up ?) soley for the purpose of giving the slaves a home in Africa. The underground railroad. Did you know there are local people - 'white' local people - whose 'white' local relatives were beheaded for assisting? Soooooo much we DON"T know about this. Even when Missouri became a state - oh - there was ALOT of turmoil around that. If one searched this out, there is alot of good stuff out there.

Unfortunately Celia hung, good people beheaded, Missouri became a slave state. I have often asked why. I am sure you have too. At this point in time, I have concluded there weren't enough good people to stand up for this stuff b/c some were too afraid to do so. The risks are high. Care to be beheaded? Even today there are things that happen that don't have to - if everyone would stand up and say what needs to be said. Well, truth is people are afraid. What would they do if they loose their job when they have children to care for? I won't fault them for it. Truth is I have probably been quiet when it would've been right to speak up - ALTHOUGH I definately have spoken up when it was necessary. I won't beat myself up for my imperfections. Nor will I anyone else - including our founding forefathers. Even though we all know..

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

So, the flip of all the ugly is that Slavery came to an end. GONE.Jim Crow and segragation came to an end. GONE.We have the Civil Rights Act. Alive and Well. We now have a president of African heritage. Not the first - the first one 'passed'. This is clearly evidence of a very different America... from my perspective. No reason to carry anyone's shame.

wow: As I see it, everyone is doing their best with what they have. Appreciate what you have now. There is much evidence to be hopeful for a better America. How to prevent the past from repeating itself? No guarantee of it - or anything else. Trying to keep racism alive doesn't do any good. Nor does blaming innocent people for something they didn't do. This is were creativity comes. See the beauty in people..... maybe beauty blossoms. I wonder...how do we build on the goodness of this country?

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

We just keep trying. We keep teaching our kids to do the right thing and accept people for people. We never let an opportunity pass to confront those "few" (but still to many) who are out there practicing and preaching hate. It's not one group, race, religion or gender. These hater's come in all walks of life and they are not always gonna come atcha from the front. These slickster's are going to and use circumvented laws, rules and weak minded people to help them keep the hating going on. These people are politicians, clergy, professionals and every day people. They are in our midst and we have to be smarter than them and we also have to confront these people every time they try pushing that BS of theirs.

I'm glad the band Leader apologized, I'm glad I said those things that ruffled a few feathers. I'm also glad my feathers were ruffled a bit. This is a very touchy subject that needs to be discussed and for the most part it was discussed with a great deal of respect for the various opinions. Perhaps this is a sign that progress is being made, but let's not fool ourselves...for every one of us that want to see progress there are those that actually believe the hate mongers. Never, ever again can we stand by a let innocent people become chattel.

Singing Dixie is such a joke... my pipes are blastin out, "GOD BLESS AMERICA, LAND THAT I/WE LOVE, MY/OUR HOME SWEET HOME"

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

Why is encouraging others to admit Dixie and the Confederacy represent evil is being on a slippery slope? Doesn't the song Dixie inspire the resurgence of those days of old when the hard work was done by the poor for little or no pay, however the majority of the hard work and the heaviest lifting was done by people of color for free. This wasn't done because they were being neighborly, these people were cheated out of money and forced to do this. This occurred during the earliest years of our nation and continued long after Dixie took a good THUMPIN. Instead of letting things settle down..."Haters" continued singing about going back to the good ole days when lynchings were common picnic events. Where raping women of color was acceptable as long the raper didn't appear to like it. Where school children were separated by color. Where in many cases poor children and those of color didn't have a school to attend. Where people of color fought and died defending a country that failed to afford them equal treatment under the law. Even though a Presidential Order said otherwise. Where the Constitution of this great nation failed to include women and people of color in it's protective shield. That "Where," is "America" and Dixie is included in that. Now America has been changing for the better, so let's champion that fact. If we are gonna sing about Dixie, let's sing about the fact that Federal Troops are no longer needed to enforce integration. If we're gonna sing about Dixie let's sing about Bull Connor being prosecuted. If we're gonna sing about Dixie let's sing about George Wallace having his racially sensitiveV-8 moment on his death bed. If we're gonna sing about Dixie...let's sing that the old Dixie is never gonna rise again. Let's sing that Americans will never again accept a system that allowed "MILIONS" of innocent people to be butchered at the hands of rich, greedy, cruel, Americans. If we're gonna sing a song. How about something like...Dear God forgive us our sins and please give us the strength to vanquish the evil thoughts of ever returning to a place called Dixie.

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soxfan 1 year, 6 months ago

if the african-american people are not offended by rap songs why then "dixie" don l

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wow 1 year, 6 months ago

In this day and age, I fail to understand how anyone asks a question like "if the african-american people are not offended by rap songs why then "dixie"? However since the accepted rule is the only bad question is the one that goes unasked. I'll do my best to remain calm during my reply.

Here we go.... although most of the Rapper's are people of color, Rap music does not belong soley to African Americans. Also, not every African American person supports every Rap Artist. The vast majority of African Americans like the majority of non whites have no problem with Hip Hop or Rap or even Gangsta Rap music. Yet these people are all equally disturbed about the "Ho's, Guns, Beooche's, Dope and violent references that some of these "Hoodlum Criminals" try pushing off as music. Here's something else for you to deal with. These Hoodlum Criminals rapping are not the only African Americans to have ever done or said something to make fools of themselves....ask Herman Cain, the former DC Mayor, Jessie Jackson and a host of others. My original intent was to point out that the recent Dixie incident was uncalled for and that Dixie support is hampering the nations ability to move on to better days; however I never once said that people of color were immune to doing wrong.

The mere fact that a question like "if the african-american people are not offended by rap songs why then "dixie" is asked proves that we as American People still have a great deal of progress to make concerning racial understanding. Yes we are making progress, but in 2011 almost 2012, when people are still making excuses for Dixie, the Confederacy and asking questions like 'if the african-american people are not offended by rap songs why then "dixie". It kinda put's a damper on my Christmas Spirit. So in closing, I enjoyed the exchange and truly hope some good will come of it, but it's time to let this one go...so I'm outta here. Somoteitbe. Peace be unto you all.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

wow: I know you are 'outta here'. I must comment.

'we as American People still have a great deal of progress to make concerning racial understanding'.

Quite frankly, it looks to me like the vast majority of people 'get it'. Sometimes it sounds like you do too. What is going on now is all about people. People will be people. People make choices. People have the same feelings. People have the same fears. Its all about people. Human beings. It is really quite freeing to see people as people instead of boxing we the people into certain groups.

About the songs. As I understand, the initial complaints about the song - Dixie - being played were by African-Americans. The NAACP was involved. The NAACP tends not to be involved unless African-Americans/blacks are 'affected' for lack of a better word. This is an observed pattern. So, this is how the questions about the songs - why offended with Dixie and not some current rap songs - given most rappers are of the same heritage - come together.

If we were to word the questions in another way - it might sound something like:'Why so upset about a song of the distant past - written 160 years ago - when there are songs written, 'sung' today over the radio bombarding young people with ugly words that represent enormous disrespect?' Maybe a related question might be: 'Where is the NAACP with this?' because we hear nothing about this. Much like JCLifer mentioned in a post - its about now and the future. These current songs are having an influence on people - especially YOUNG CHILDREN today. We cannot affect the past. It is done and over with. We - individually and collectively can do alot now!

As I see it: The glass is at least half full. I just wonder - how does it get filled?

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Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

wow: another thing...or two. I do not presume to know how long it takes a people to rebuild themselves. The family structure destroyed over centuries as an example. When you doubt where things are - 'how far we've come' - we've got so much work to do - and similar disparaging thoughts - look at the evidence. There are people alive today that didn't think they would ever see a black President. I remember the tears - the happy tears so deeply felt by so many. ALWAYS LOOK AT THIS EVIDENCE!! Remember to celebrate the little accomplishments. In some ways, it is as good as done. Remember the evidence.

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wow 1 year, 5 months ago

When one looks at the single tree instead of the entire forest, one often fails to see all the beauty the surroundings. Such things also happen when one views the NAACP as an organization of African Americans demanding equality for African Americans only. That view hampers ones ability to see that the NAACP was fighting for the rights of EVERYONE! Truth is that the original NAACP was a group of people of all races, genders, political, economic, social status. Yes it's true that these people took on cases where the "initial" victims were African Americans, but when defending these victims, the NAACP worked to ensure equality was afforded to all people, “regardless of race, religion, sex, or other characteristics unrelated to the worth of the individual. If you think Brown V the Topeka School System only helped African Americans, you certainly are not looking at the entire forest. If you think that the successful defense of Rosa Parks only allowed African Americans the right to a seat on the bus, you're certainly not looking at the entire forest. Sure the NAACP was a strong steward during the Civil Rights era, but if you think these civil rights were being demanded only for African Americans...you are most surely not looking at the entire forest and therefore you are missing and have missed the true beauty of the entire picture. Since it's inception, the NAACP has been an organization of ALL PEOPLE that fighting BATTLES of racism to help win the War against racism, so that ALL PEOPLE benefit.

Today the NAACP has kinda lost it's footing and I attribute that to people thinking that there is no longer a need to be vigilant for inequality as if this enemy known as RACISM will never ever appear again. I find that sooooo very unrealistic. Especially since we have standing Armies armed with the deadliest weapons ever created. The Armies stand ready to defend against aggressive nations who simply think and act differently than we are willing to accept. Yet we cannot tolerate and group of American citizens who stand ready to defend us against the horrors Racism produces. What's worse...nuclear destruction....war or living in world where racism is the accepted norm?

OK back on topic......even though I don't believe the band leader/event promoter didn't know better. Even though I don't advocate for Dixie or the Confederacy. An apology was given and accepted.

I really enjoyed this conversation and now, I'm truly outta here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

wow: I know you are 'truly outta here'. I am commenting. What is really neat about America, we can do this. We can choose to discuss an issue or not and we all chose to be civil about it. This is wonderful!

We are also free to believe what we choose to believe. You, wow, choose to not beiieve the band director 'didn't know better'. Others choose to take him for his word on this - I am one who does. But you know, lets think about the possibility that he 'knew better' - meaning he was greatly aware of the symbol this song is to some people and that there were three men lynching at the square. Then what? What does that mean?

You are right, wow. Your points about the NAACP are well made.....narrow view or broad view. So, the discussion of why the Civil War happened - states rights or slavery? Is it possible for both positions to be the truth? The discussion of the song of the past v current songs. Is it possible for both arguments to have value by good caring people?

Sounds like you blame the world's problems on 'racism'? I am sure I don't have that correctly. I have read your comments: Today the NAACP has kinda lost it's footing and I attribute that to people thinking that there is no longer a need to be vigilant for inequality as if this enemy known as RACISM will never ever appear again. I find that sooooo very unrealistic. Especially since we have standing Armies armed with the deadliest weapons ever created. The Armies stand ready to defend against aggressive nations who simply think and act differently than we are willing to accept. Yet we cannot tolerate and group of American citizens who stand ready to defend us against the horrors Racism produces. What's worse...nuclear destruction....war or living in world where racism is the accepted norm?

Yes, I have read them once and once it shall be. These dots are too far apart for me to even try to connect. I am certain my previous posts fill the gap created with the issues you attempt to connect here.

One other thing - sounds like you choose to 'be vigilant'. If 'vigilant' is looking at a tree and thinking it is the forest as in - playing Dixie is racist or a sign of horrible things to come - I would really appreciate you rethinking that one! Ask: Who benefits? Who just benefited from a band director being informed he 'shouldn't have' played Dixie?

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spelchek 1 year, 5 months ago

From scoutsongs.com (apparently Boy Scouts are bigoted racists):

• Warning: These lyrics may give you the urge to run a plantation and sporadically enslave people. Look away! LOOK AWAY!!!

Dixie by Daniel Decatur Emmett of Mount Vernon, Ohio

Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton, Old times there are not forgotten, (Alt Original: Cinnamon seed and sandy bottom,) Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.

In Dixie Land, where I was born in, early on one frosty mornin', Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray! In Dixie Land I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie. Away, away, away down south in Dixie. Away, away, away down south in Dixie

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wow 1 year, 5 months ago

During the 1940's an estimated 6 million innocent human beings were murdered for nothing more than being Jewish. We can see the historical documented footage of this savagery happening on the History Channel every night. I believe the channel is 274 on the cable network. This footage reminds us what we sane people cannot ever let happen again! I will do everything possible to help make sure NOBODY ever has to endure that type of treatment ever again. I also like the idea that the Jewish Holocaust isn't being minimized. However it pains me to know that the same isn't the case with the Holocaust that non white Americans have endured over the years.

An estimated 36 million American Negro's died as a direct result of slavery/Dixie. That is 6 x's the deaths the Jewish people suffered and that's not counting those slaves which perished during the voyage to this continent. I'm sure only God knows how many more actually perished during the middle passage. But we do know millions more died due to lynchings, murdering mobs, Jim Crow, Black Codes,Segregation etc, etc,. Yet that reality isn't televised except during the month of February and then in limited broadcasts. I realize film footage of the 1800's is pretty hard to come by and recreating what occurred isn't that easy either....and I can accept that, but what get's me a bit upset is when people try minimizing the systematic legalized hell Americans with dark skin were forced to endure in this country.

You Dixie yappers are PO'ed that the North did not allow the South to take American land, yet you same folks yearn for a time frame when Americans were forced to work in bondage...but the only thing you can remember is happy times. Happy times for who? Get over it you say...stop living in the past, this is 2011 almost 2012 you say. Okay I agree......but that same thing was said back at the end of the War when Dixie was vanquished. It was said everybody has to get over what just occurred....well folks tried to do that...and instead of outright slavery, The people saying get over it developed a new system of cruelty and innocent Americans were forced to endure more cruelty for at least another century of racist BS. So when I hear people trying to minimize that experience, I do tend to get a bit uncomfortable.

I love America, but I'm no fool either. There are waaay tooo many people working to return this nation back to those pre-intergration days and quite frankly I ain't for that. I also know this...not every act of stupidity is racially motivated and there are some people who cry racism for the wrong reasons. But I also know racist and racism are alive in this country.

I accept the results of what happened with the band leader. I don't see how nobody could have made such a mistake, but it happened. However, now the bigger issue to me is that some people continue trying to minimize what the incident is related to.

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spelchek 1 year, 5 months ago

"There are waaay tooo many people working to return this nation back to those pre-intergration days and quite frankly I ain't for that." = Loss of all credibility.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

While I was running errands earlier, I was thinking about this - got sick to my stomach like I wanted to throw up. What came to me was what children experience when they hear their family adults talk about how racist and insensitive people are because this song was played: how racism is alive and well; how difficult this world is; how things haven't changed since slavery.........

It is my wish and prayer that the innate wisdom in each and every child alive today and born in the future shines through.....despite what they may hear.

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wow 1 year, 5 months ago

On this Christmas morning, I feel the need to wish you all the best. The band leader, the band, the people of Springfield, the people of Missouri, this nation the world. May we all come together and live peacefully as brother's and sister's, who disagree and tussle once in awhile, yet more often than not, come together in unity and love. People, now is such a time when that unification is required. We are in a situation where peace depends on our willingness and ability to accept the past for what is truly was, to understand that those rights and wrongs have influenced our present lives. We have to be smart and kind to each other. We also have to watch out for each other, because there are people who wish us to continue fighting and distrusting one another. The lessons we've learned, the things we've seen the way we behave in our daily lives influences not just our today's, but our tomorrow's as well. The end result, we adults will never see for at the end of our days, it will be our off spring which take the reigns of the world. It is my hope that we would have them do so with the full knowledge of right and wrong. Even though they will not be perfect, it is my hope that they will behave in a manor more right than wrong. It is my hope they will do so without the celebration or glorification of things which in the past were evil and clearly divided past generations. These are my hopes on this day, "you might say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, for in the end the world will come together and will live as one".

Peacefully they sleep in the warm comfort of their beds, huddled close to loved ones. Friends and family alike, there is calm in what they do. Yet that tranquility is a result of the brave men and women who constantly stand watch confronting and vanquishing the evil doer's that would surely bring unrest and harm to those who want nothing more than peace.

Which are you? The peaceful, the vigilant or the evil doer...the choice is yours. Have a safe Merry Christmas.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

Here is a perspective not yet articulated in these postings:

.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011112180326

The writer of this opinion tells the story of Lincoln's request to have 'Dixie' - fully acknowledging the value of the song to the 'South'. The writer goes on to say, "In this way "Dixie" represents a reclaiming of the morality of equality from the segregated South."

The writer also recalls Jerry Hoover, the band director, telling him this story of reclamation.

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wow 1 year, 5 months ago

Interesting perspective indeed, but heres' something just as interesting. What do ya think the victims of the Dixie life style would think? Do ya think they'd be so joyfull and understanding? You say "reclaiming the the moraility of equlaity from the segregated south". How does one reclaim dignity when they are singing about go back to a place where dignity and moral conduct had no palce? How does one reclaim dignity when they are singing about about going back to a place where it was fashionable, in fact it was the law to HATE/mistreat people because of their skin color? Spin it like you will, but to me Dixie was, is and will always be wrong and I will never pass up a chance to make that known.

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Gabrielle 1 year, 5 months ago

wow: you ask some important questions. Maybe one day you will have some answers for them.

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