| From: Kevin Stone Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:13 PM Subject: The Telegraph - Mechanized Cavalry: Lake City FL Heritage Response Report GENTLEMEN WE HAD A HERITAGE VIOLATION THAT OCCURRED IN FLORIDA WHERE A BLACK FEMALE POLICE CHIEF TOOK A PICTURE WITH OUR BOYS ATTENDING THE PARADE AT OLUSTEE. SHE ALSO FIRED SOME OFFICERS AS PART OF HER JOB AND EVIDENTLY ONE SENT THE PIC TO THE NAACP CLAIMING WE WERE THE KLAN AND SHE SUPPORTED US! THEY CALLED FOR HER BEING FIRED AND MONDAY A CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS HELD WHERE OUR REP WAS CAPTAIN COLSON. HIS EXCELLENT ACTIONS AND REPORT ARE BELOW. HAT'S OFF TO CAPTAIN COLSON, FLORIDA, AND THE SCVMC FOR A JOB WELL DONE! WE NEED TO MAKE A COMMAND PRESENCE NEXT YEAR TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT SO PLEASE KEEP IT ON YOUR MINDS. RIDE AS YOU WOULD WITH FORREST!!! KEVIN STONE COLONEL SCV MECHANIZED CAVALRY, COMMANDING
From: Mark Simpson
Subject: RE: Lake City Heritage Response Report Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:07:02 -0400
What an outstanding letter of response and representation! My hats off to Ron Colson! Please forward my regards and respect.
Sincerely
Mark A. Simpson, Commander
South Carolina Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
HP: 864-576-4561
Office: 864-576-1224
Mobile: 864-680-2514
From: Kevin Stone
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 1:24 PM Subject: Lake City Heritage Response Report
COMMANDER
THIS IS WHAT MY SECOND IN COMMAND SENT REGARDING OUR DEFENSE OF THE POLICE CHIEF AND OUR HERITAGE! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I LIKE TO SEE THE SCVMC USED FOR! WE ARE ALWAYS DOING THE GOOD WORKS OF CLEANING ROADSIDES, CEMETERIES, AND BATTLEFIELDS AS WELL AS INITIATING PROJECTS LIKE MEGA FLAGS OR MUSEUMS BUT THIS STIRS THE MEN AND BUILDS BROTHERHOOD. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS AND FOR ALL YOU DO IN THE FULFILLMENT OF THE CHARGE! RIDE AS YOU WOULD WITH FORREST KEVIN STONE COLONEL SCV MECHANIZED CAVALRY, COMMANDING
Kevin,
This is Ron Colson's report of the Council meeting in Lake City last night. A good report with good results.
When
I get back home I'll be able to complete the April, May, and June
issues of the Confederate War Horse. So, if you have any comments and
articles that you'd like to put in then please prepare them.
Thanks,
Greg Kalof on his way back home to Miami (sleeping in Alexandria, LA Tuesday night)
From: Ron Colson
Sent: 7/17/2012 10:34:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time Subj: Lake City Heritage Response Report
Men, I apologize for the delay, but today's storms resulted in the loss of internet service until late into the evening.
As
many were aware, a situation existed in Lake City, Florida which
culminated with a council meeting at City Hall Monday night, July 16th.
While varying descriptions of the situation were floating around, the
reality turned out to be a couple of disgruntled ex-police department
officers calling on the NAACP & SCLC to come in with lies and
baseless accusations to remove a respected and effective police chief.
In an effort to garner media attention and public support (from any who
might have their head in the sand), they accused the chief of having met
with & had her photo taken with a group of clansmen, at a KKK
community event. You men would recognize it as the photo she had taken
with SCV Mechanized Cavalry members while they waited to participate in
the 2012 Olustee Re-enactment parade, in Lake City.
Having
learned of the hearing, while participating in the 117th SCV Reunion, I
made plans to attend in support of the Chief and, in doing so, let Lake
City and the world know who these men really were. (The Chief was
someone I knew personally, as she had retired from the Tallahassee
Police Department three or four years ago and taken this job.)
On
Monday afternoon I drove over to Lake City, arriving early enough to
meet up with any attending members, reread my presentation, and make
contact with others I'd learned of who would be also supporting the
Chief. My first contact was with HK Edgerton. HK had traveled down,
from South Carolina. Though we were Facebook friends and I had known of
his extensive efforts in support of our cause, I had never had the
pleasure of meeting him.
I
first encountered HK outside of the Police Department, where I had
hoped to see the Chief. He explained that she was in a meeting with the
City Manager & Mayor and that there was little chance of seeing her
before the meeting. Therefore, we talked as we walked the few blocks
necessary to arrive at the city hall and went in to confirm the time
& location of the meeting. Having time on our hands, I suggested we
go somewhere and get something to drink. (Throughout our time
together, I was able to get to know HK and learn (first hand) of his
true devotion to the cause and knowledge of historical facts.)
Once
outside the city hall, we talked for a time and noticed Ruppert's
Bakery & Café, across the street. Though the signage indicated it
had closed just before our arrival, the owner met us outside, learned of
our purpose, and he invited us in. A few close friends (of the owner)
were sitting about the few tables inside, chatting away as you'd expect
in a small town. All were quick to make us feel welcomed. HK ordered a
sweet tea and piece of cake and I had a diet coke & oatmeal
cookie. We continued to have a pleasant conversation, speaking of the
subject at hand, Confederate things in general, and of Confederate
ancestors of one of the local folks. Upon finishing our conversation,
drinks, food, and an additional piece of an experimental dessert the
café owner had made and offered to us, we walked back to the park and
continued our visit.
Shortly
after arriving back in the park, a reporter approached us. Seeing the
Mechanized Cavalry logo on my shirt and the flags on HK's baseball cap, I
suppose the reporter's keen senses told him we were there concerning
the same matter he was. He asked if he could interview us (on camera)
and we consented. For whatever reason, I agreed to go first.
The
reporter was Chris Gilmore and his camera indicated he was from Channel
20, WCJB. (I later learned that the station is out of Gainesville.)
Though Chris seemed extremely friendly and unbiased (at the time), I've
learned to ignore that as a disarming tactic. However, before the
evening was over and clearly after seeing his piece broadcast, I do
believe him to be a friendly and trustworthy reporter. I felt more
comfortable with his interview than any I can remember. HK was next,
and being the seasoned interviewee he is, his interview lasted awhile.
During
HK's interview, another gentleman of color approached and asked if I
was "Ron". I responded that I was "a Ron". It turns out that this
gentleman was Dr. Lorenzo Dixon. Originally from the Lake City area,
Dr. Dixon serves as a member of the rodeo association, in the Arcadia
area, and has for the past five years. I had spoken with him on Sunday
and was, therefore, aware of his plans to attend in support of not only
the Chief, but of us as well. It seems that he's had considerable
contact with our folks for several years and stated that we've never
been anything but polite and respectful to him.
After
speaking with Dr. Dixon for a time, we were approached by a reporter
from Channel 6, here in Tallahassee. The reporter wanted an interview
and I could see that Dr. Dixon wasn't noticeably eager. However,
knowing that he was supportive of us (and seemingly not unsupportive of
our cause) I encouraged him to accept, and he did. During his
interview, I noticed a plain-clothed officer depart city hall and
approach a nearby vehicle. I called out to him and he responded.
Walking
over to meet with him, I introduced myself and solicited his opinion of
the Chief. Acknowledging that he does not agree with everything she
does, but pointing out that he doesn't agree with anyone on every issue,
he explained that she was doing a great job and that he was glad she
was there. He went on to explain the situation of the dismissed
officers and identified one of them whom I had personal knowledge of.
Approaching time for the meeting, we walked back to city hall and I
displayed my credentials since I was carrying a weapon.
The
City meeting, concerning utilities, had not concluded when we arrived
upstairs, but the area was filling up in preparation for the "main
event". In time, the utilities meeting ended and we began to file into
the chambers.
Inside
the chambers, I sought out the person with request-to-speak forms and
got mine completed & returned as quickly as possible. The time
dragged by and the room filled to capacity and overflowed two rooms out
before the meeting was called to order. (I found it quite unusual to
recite the pledge of allegiance without following it up with Dixie.)
After an opening prayer, the meeting began.
For
whatever reason, all of those seeking the resignation or firing of the
Chief were called upon to speak first. Some did so with eloquence, and
some did so without. What I later was able to confirm was that all of
them spoke without the truth. (That's a fact, not an opinion.)
Ironically, when all had spoken in favor of her demise, they simply
left. Later, it became apparent why!
Next,
a citizen arose to speak in support of the Chief. It was apparent that
she was a regular to the meeting and she expressed her amazement at the
large crowd in attendance. I was next!
While
giving my name and address, as required, I also passed out copies of my
presentation to all of the council members, the Mayor, and the City
Manager. Up to that point, all but one of the cameras were a little to
the right of where the speakers, including me, were speaking from.
Quite obviously due to the Mechanized Cavalry logo on the left side of
my chest, it seemed quite hilarious as they all scurried over to better
film my shirt. Sticking to my script, until it was completed, I spoke
with pride & sincerity to the council. Upon finishing my material, I
added that, in doing as she had on the day of the parade, the Chief had
not endorsed our cause or philosophy. She had done as any good
ambassador would have, in that, she welcomed guests to their city. I
declared that I hoped she was actually representing their values &
character when she did so. (I am most pleased that each broadcast &
newspaper account I've seen of my involvement has started with or
included the remark that our members "are first, good American
citizens!")
As
I departed the podium, and later as I re-entered the room, I was
thanked by black and white citizens (alike) for coming over and saying
what I did. After it was all over, police officers and more citizens
thanked me for participating.
While
so many spoke in her favor, it was clear that my appearance was
important & beneficial. I don't know whether it was, in any way,
pivotal. But, as Chief Gilmore asked in her presentation (and
emphasized in her PowerPoint), "did anyone ask these men who or what
they were?" I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to answer that
question for the council, for the citizens, and for the media. I truly
believe that we have even more allies in Lake City than we had before.
These folks already knew the value of attracting visitors to the area
for the Olustee Reenactment & festivities. They now know more about
the Sons of Confederate Veterans in general, and the Mechanized Cavalry
specifically. They already knew the character of their police chief
and now they know that we participated in helping to keep her.
At
the close of the meeting, a councilman was apparently compelled to
offer up a motion to express their support for the Chief. It passed
unanimously!!
On
a side note, there was a speaker there (on her behalf) who was , a few
years back, standing before them in an effort to have the Confederate
Battle Flag removed from the city seal. In addition to supporting Chief
Gilmore, he acknowledged acceptance of the fact that our flag remains
on the city seal, but now alongside the USA flag. (I have to believe
the CBF is on their seal to stay, and it should be there for those to
witness when our bicentennial is celebrated.)
Gentlemen,
the only other MC member who was able to attend was Bob Whitaker
#1068. I plan to express my appreciation to his employer for allowing
him off, at the last minute, to attend. I also plan to present a
certificate of appreciation to Dr. Lorenzo Dixon for all of his effort
and support in this matter. Both will, hopefully, be presented in
Lakeland at our August event.
Additionally,
I'll be working with Commander Davis and C-I-C Givens to determine an
appropriate expression of support for Police Chief Argatha Gilmore.
I'll keep you all in the loop as this progresses.
I
want to express my gratitude for all of the support shown in this
situation and I want to make it clear that I understand how it was
impossible for the rest of you to drop what you were doing and travel to
Lake City, especially with such short notice. In retrospect, I believe
it really worked out in our best interest that we did not show up in
force to the meeting. However, next February, I want to see every
motorcycle we can muster in Lake City for that parade. The city leaders
have demonstrated their integrity and I want us to show them how
continuing to help us preserve our heritage is good for business!
Captain Ron Colson #1050
SCV-MC, Company D, 3rd Battalion
ps. I've attached a copy of the letter I delivered to the Lake City Council, both orally and in hard copy.
|
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The Telegraph - Mechanized Cavalry: Lake City FL Heritage Response Report
