[Editor's Note: The following is a letter that relates to an event we briefly covered in a Political Boxers issue. State Rep. Alisha Thomas, a liberal Democrat, appeared at a meeting of one of the camps of the SCV on Monday night, February 24th under the auspice of being willing to discuss her position on the state flag. According to Thomas, when the meeting turned "offensive" to her, she picked-up her things and walked-out. However, it was known by all that Thomas had actually called the GBI that Monday afternoon and had agents sitting in the audience when she walked-out, so she knew there was no need to feel threatened. We have attempted to reach Thomas for an interview and ask her why she felt the need to contact the GBI, but she has not returned our phone call...typical of a lily-livered Left-Winger.]
Subject: Monday, Feb 24th, 2003
Representative Thomas:I was present at the Chattahoochee Guards SCV camp meeting of which you were a guest speaker. My name is Billy Bearden and I am one of the Flaggers, but not a member of that camp. I was there in hopes of positive dialog. I even had some questions I would like to have posed.
Originally from Virginia, I moved here to Georgia a few years back as this is my family's place of origin. Although not residing in the district you represent, communications between the races are important to me and I felt this invitation from the SCV was a step in the right direction. I was really glad to see African American, Mexican & Native American supporters of Southern Heritage & our Flags of Honor present, as this gives a more accurate depiction of our history than that of just white folks the media tries to portray.
Now you had been billed as a highly educated young woman who desires input from your constituency and the willingness to serve all in your district regardless of race or party affiliation. I went with an open mind and high expectations. I was severely disappointed by the media circus of which it disintregrated into based upon your very hypocritical behavior and childish tantrum.
It started out cordial enough, as you were warmly received and loudly applauded. I was standing in the back row as you passed, I clapped also for you. Looking back now with 20/20 vision, your big smile at that moment was obviously hiding the ambush you would soon spring on those present all for the reporters. A lot of us were already talking about how you forwarded Ken Water's email message to the media and had us taxpayers foot the bill for totally unneccasary GBI agents. I reckon it will score points with your political handlers...
When you began speaking, you repeated a phrase most often used by
State Representative Tyrone Brooks about this not being a referenda state nor desiring a referendum on the flag issue. I believe Mr Brooks to be one of your political handlers and had you done ANY research or just simply remembered current events you would know those were BOGUS soundbytes to begin with.
Back on November 5th, 2002 during the last election cycle, THERE WERE 5 REFERENDA QUESTIONS on the GEORGIA state BALLOT. PLUS, a few years ago, Rep Tyrone Brooks SPONSORED HB 1723 which is interesting, because it IS A REFERENDUM ON ALLOWING THE CITIZENS OF GEORGIA TO VOTE ON THE STATE FLAG ! I was going to point that out to you yesterday, but you ran away too fast.
It was pointed out to you the Barnes legacy (current) flag was voted the ugliest flag in the world. You missed point and said I'm sorry you think the flag is ugly...Even though we do agree it is a nasty horrible flag , the point was the North American Vexological Association (NAVA) voted it 72nd out of 72 flags http://www.nava.org/surveyresults.htm and that was his point, but it is hard to hear when you don't listen.
You proceed to attack Southern history and our shared heritage by trying to link us to the KKK (standard modus operandi for NAACP/Liberal/Democrat) but refused to accept the KKK's hate symbols have ALWAYS been the U. S. Flag, Cross, and Bible - even as evidence was laid before you. Then as your voice gained octives and you composure began to falter you broke into the "Lynching under THAT flag" tirade which had NOTHING at all to do with our Confederate Forebears nor even as Dan Coleman pointed out - under the 56 flag which you so hatefully and disrespectfully berated.
(As for the Klan, I don't know anything about them other than what I read in history books. I don't know anyone who is or was a member, nor do the Flaggers, nor do the SCV espouse or condone their bigotry.)
Then after you attack our position you suddenly become a raging hypocrite when Dan Coleman tried to inform you the NAACP, in order to turn attention away from it's own ugly little scandals like Benjamin Chavis stealing $300,000 in NAACP funds to use to pay his lawyers in a sex crime defense, and NAACP board member Hazel Dukes stealing $13,000 from a leukemia patient, and the NAACP's own 4.5 million dollar debt,turned on Confederate symbols and Southern Heritage icons (like 'Dixie') But with your rude and ugly outburst it was VERY CLEAR that you were PROTECTING their illegal & immoral activities of theft & sex crimes.
You are a hypocrite on many fronts Ms Thomas. You certainly could bash our position based on biased and uneducated propaganada and try to tie us to bigotted racists while we all sat silently and listened, but you couldn't stand for one second to have your organization's history read back to you. As you told Mr Waters in your letter to him "I must also say that I will not be defending the NAACP because I am not the President of the organization," but stand up in false indignation and spout-off well rehearsed lines about the oldest most respected yada yada and then run out like a spoiled little brat 'cause you didn't get your way. This must be an example of how you will treat all future instances where debates don't go the way you want - which will really be uncomfortable when you sit in the Legislature.
The majority of Georgian have demanded via the election and numerous polls the right to vote on the flag issue of which there would be no "ISSUE" if Barnes had not messed with it. You tell in your letter "My heart is with my constituents and my heart is to serve that is with no regard to party, gender, and certainly not race" then stand up in front of the cameras to dictate the flag will never change. I understand your bigotted hypocrisy to us, but how will you explain to your constituents you have no interest in fulfilling their wishes in the legislature regarding this most important issue?
I am glad this meeting took place, as you have been EXPOSED as a charlatan peddling snake oils. You have no interest in representing your constituents wishes; you wish to pad your resume for your own twisted glory. Just as Roy Barnes was a one term scalawag, so shall it be with you.
Good day, Ma'am and God Bless,
Billy Bearden
-Flagger