Velociworld

LESTER

I haven't commented on the passing of Maddox. I DO find it interesting that no media outlet would identify him as a Democrat when discussing his segregationist past. And I WILL say this:

Lester, like George Wallace, said what he said to get elected. Just like the Democrats are pandering to the far left and saying things like I'll use executive orders to nullify Supreme Court decisions. After assuming office, however, they were actually quite moderate (well, it took a few terms for George).

Full discosure: My parents voted for Bo Callaway in 1966, although my father knew Lester from Georgia politics, and they were on friendly enough terms.

My sister and I met Lester in the mid-seventies, when he'd moved his Pickrick restaurant to Underground Atlanta. He remembered my father, and was quite gracious. He also had a staff that was about 80% black. He was gracious to them as well. I still keep a miniature 14 inch Lester Maddox pick axe handle in my Blazer. Being an equal opportunity kind of guy, I'll smack the snot out of anyone with it if the occasion warrants. I don't care what color they are.

I also had the honor of seeing Lester make a jackass out of himself in 1971 when he rode his bicycle backwards in front of President Nixon's limousine at a parade. Little dude could RIDE a bicycle backwards, though.