Letters to the Editor
Patritoism should not be an issue

By JERRY D. BIBBY Brookeland

Support our troops! That seems to be the call of the day. As a veteran I sincerely appreciate that sentiment. But it was not always so.

I served during the Vietnam era, and support was rare to non-existent. We were advised not wear our uniforms when we went home on leave for fear of being attacked by our fellow countrymen, spit on, etc.

Two incidents stand out in my mind from that era. One involved the famous John Wayne. Now, the only thing I had in common with the Duke was that I lived in California circa Hollywood about the same time he did.

Anyway, there was a funeral of a combat soldier taking place. We went, even though none of us knew the deceased. It just seemed the like the thing to do. Well, as fate would have it, along the way some anti-war protesters blocked the way.

The entire procession was held up while they canted and waved communist flags. We were about to do some protesting ourselves when a Lincoln pulled over and a man got out of the passenger side and strolled towards the protestors.

"Hey, isn't that…Yes, it is…It's John Wayne, ol' Duke himself!"

Well, he disappeared into the crowd, much to the dislike of his two companions from the Lincoln who began to look for him. Suddenly, the noise abated!

The flags and signs came down. The protestors simply disappeared. They faded away like cockroaches when you turn the light on. Duke appeared again, went to the family car that followed the hearse, leaned over and said, in that now famous drawl, "Now, Missus, you can..bury your boy." And they did.

The other incident made the press. It seems Jane Fonda and her entourage was asked to leave a rather famous establishment. The owner was a Vietnam vet. He knew of her "acts" with the other side during the war.

Ms. Fonda said something like, "Do you know who I am?" to which the owner replied, "I know who you are. See that sign? The only that says 'I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.' I was in Vietnam when you made your visit to the North. If you don't leave, I'll have to throw you out."

She and the others with her beat a hasty retreat. After which the patrons of the restaurant stood and applauded.

Patriotism shouldn't be an issue. If you have a problem with the war in Iraq or wherever, take it up with the politicians or the President, but always, always support your troops.

County, city owes thanks to McClurg

By STEPHAN MYERS Sam Rayburn

As an attendee to the Tiger Truck press conference on Monday, March 22, I witnessed a near spectacle as approximately 100 local dignitaries and Tiger Truck officials bestowed a thunderous, standing ovation to the Jasper Economic Development Director, Tom McClurg. And, as typical of McClurg, he graciously, albeit a bit embarrassed by the attention, accepted the accolades. Those who know McClurg well have learned that he is a humble man who reluctantly takes credit for his great accomplishments, preferring to recognize the contributions of others, instead.

A new day is dawning for Jasper, as the promise of many, good playing jobs for a community still striving to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, lies just around the corner. In my ten years of living in the area, I have never witnessed such excitement among community leaders and folks who recognize that something truly special has occurred for our town.

As reported in the Jasper Newsboy, the quote from Mike Ward, CEO of Tiger Truck states it all;

"Like most situations in life, there is a key player who is the master conductor," Ward said. "Jasper and Jasper County is blessed with an extraordinary person who is a band leader and Jasper's band leader is Tom McClurg.

"I cannot say with any surety at all that I would be standing here in Jasper if it wasn't for Tom McClurg," Ward said. "He dotted the I's and crossed the T's and he answered the phone."

Every citizen in our community owes Tom McClurg a debt of gratitude, for his accomplishments will benefit our region for many years to come. McClurg's determination, patience, intelligence and humility have proven that one man, can indeed, make a lasting difference.

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