Georgia's PC Custodians Whipped Again, By J. A. Davis
Recent news reports (see links below) cause me to pause and think about how Georgia is
continually outclassed by others who seem to have a better understanding of the marketability of history, heritage and culture.
More importantly, some other states are not intimidated by threats from racial profiteers as weak-kneed Georgia politicians seem to be.
So there will be no misunderstanding, I take no pleasure in reporting
the superiority of neighboring states over Georgia. It would be so much
better for us to have the upper hand in economic, industrial and tourism growth
and revenues. Tax income alone would be a major consideration.
The latest case in point is Mississippi tourism. The Magnolia State
has cashed in big time on what I have long been advocating, the promotion of historic visitor sites centered around the War Between the States.
While we don't minimize the Mississippi sites or their importance,
Georgia has as much or more to offer but political cowardice dictates we
hide it or deny it. The results are that we continue to loose both the battle for
progressive growth but worse, our own people are denied the history and
heritage of their own state.
Consider what Mississippi has done with
the Natchez Trace (see links below). The Brice's Crossroads battlefield site is just off
the Natchez Trace. Edwina Carpenter, curator of the battlefield said
"About 40% of our visitors come off the Trace." This parkway drew 13.1
million visitors in 2004.
The average size travel group of 2.3 persons spent $470 and 3.1 nights
visiting the Trace. That totals out to around 268 million dollars in
tourism dollars last year. Boy, could we Georgians use that.
But wait a minute. According to the politically correct mental giants
who dictate tourism strategy in Georgia, this can't happen. After all,
Mississippi continues to fly a state flag with Confederate St. Andrews
cross. According to P.C. wisdom, Mississippi should be at the bottom of the
tourism heap. The only problem is the people of Mississippi (and the tourists who pass through) don't pay
much attention to the "experts" in Georgia and continue to whip 'em
again.
While I'm a loyal Georgian, I understand the people of Mississippi. I
got to know them pretty well when I was the news anchor at WJTV in
Jackson, then the only TV station in the state. I admire them for taking a stand. I believe
Georgians would like to take a stand too, but they're constantly
thwarted by some wrong-headed politicians who pander to pressure
from those who perpetuate themselves in power and money by assassinating history and heritage. It's time for a
change.
In the meantime I'm pleased to report that a battlefield which probably
won't go down in your Top 20, Brice's Crossroads, just off
The Natchez Trace, is now ranked the 7th most visited battlefield in America by the National Park Service.
Loyal Georgians, let your imagination run free and think what we could do with the
tremendous traffic through Georgia and the opportunity to show in proper light the many battle sites of interest
coupled with people known for their gracious hospitality
in a state unmatched for its grandeur from the coastline to the
mountains. See the links below about the Natchez Trace.
A lesson from Mississippi might be useful.
Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs,
he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He
voluntarily serves as chairman of the Georgia Heritage Council.
He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.
Related Links
Mississippi reaps millions in tourism bucks
Parkway to open with celebration
Historic roadway completed
Parkway educational guide for visitors
Georgia's Chamber Snake-Oil Loses Again
Atlanta's Economic Stupidity Continues
Contact: Telephone 770 297-4788 P-6, 2363 North Cliff Colony Drive Gainesvlle,
GA 30501
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