BOBBY HARRISON:Resoultions

JACKSON – Legislators pass resolutions all he time either proclaiming or honoring various people and events.

Usually they are non-controversial. And when honoring youths they are always non-controversial.

But that may change.

For a number of years, the Legislature has passed resolutions proclaiming Spirit of America Day and recognizing Mississippi high school athletes who receive Spirit of America recognition.

It seems innocent enough. But the only problem is that the whole event is spearheaded by attorney Richard Barrett, a unapologetic white supremacist based in south Hinds County and occasional candidate for public office.

In past years, legislators for the most part either did not know about Barrett’s connection or either turned the other way.

But it appears that this year some members of the state House might fight the resolution.

That will put members in a bad situation — opposing a resolution honoring children from their colleagues’ districts. Perhaps, the parents and students did not know of Barrett’s background and beliefs. And as a father, just about any honors my children receive are welcomed and cherished. Goodness, parents are proud of any positive recognition their children get.

That is understandable.

But by the same token, people have to ask about the value of accepting an award from someone who through our state’s history has continued to spew hate.

And legislators have to ask do they want to continue to legitimatize someone of Barrett’s ilk by passing resolutions that he can tout? At this point he should be considered an anachronism in our state and someone to be tolerated but not legitimatized by official acts of the Mississippi Legislature.

The fact that teen-agers are caught up in this issue is a shame and makes it difficult for House members.

By the way, the Senate also passed the resolution.