COLUMBIA, Tenn. — According to reports in the national press, the NAACP is suffering financial problems and is closing some operations, including all regional offices, and is making staff reductions of 40%. SCV Commander-in-Chief Christopher M. Sullivan issued the following statement:
“The NAACP has steadily become a political fringe group, whose views are far beyond the mainstream. Because they have repeatedly taken extreme political positions they have become a distorted caricature of their original purpose.
“Recently, the leadership of the NAACP and their political allies like the NCAA have stridently used their remaining clout to attempt to harass Southern businesses and universities in states like South Carolina and Mississippi.
“As they are now learning to their detriment, these positions have become so shrill and discredited that ordinary people are no longer interested in supporting such outrageous posturing.
“Since 1991 when the NAACP passed resolutions condemning Confederate symbols, leading to historic distortions and faulty condemnation of Confederate soldiers and leaders alike, the SCV has been diligent in opposition to what we believe has been a flawed program and unfortunate direction of the NAACP. Our contention has apparently been shared by many who have supported the NAACP in the past.
“We of the Sons of Confederate Veterans extend an invitation to work together in unison to appropriately honor the thousands of blacks who served in Confederate military units.
“We, in SCV, would welcome a friendlier and more cooperative rhetoric by all concerned. shrill language of hatred and extremism exhibited by the NAACP in the past has harmed the cause of tolerance and benefits no one. The SCV supports a mutual goal toward bringing greater unity and respect for all Americans.
“We stand ready to meet with and discuss meaningful and responsible ideas with the new leaders of the NAACP.
“What better time than now as the NAACP faces new perspectives?”
[tags]Sons of Confederate Veterans[/tags]
