By Penny Adams
Bernie and I loaded up the truck and headed out early Wednesday morning - Texas bound. We stayed the night in Alabama, and arrived in Texas Thursday afternoon. The Old Saw Mill Town was a sight for sore eyes, and we were greeted by Sputnik and Dee, who were sitting on the Saloon porch as we drove up. We looked around a bit and I must say the Old Saw Mill Town is very impressive. The buildings are really neat and very functional. Jim Cannon stayed on a bunk in a cell of the old jail - Kinky Kathy ended up staying one night in the other cell. The rest of us ended up scattered here and there in tents - with a couple staying in motels. We ate meals, had gatherings and held meetings in the Road Kill Cafe. I took pictures that I'll post a little later. The town was damaged by a storm, but they are putting it back together and I can't wait to see it next year when it's complete.
Anyway, Sput, Dee, Bernie, and I drove into Newton and found some dinner and then headed back to the old town. I apologize for not remembering exactly, but a few others showed up as the evening wore on. We sat on the porch of the saloon and shared a few drinks, stories, and laughs. I do know that Jeff and Connie showed up Thursday night, because that's where the seemingly never ending supply of Apple Pie came from! Thanks Connie!
I have to mention that one of the many charms of the Old Saw Mill Town is the fact that there are roosters, chickens, rabbits, and dogs everywhere. They are free range and you see them everywhere. We even got to pet baby rabbits that were no bigger than a hamster. Just adorable. But I must admit that the roosters quickly lost their charm when they started cocka-doodle-dooing at 4:30AM sharp - every single morning. They were relentless and only stopped once everyone was awake. That's when they took a little nap. Obnoxious little bastards.
Friday was spent preparing for the conference. Dee did take a few minutes and run Bernie and I into a couple of towns in search of mounted Texas long horns for Bernie. We didn't find any (don't tell Bernie, but I was rather relieved.) About the time we got back, George and Nancy pulled up in the G&N food wagon - and sure enough there is a huge painting of Sputnik riding his bike on the back of it. I got a picture of that and I'll post it later too. Sputnik does not exaggerate when he sings the praises of George and Nancy's cooking. It was unbelievably wonderful. The "snacks" we had Friday evening rival many meals I've paid good money for in a restaurant. George's steak-on-a-stick is the best steak I've ever eaten. I have no idea what he marinates them in, but they just melt in your mouth. They also served us tuna sandwiches that put all others to shame, a shrimp dip with crackers that I could have made a meal off of, hot cheese dip with chips, and veggies with a great ranch dip. I will never have a snack again that I don't think of that one! The rest of the evening was spent sharing cocktails and Connie's apple pie as we visited and talked a little business.
Saturday morning George and Nancy started our day out right with scrambled eggs and biscuits with deer sausage gravy. We started the SCC meeting shortly thereafter with the Pledge of Allegiance. The first order of business was a presentation by Terry Nelson from LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). This was a fantastic presentation and the fact that Mr. Nelson has such extensive credentials in Law Enforcement, really Lent credibility to his role with LEAP. I was so interested in what he had to say, that I really did not take many notes. But the basic message is that LEAP feels that the stated goals of current U.S.drug policy -- reducing crime, drug addiction, and juvenile drug use -- have not been achieved, even after nearly four decades of a policy of "war on drugs". Much like the effect of legalizing alcohol, LEAP feels that legalizing drugs (that are currently illegal) would allow for regulating drugs so that consumers knew what they were getting (in terms of dosage), would better protect children from getting them, and would end the crimes currently associated with dealing drugs. For more information and for a better explanation, check out http://leap.cc/ If you want to support this effort, consider joining. Click on the "Join LEAP now" link in the top left hand column.
After Mr. Nelson's presentation, we were served some wonderful chopped beef sandwiches - which really reminded me of bbq sandwiches. Absolutely wonderful. After getting a full belly, the meeting was once again called to order and we got down to business. We each introduced ourselves and each state/SMRO picked a person that would speak and vote for his/her state/SMRO as follows: Kinky Kathy for Louisiana, Preacher for Mississippi, Bubba for Tennessee, Jeff for South Carolina, Penny for Virginia (VFR), and Jim Cannon for Virginia (VCOM), Sputnik for Texas (TMRAII), Robert for Texas (ABATE). If I've left any off, please remind me.
Sputnik discussed the issues facing our nation today and the extreme urgency in getting people in office in Congress that will take a constitutional stand on issues. Each state identified at least one congressman that needs to be removed, and we discussed ways that could be done. We also discussed putting a candidate of our choice in office to replace that congressman. We discussed the valuable resources offered by SoLR and NCOM and everyone was encouraged to utilize them. Each state committed to working toward that goal in the coming year.
With the focus of the SCC being to change the face of Congress, one congressman at a time, we have laid out a plan that will help get this country back on track. While this conference is intended as a Southern states conference, I personally feel that this is the type of thing each state should be involved in. As Sputnik pointed out, our country is dangerously close to becoming everything our Founding Fathers fought against - some feel we are there already. Our window of opportunity is extremely small and each of us must take action now.
With commitments from each state/SMRO in attendance, the meeting was adjourned and we held the auction. Robert did a great job as auctioneer, and I believe we brought in somewhere around $1700. I did win 3 of the items I was bidding on, but I was sad I didn't win the Apple Pie (donated by Connie) or the Armadillo Piss (donated by Damn Indian, who wisely advised "Just sip it") - but the winners were kind enough to share each of them with the whole group! Very generous and very much appreciated.
Saturday night we were treated to the best chicken and dumplings I have ever eaten - served with a side salad and corn bread. (I think we were each praying that the chicken was actually those obnoxious roosters, but we learned otherwise at 4:30 the next morning.....) We followed that up with home made apple pie (pie you eat - not the kind that Connie makes), red velvet cake, and white cake with chocolate frosting. I can't imagine anyone left on Sunday without taking back a few pounds more than they had when they arrived! The rest of the night was spent around tables in the Road Kill Cafe learning more about each other and sharing many laughs. I think we all know a little more about Scott than he cares for..... but I've got to say it was fun learning it!
Bernie and I headed out Sunday morning before most got up. We weren't really anxious to leave, just anxious to get on the road for the long trip.
This year's conference was very different from last for many reasons. I was very pleased that we came away with a clear goal and something to work toward. I still have several questions about it all, and I will address them to the SCC list, but I think the goal is achievable and something that is very necessary.
Next year's SCC will be held in Virginia by our SMROs. We are aiming for a date in September next year - as soon as we nail that down, I'll let y'all know so you can put it on your calendar.
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Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders
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