WIS-TV: Defending Our Name & Building Bridges in the Fire . . . Laura C. Tesh

On Monday, 8 August 2005, Larry Salley, Dr. Clyde Wilson, and I met with Mel Stebbins, General Manager and Vice President for Operations for WIS-TV and his legal counsel from Nexsen Pruet about the recent article on the WIS website citing SPLC’s assertion that South Carolina leads the nation in “hate groups” due in large part to the number of LoS chapters.  This, despite any criteria defining a hate group.  SPLC’s hate groups also included the Boy Scouts of America and any churches that do not endorse homosexuality.  So we’re in good company.

Thank you very, very much to both Larry and Dr. Wilson. Larry persevered with cracked ribs from falling on his boat the day before. Thank you, too, to Jim Hanks, Recruiting Coordinator for SCLoS, for meeting with us before and providing information on SPLC. The meeting was not what I expected. Idealist that I am, I really thought that once we explained what we were really about—states’ rights, restoring individual liberty, historical literacy, preserving Southern culture—they would want to join or at least be very receptive. Good thing I forgot to bring membership applications. It was surprising how historically illiterate these two very educated people were, as they expressed familiarity with little that Larry mentioned—Hegel, Marx, Lenin. We reviewed hedge schools, Secession Hill, and some of the other main activities of the League and emphasized how spreading the image of us as a hate group causes good working people to lose their jobs.  Mr. Stebbins responded that we were simply knowledgeable about and focused on our topics.  To which we replied that the secession of the Southern states was hardly a small point in our country’s history.  Yet even in South Carolina where so many events took place, it is not taught anymore.  Were it not for SCLoS’s educational efforts, such things are being rapidly forgotten, our heritage lost to the future.

They will probably think twice about implicating the LOS as a hate group, but more through James Layden’s preliminary efforts than as a result of the meeting. James Layden asked me to lead this meeting as Legal Counsel to the Board, which I was very willing to do but only in my capacity as a member.  Mr. Stebbins had his lawyer present because Jim initially said SCLoS’s attorney would be coming, which made him nervous. But this is really not a legal issue. Just meeting us face to face as real, reasonable people gave them some pause. While they did not listen, perhaps they heard and will review the material we left.  Initially, they seemed to have written us off as lunatics who had to be humored.  They stated SPLC was a reputable source widely relied on by news sources and expressed genuine surprise when I presented independent material discrediting SPLC.

Mr. Stebbins said he would not post a link to our website because the story was over and his attorney stated that they did not want to give our organisation the “imprimatur of legitimacy.” When I pointed out that they had linked to SPLC and thus given it that same imprimatur, they said they had not said we were a hate group but merely reported what SPLC said. They seemed willfully blind or woefully unaware of the inherent contradiction in their position regarding SPLC and SCLoS.  To post a follow up link to our website to allow WIS viewers to evaluate the claim that we are a hate group for themselves seemed very little to ask for such a neutral position, so I'm still puzzled by his entrenched resistance. They thought the website was merely a follow up to “Awareness” show and that having Larry on “Awareness” was more than adequate and ended what they were willing to do. Following up on the story being over, I asked if we then could expect there would be no more stories from SPLC on us as a hate group. They hedged and said they could never tell what news would develop, but there were certainly no plans to. I think that next time, they will likely link to us as well if they use it but remained noncommittal

They will probably think twice about implicating the LOS as a hate group, but more through James Layden’s preliminary efforts than as a result of the meeting. James Layden asked me to lead this meeting as Legal Counsel to the Board, which I was very willing to do but only in my capacity as a member.  Mr. Stebbins had his lawyer present because Jim initially said SCLoS’s attorney would be coming, which made him nervous. But this is really not a legal issue. Just meeting us face to face as real, reasonable people gave them some pause. While they did not listen, perhaps they heard and will review the material we left.  Initially, they seemed to have written us off as lunatics who had to be humored.  They stated SPLC was a reputable source widely relied on by news sources and expressed genuine surprise when I presented independent material discrediting SPLC.

 The main issue we wanted to address was the posting on WIS’s website reporting on SPLC’s assertion that SCLoS is a hate group.  However, we also briefly addressed the radio show on Kiss 98.5 WISW and asked how to obtain copies of the two “Awareness” television broadcasts for SCLoS recruiting purposes.  They do not own the radio station; WISW is owned by Citadel Broadcasting. The dubbing service through which we can obtain copies of both “Awareness” programs is Image Productions at 254-0067 or 800-299-0752. If we have any difficulties, contact him or his secretary Linda. 

At this point, flagging is premature. Although this meeting may not have accomplished much, we have at least initiated relations. The story is over; the blurb on the website is off. If we flag them, it will confirm their suspicion that we are nuts and a hate group for attacking such “nice” people as themselves, all evidence to the contrary. If we let it go at that and try to maintain good relations, we neutralize the attacks.  If it happens again, then would be the time to call out the Red Shirts.

This meeting brought into sharp relief for me how absolutely crucial it is that we as SCLoS members stay focused on our stated mission to promote the welfare of Southerners and Southern culture by all ethical and legal means. 

We could spend all our time and energy fighting groups that do not like us—like the SPLC and NAACP, (adverse political candidates admittedly merit flaggings and negative publicity). OR we can be what we are about and focus on promoting Southern culture and welfare--proactive, not reactive. We will challenge their world view.  It will not be easy for them to write off everyone with a Southern accent as ignorant yahoos, or to dismiss common sense as being simple minded.  It will not be easy for them to believe in the continuing illusion of democracy, the illusion of people having a voice in government, rather than acknowledging the demise of the republic created at the founding.

 We need hedge schools that focus on the 10th Amendment, states’ rights, getting rid of the income tax, and Calhoun’s political philosophy to return to a constitutional republic.  We need smart, educated people. I am proud and honored to be a member of the LOS and believe in our cause.  People will be convinced by us meeting them where they are and building bridges to lead them out.  They will be converted by encountering us as rational, serious thinkers about political philosophy.  They may not always like or agree with us, but they will respect us.  How do we best make our vision a reality?