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NEWS RELEASE 2nd SC Regiment Pickens Camp 71, Sons of Confederate Veterans March 22, 1998 Mr. Michael Chastain with the Pickens Civitan Club made the following comments when referring to the exclusion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and two pro-life groups from the Pickens Azalea Festival. "The festival is not the right forum for political issues. Groups with controversial or emotionally charge issues should not be allowed to participate." He stated the festival is for "arts & crafts". The 2nd SC Regiment SCV understands the Azalea Festival is for "arts & crafts". During six consecutive years at the festival we have offered for sale "arts and crafts". We offered hand made quilts, flags, aprons, shopping bags, place mats and other hand made items. These items were made by our Ladies Auxiliary. We also offered original oil paintings and original poetry written in calligraphy style on parchment paper. In addition we offered books, flags and memorabilia. We have been, and will remain dedicated to the festival roots in "arts & crafts". Mr. Chastain alleges that the Civitan Club rents the space downtown, therefore they "can select or deny a group for any reason". There are two difficulties with this position. The first difficulty is the alleged renting of downtown Pickens from the city. As organizers of the Pickens Azalea Festival it is reported the Civitans receive money for the festival from the city of Pickens. This is easily verifiable through public records and/or legal action. Further the city provides Police and Sanitation support at public expense and the event is held on public property. Herein lies a serious problem for the Civitans and the city. The city through it proxy, the Civitan Club, is violating the right of free speech guaranteed under the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. The city of Pickens pays the bill and is attempting to censor free speech through the Civitan Club. This is blatantly unconstitutional. However we do not believe this act of bigotry was committed with the prior knowledge of the mayor and city council of Pickens. The second difficulty is his club's Internal Revenue 501-C-3 status. This IRS designation is held by non-profit groups like the Civitans and Bob Jones University. Bob Jones University had to stop practicing discrimination or lose this coveted status. The Pickens Civitans and their parent organization face the same risk. 501-C-3 organizations are prohibited from practicing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, creed or national origin among other listed prohibitions. Mr. Chastain and the festival committee have selected groups which they perceive as having political or religious views unacceptable to them. They are practicing discrimination against Camp 71 SCV and pro-life groups. This is in direct violation of the IRS regulations which govern 501-C-3 designated organizations. The 2nd SC Regiment Pickens Camp 71 SCV wish to again offer "arts & crafts" at the 1998 Pickens Azalea Festival and all future festivals. We will not be a "whipping boy" for the personal bigotry of self-appointed censors of free speech. We have the right to speak freely without the approval of Michael Chastain, the Civitans or the city of Pickens. Freedom is a danger only to tyrants. We will pursue every legal avenue to the highest legal authority in the United States in defense of freedoms purchased by the blood and fortunes of our ancestors. We will pay whatever the price to oppose any foe who attempts to deprive us of our God given liberty. Le Roy Caudell, Commander, Camp 71 864-859-0847 |
Sons of Confederate Veterans