DISQUS

I guess I was one of those who felt like I should celebrate the passing of another racist, but you reminded me of the futility of that. I would add that its important not to overestimate the actions and influence of individual racists as it obscures the need to challenge and change systems, policies, and laws that perpetuate racism and classism and emboldens individual racists. This is not to say that these individuals should not be indicted, prosecuted, and convicted--indeed they should--but the struggle doesn't end at a conviction or a death of an individual racist. This is also why progress in individual and personal relationships among races is to be celebrated as progress, but not put forth as proof that racism and classism have ended or are on their last legs. If people vote for the same old politicians and support the same old systems and laws, it is really irrelevant whether or not they are now willing to eat with, go to church with, or even marry someone of another race.

Folks like Edgar Ray Killen and the rest of the lynch mob and the two racists that lashed out against us at the Mississippi Memorial this past weekend should and must be held accountable for their actions, but ultimately are themselves used and deluded by those who hold real power. We've only scratched the surface in prosecuting these individual racists and haven't even begun to hold the powerful and wealthy accountable.

I second your sentiments and heed the call to keep working.

I find it interesting that, while papers all over the country have picked up the A.P. story about Ms. Chaney's death, neither the Neshoba Democrat nor the Meridian Star (at least in their online manifestations) are carrying the story of Ms. Chaney's death.

My condolences go out to Ben and his sisters, Barbara, Julia, and Janice. I met Ms. Chaney at the Killen trial in 2005. I was struck by both her quiet strength and her humor. She told Sheryl, Ash-Lee, and myself that she was supposed to accompany us on the 2004 Freedom Ride for Justice, but that her son Ben had left her sitting on her front porch with her bags packed. She suggested we should take him outside and give him a good whoopin' for forgetting to pick her up.
What inspired me the most about Ms. Chaney was that, during her testimony, she was determined not only to tell the story of her son and his companions, but to let the world know that nine other bodies of black men had been found during the search for Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner. When asked by the prosecution how she learned that her son's body had been found, she made a point to detail each of the several phone calls she received describing the features or clothing of a body or bodies that had been found. I wish I could find the exact transcript. Ms. Chaney deserved a standing ovation--I know I was not the only person in the courtroom both saddened at the reality of what she was saying, but beaming at her boldness. May she rest in peace. I know she is rejoicing with James at her side now.