There is a dark cloud over Columbus and it has been present for more than forty years. That dark cloud is the embodiment of the term “The Old Guard.” It is a representation of a generation of people who were adults through major social and political revolutions in this country, and they are now unwilling to relinquish their power and accept change or new ideas.
In a recent opinion piece stoked in identity politics and political correctness, The Old Guard took time out of their obviously limited schedule and condemned the Black city council members. Why was it important to identify the city council members it has issue with by race? Perhaps it’s because the only thing The Old Guard has ever truly done for Lowndes County is further division under the guise of fighting for minority rights.
The audacity to ask the same race of people The Old Guard has villainized for forty years to align their votes and resources with candidates who agree to “kiss the ring” is mind blowing. If anyone wants to serve in office they must serve all working class citizens despite race and whether their politics align. Is this why after forty years The Old Guard has never been President or Vice President of the Board of Supervisors? With all that experience and supposed wisdom, surely someone looked beyond The Old Guard’s ostracizing of the white demographic and thought we need this particular brand of leadership.
The Old Guard quoted Dr. Martin Luther King so I think it’s only fitting that I quote him as well. King stated, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In fact another person of distinction, the great Janet Jackson asked, “What have you done for me lately?” What has The Old Guard done for the residents of Lowndes County lately? Specifically, what has The Old Guard done for Columbus? The answer is simple, nothing but criticize.
Is not Columbus a part of Lowndes County? It is but for some reason it seems to be forgotten when The Old Guard is trying to beat the City into submission. Did you know The Old Guard has a Superfund site sitting in the middle of their district? Did you know The Old Guard pushed for the County and the City splitting the Park System but has privately admitted it was a financial blunder that has put a strain on both entities?
The Old Guard is the accuser of the brethren, he is grieved when we seek to rebuild the City. But we must ignore his anger and ask God to strength our hands for his work.
I do not profess to be a spiritual scholar but I know evil when I see it. Whether it’s trying to kill the enthusiasm for the work being done, stir up rumors about inefficiency or saying something can’t be done, Sanballot has risen its ugly head.
It’s hard enough to accomplish to bring everyone together, but when we’re dealing with discouragement at such a close proximity, the goal of the attack is to stop the work from reaching its completion. The Old Guard’s lies have no end but it’s a new day and someone has to have the gall to stand up and call out the hypocrisy and bullying. Watch those who align with Sanballot because they have a common goal and that’s hinder progress. The Board of Supervisors has been successful because The Old Guard has no power there, and he has no power amongst the City Council as well. The six of us were elected to serve our wards and we will continue to build the City.
Stephen Jones is a member of the Columbus City Council and serves Ward 5.
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