Hi, Y'all! I'm still in Philadelphia, MS. Klansman was convicted!

What a couple of days it has been. I attended the trial yesterday. I'll post more about it, later, but let me say that I've learned a lot about human nature the past couple of days.

I met Rita Schwerner and Ben Chaney, the former being the widow of Mickey Schwerner and the latter the brother of James Chaney. I REALLY like James Chaney. He's a native Mississippian, as was his brother who was killed, so this conviction meant the world to him and his mother.

Let me say that the manslaughter conviction was right on. I'll talk more about that later, too.

Right now, I think I might go play slots my first time. I've never been in a casino and there are TWO in this tiny little town, with extravagant hotels, all owned by the Choctaw Indians here. Check this out: www.pearlriverresort.com

I just wanted to check in and say Hi! to y'all.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. I'm looking forward to reading your reports from the trial.

A guy who was really young who joined the Klan gave testimony on Monday. He had played no part in the murders, and had gone to the FBI as soon as Killen had told him that he had ordered the murders. He apologized on the stand for ever having been a part of that despicable organization and he said he had lived his life trying to make amends for being a Klansman. It was really moving, and he was SINCERE. His testimony against Killen was the testimony, IMO, that convicted Killen.

Anyway, I'll talk more about it later. :hi:

Sort of like Robert Byrd and George Wallace.

Can't wait to read the whole report.

(And don't bring too much money with you gambling, m'k?)

:hi:

since their culture was destroyed and they were forced to learn English and forget their native tongue, forced to forget their native relgion and convert to Christianity-all this within living memory of some members of the tribe in OK (part of the Choctaw nation lives around Hugo OK).

I heard Ben Cheney on the radio and agree with his sentiments. I'm glad his mother is still alive to know that justice was done.

That's long been my philosophy, too. I'll make some photos of around the rez and post them when I get home, and I'll PM you to link you.

The Choctaw are doing the right thing with the money they make off of the casinos. They are investing it back in the community. Their schools are public buildings are to die for...wish my kid could attend so nice a school.

I've met a lot of nice people here. They are keeping their culture alive in many ways, though, of course, they can never be what they were before contact. There are still Choctaw speakers, though. Thought you might like to hear that. :)

I know Choctaws from the res in OK. I know that there is (or was) a rift between the two branches of the tribe. Could be that the ones who were moved West were treated worse than the ones who stayed in MS. The Choctaws I know have taken on the Dakota spiritual traditions and do Ceremony, including Sun Dance.

I am glad those families are finally seeing some justice.