Common Sense

I love Commissioner Lester Gibson. He makes an otherwise dull county government sparkle with excitement, like a soap opera. This week’s episode: Man’s Worst Friend?

Commissioner Lester Gibson had asked for a general discussion and possibly action this morning about what he had placed on the agenda as “animals in county facilities policy.”

Although Gibson went out of his way not to mention names, Judge Strother said he thought Gibson was singling him out because he frequently brings his 13-year-old cocker spaniel to work with him.

Commissioner Gibson is a muckraker. Every week he says something that ruffles feathers, and I like that about him.

“I have no idea what the agenda here is or why this has become an issue after all this time,” the judge said. “Buff does not bark, growl, bite or snarl. He minds his own business. He is a perfect gentleman. None of those qualities apply to Mr. Gibson.”

Astonishingly, after last week’s stunt by the court to keep the resolution apologizing for lynchings from ever being seen in a county building, it wasn’t the topic of discussion.

Judge Strother said Buff frequently functions as good therapy in court cases, especially divorces where children are involved — something that some commissioners this morning saluted and said ought to be considered in revising any county policy.

In other action this morning, commissioners avoided their almost weekly clash over a controversial anti-lynching resolution that Gibson had repeatedly proposed be displayed in the courthouse. Although commissioners approved the resolution a few months ago, all but Gibson have refused to actually post the resolution.

Gibson had placed the item on today’s agenda for further discussion but, during the meeting, removed it from discussion, forestalling a possible walkout in protest by other commissioners.

I had popcorn popped and everything, damnit! Is it just me, or does it seem like the county court is more concerned with the feelings of a dog and his owner than with people who see a mural of a noose and are reminded that people with their skin color used to be hanged on quite a regular basis?

I’m sure that can’t possibly true.

/eye-rolling sarcasm