MLK Jr. and St. Pat's Parades: A Commentary

I normally stay away from social commentary, but two things that are obliquely radio related got under my skin this week. I listen to Savannah's Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and St. Patrick's Day Parade every year on the scanners, mostly listening to public safety coordination of the events. Happenings around the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and controversy surrounding the St. Patrick's Day Parade are what prompted this commentary.

While listening to SCMPD operations on and around the parade route Monday morning, it was saddening to hear the police working fights and other criminal activity right along the parade route. It's a shame that on a day set aside to honor a man who preached and practiced non-violence that ignorant teenagers instead decided to fight and steal alongside the parade in his honor. I honestly hope that the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade does not become what the St. Patrick's Day Parade has become: nothing more than an excuse for partying and boorish behavior.

Note: This was the first parade since SCMPD went to digital talkgroups, SCMPD was using B10 (TG 54112) for parade operations.

Later in the week, the St. Patrick's Committee decided to reject the application of FDNY firefighters wishing to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. For several years, the FDNY marchers (not the Pipe and Drum Band) have ignored rules regarding drinking while marching and throwing beads into the crowds. I have seen them throwing beads during TV coverage and I seem to recall seeing one of the firefighters with a six pack under his arm either last year or the year before. They were asked several years running to abide by the rules. They did not, therefore the Parade Committee had to make a decision. It was certainly an unpopular one in some circles, but in my opinion the right one to make. My only concern is that they consider applying that same line of thinking to some of the families marching in the parade; while they may not throw beads, some are certainly drinking as they march. It's not water they're drinking out of some of those cups... It is not hard to notice that some are sloshed by the time the parade is over, if not before; if you are going to apply the rules, apply them fairly and equally.

Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net