All this talk of the KKK got me thinking about something that occurred when Buzzy was running for political office; I think it was County Commissioner.
In the middle of the campaign, he called me one night upset because someone told him that someone had made the comment that it was a well known fact that Buzzy Ridgell was a Grand Knight in the Ku Klux Klan. He was upset about this because of course it simply was not true. He wanted to call the person who had made this comment and ask her not to keep repeating it. I remember talking him out of it by encouraging him to ignore it and just let it ride. (Quick aide here. A black guy I worked with on Base once told me “We know why all those buildings in Ridge like the KoC and American Legion don’t have any windows. It is because you all don’t want anyone seeing in there when you are having your KKK meetings.” I laughed when he said this, but he insisted it was true. So, I guess there was some sort of KKK rumor out there about Ridge in general and Buzzy in particular.)
Although Buzzy was definitely not a member nor a Grand Poobah in the KKK, I can understand how the rumor may have gotten started.
Buzzy used to enjoy dressing up like a minister and perform mock wedding ceremonies at the Store. He had the fake Marriage Licenses, a beat up Bible, a chalice, and would officiate at these ceremonies as he married folks. (Click here for my previous discussion on this.)
One night, in the middle of one of these ceremonies, a black couple came in, saw Buzzy in his regalia behind the counter, and immediately turned around and hauled ass. I don’t know if they thought they had walked in on a meeting of the KKK. As to whether or not that started or fueled the rumor, I am not sure. I do know though, that when Buzzy put all that crap on it was quite a sight.
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| And Candles Too! |
I posted a video from the Moody boys on Tuesday, so I will conclude the week with this one of theirs’. It is NOT about the KKK, so they claim, but who knows just what it really is about (click here?) While I always sort of liked it, I always thought it was a little dumb too.