..............« Ronald Terrell wrote on Tuesday, Jul 28 at 10:28 PM »

The I-188 exit was selected by the DOT , Department of Transportation and this vicinity was closer to Oxford than the central downtown Anniston business district so it's a no brainer that Oxford was able to annex . All towns annex property into their city limits that an interstate highway runs through to gain the funding that goes with it...............

I agree with the information you have been posting here about Native Americans. I don't have any Indian blood in me but I am a History major and I have a fair understanding of what happened. In fact I may be only person who writes here who doesn't have Native American ancestors. :) LOL.

I would like for you to read the news articles in the Anniston Star 25 years ago this year. According to the Star, the Davis family preferred to annex into Anniston, The Golden Springs intersection was considered the "southern" part of Anniston.

My point was that Leon Smith doesn't get credit for the I-188 interchange, but Therman Whitmore was mayor at that time. I believe Bill Robison was Mayor of Anniston. Leon Smith was an outsider....

Also, Therman delivered my milk when I lived in Oxford, and I liked him. :)

Mark Davis wrote

In telling the history of ANY comunity, it HAS to start with the original people of that area, namely, the American Indians. James Statin...Please tell me where and when the police threatened to have ANY Native American Indians arrested for relating history to any in in Anniston. The Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum hold history lessons every year on the early Native American Indians.

It was the European settlers that brought hatred, beer, whiskey, disease,and the art of killing with them and tought the original people here their evil little tricks. They welcomed the Europeans here, helped them through their first winters here, fed them, clothed them, showed them what herbs tey could use for medicine, what fruits and berries could be gathered for food. If it were not for the American Indian, your ancestors would have perished long ago, and if they knew you would spring out one day to speak for them, they all might have committed suicide to do the world a favor. You are the definenition of a racist little slug who is brave using another name so no one will know who you really are. I bet your mother still wipes your butt for you cause your mouth gets in the way. Why don't we meet somewhere and you can spew your garbage to me, face to face. You won't do this because it takes a real person to do this. I wouldn't think twice about calling you a slug.

Mark Davis

American Indian Movement

If this MOUND is harmed anymore; one scoop of red clay or rock or dust, I fault Brandy Ayers and the red star! This is no folly of Oxford. It is the shortcomings of journalism.

First, all good and proper and technical research has been done by others, not the star. Anybody could have gotten the U of A report/letter. Writing FOIA letters is easy. I have done it. GOING there and getting the facts firsthand is real journalism. Real work. The star reported somewhat. Thanks. Many supporters and protesters have spoken. The star allowed them “room”. Thank you for that too.

While I do have some Indian Blood, I further respect the Elders opine. The star should too. DO investigative reporting. Research. FOLLOW-UP! REPORT!

This is NOT another 60’s venue….. older reporters would know what I mean. There is no bus stop here.

This is real, this is now…. report to us!

The I-188 exit was selected by the DOT , Department of Transportation and this vicinity was closer to Oxford than the central downtown Anniston business district so it's a no brainer that Oxford was able to annex . All towns annex property into their city limits that an interstate highway runs through to gain the funding that goes with it. Elmer Fudd could have done it , it doesn't matter that Leon was mayor the growth was forthcoming anyway. Whatever or whoever doesn't matter the prehistoric mound needs to be left alone and preserved.

.....................None of the Fudd family ever did much, even Thurman(Elmer Fudd) Whitmore. He could not get elected mayor, he fell into the job when Earl Martin died.......................

JG,

Who was mayor when the I-188 exit was created? Who was mayor when this became Oxford property and not Anniston property?

Go ahead, tell us.

Most of these people give Smith to much credit.

Schools are in the shape they're in because of Federal Funding and the School Board of which Leon Smith is not a member. A new high school has just been built in Ranburne and in many other areas across the state , are you going to give Leon credit for that too? And the mound , no one thought Oxford would destroy anything of historic significance.

The city of Oxford has grown not because of Leon Smith but it's location was appealing to those businesses that located there. Oxford would be what it is today even if Elmer Fudd had been mayor. Target , Dick's Sporting Goods , Wal Mart and Sam's see Oxford as a lucrative location and they chose to locate in Oxford. It's proximity to Anniston and being on the I-20 corridor spurred the growth not Leon Smith.

Mayor Smith has done A LOT for the city of Oxford and the people know it and that is why we keep voting him in. Look at the booming town Oxford has become and all the new businesses that have opened in Oxford. Also, look at the shape that our schools are in. How many school system’s are building and upgrading like the Oxford School System. People need to stop trying to find the negative in every situation and focus on the positive. Not one thing was said about that hill before Oxford decided to tear it down. I hope they tear it down just because of the craziness that you people have caused!!!

I am proud to be descended from the savage. Please note that before Europeans came , there was no alcohol or drugs and tobacco was used only in ceremony.

Well done, Laurie. The July 21 AP story went out all over the county so, of course, it's world-wide now. Millions have read what Oxford's mayor said about Oxford - that's not even getting into a pubic official representing Alabama the Beautiful, speaking badly for our state tourism and history, and the significance of the prehistoric mound, and more. That's the mayor of Oxford representing his own city in a very bad manner and it reflects badly not only upon Oxford but the rest of the state and the people of Alabama.

Agreed, Periwinkle, a public forum is no place for that type of language or post. The Native people are hurting enough as it is, without the satires and reverse psychology style of thoughts that are so easily misunderstood by so many. I am aware that there are people who think this is very funny for a variety of reasons. The joke will be on them when it's time to account for our works here on earth. This is not only Native history, it's ALL OUR history. The world IS watching.

I think that is Smith supporters trying to change the subject and get the light off him.

The Anniston Star should ban anybody who writes vulgar.

Maybe Leon would benefit from some meds, too.

He writes like he needs to take his meds.

You should get a grip on yourself James. At least then you would have something entertaining to play with.

It's up to us what kind of world we want to leave for the next generation. There has to be some balance. We need our history and culture to remind us who we are and why our part of the world is special.

Laurie's right. If you care, please show up at the next protest. Call City Hall and let Mayor Smith know that box stores are not enough to nourish our minds & spirits.

Each year local savages in our God-fearing community insist on playing a role in our historical retelling of the true story of Anniston.

Each year, by the grace of God, they are turned down, told to back away, and arrested, if need be. "Before anyone starts in," Pastor Deacon Fred tells the media, "Let's make it clear that that we hold no hatred toward the Injun people, even though they committed hate crimes against the wonderful Christian folks who founded our country.

As decent Christians, we love them dearly, convenience permitting. Quite frankly, it is Injun sin that we hate. We hate alcohol, drug use, foul language, loitering, cheating, stealing, lying, gambling, horseplay, lewd attire, the flinging of feces, misuse of leather goods, jewelry on men, and and long hair on men who don't kill themselves for our sins.

If we were to let Injuns into our festivities, and onto our properties, it would be like welcoming the Devil into Heaven. It is nothing against the Injun people. It is against who they are and what they promote as a people. Our Godly church will not taint our respectable Christian image with such an obvious and abhorrent association.

Praise the sweet and living name of our precious savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!"

Unfortunately, there is no "what's next." It's already happened and will continue to happen.

The comment box snapped shut like a steel trap and ate my first attempt to post.

It's worth saying twice anyway. Great write up Laurie.

I'm still in a state of shock over what is happening to the sacred site down at the Exchange.

But, like all good Indians, I can cry and work at the same time.

:P