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We have been friends with O.B. for what may be considered a long time in this era of constant social flux and superficial amenities. While a close friend of ours initially pointed out how the illustration in our blog on the Cypress Inn crash could be misunderstood and a second stated it would perhaps better be replaced, because of the nature of some demands from those we've never heard of and don't wish to hear of again, we chose to let the photo remain in place.
For those who wanted it replaced, O.B. has come to your aid and made a special request. He's always had our back, and for him we are replacing the original graphic with one that has been cropped and redone.
We received the new photo this afternoon from the gentleman who made the original Photoshop type graphic. He wanted us to be sure to convey his apology if it was misunderstood. He in no way was attempting to comment on anyone's final resting place, but simply on the tragedy of the fire. He added it was not his first altercation with the PC group and would probably not be his last.
We'll also relate that this was extremely magnanimous of O.B. since he was named in some of the off-color comments. While he is a good friend, he is not connected with our blog. At this time, we have three or four who are part of our blogging group. Many others are our friends; we're sure they get into enough trouble on their on without having to take blame for what is published here.
*****
The Crash:
We do have an update on the crash itself; we're publishing this information since there seems ostensibly to be so many who have attempted to refute the police reports.
1. The arrest warrant for John Clark Burns Jr. was initiated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol--not the Wayne County Sheriff as we originally blogged. Burns is charged with vehicular homicide.
2. Partial details of the crash were published in the Wayne County News on Wednesday, September 11th. Our blog was published several hours after the WCN went on sale and we were forwarded details from several readers. Thanks to Bubba for purchasing a copy after visiting at Salem Church in Zip City this morning. He says not to tell his grandmother in the nursing home who's still a Hardshell.
3. The details of the crash itself published in the WCN are somewhat disparate from those published in the TD. According to the TD, Burns' truck was traveling north on 157 when it approached the (almost) T-zone and headed into the the old Darby Store. According to the WCN, Burns' truck was headed east when it carromed into the building.
4. The Tennessee Highway Patrol officially said only that excessive speed was involved in the crash. A LEO reported that in his work, excessive is usually defined as at least 30 miles over the limit, indicating the truck was traveling at approximately 85 miles an hour in his opinion.
Peace out...
Shoalanda
Thanks for doing that,.......
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am one who objected to the flame embossed photos, it is not because I am one of the PC group. Chuckle. (Anyone who knows me would laugh at the thought!) Nor did it even occur to me that the flames were to indicate "a final resting place." Seriously, that thought never occurred to me.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an attempt to highlight the tragedy that can result from drunk driving. My objection was that seeing those bright smiling faces engulfed in flames was just too graphic. It was cruel to those who were already reeling from the shock, horror and grief of it all.
Frankly, I thought it was an appalling lack of sensitivity and consideration for those who were already wounded by the event.
It would be an arrogant bit of self-deception to dismiss the outcry as political correctness.
I'm glad you cropped the photo. And, you know, without the flames to draw ones indignation, the picture tells a truer, more heartbreaking, picture of the tragedy.
Two beautiful young people--one dead and the other who will carry this for the rest of his life. Looking at those shiny, happy faces--and knowing what a foolish choice would soon bring--speaks loudly to what drinking and driving can do.
Extremely apt words. We hope to see you here much more often. It's 99% local, but human nature is universal and we enjoy your input.
DeleteWell, thank you, Shoalanda. I appreciate that.
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ReplyDeleteSo now you are saying that only excessive speed was involved in the crash...does this mean you are going to take down or correct your earlier blog post stating that alcohol played a "MAJOR" role in the accident. Seems to me like a bunch of small town gossip..can't seem to get your story, facts, or sources straight. How about NOT posting until all your ducks are in a row and you have the CORRECT information to post.
ReplyDeleteDid you see any retraction? No, alcohol definitely played a role. The Wayne County News was pub. on 9/11. The tox. results came back a short time thereafter. We merely stated that excessive speed, according to the Tenn. Highway Patrol, played a major role and that was the only cause cited in that particular account. Often, as I'm sure you know, alcohol causes those under its influence to speed. FTR, the only thing we have corrected in our account is who actually issued the warrant.
DeleteHe was definately drunker than a skunk per say HT... Sounds like you are one of his buddies, enjoy visiting him in prison. You might wanna look into where he was before the wreck and ask why they kept on serving someone that was way overloaded already
DeletePeace Out? Very professional wording for a so called reporter....
ReplyDeleteWe don't think you'll find where any of us have called ourselves "reporters." This is a political blog, with a touch of crime thrown in, as well as public announcements. We like to think of it as something of a daily letter to friends. Just FYI, no one is required to read.
DeleteWe know that in grief there will be anger, depression, bargaining with God, and denial. If it was my son, daughter, or any loved one it would be a horror to relive the scene so soon after the accident. Sadly, FB and social media doesn't give the family any control over the privacy of the event or whom they want to inform... I would handle with as much dignity and professionalism as possible. Glad you removed the photo.
ReplyDelete