Florence, Alabama: From Renaissance City to Disillusionment Central

 

The author of today's blog has written for us before. Now he offers an interesting take, along with artwork, on current events in Florence politics:

It all began in June 2020, when the City of Florence officially reclassified Brian Murphy's job title to Curator of Indian Mound and Pope's Tavern. According to a former city employee, jobs were eliminated to accommodate Murphy obtaining the newly created job title. Murphy had previously filled Libby Jordan's position at the Rosenbaum House, and it was said that Florence Arts & Museum Superintendent Libby Jordan desired to have Murphy placed into his current position.

Libby is the wife of City of Florence Council President Dick Jordan. On June 27, 2020, Dick shared a video on his personal Facebook page which called the Lauderdale County Commission and the citizenry of this county cowards. Activity in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse led to an incident, including law enforcement, exactly one month later on July 27, 2020. The yearly W.C. Music Festival was originally scheduled for July 17-26.

Mayor Andy Betterton began referring to himself as a community activist before being sworn into office on November 3, 2020. That evening a group of people swarmed into the meeting to speak before the freshly sworn-in officials. Each individual wanted to remind the new group that they were there when the dancing in the streets began; after Betterton was announced the winner. It was reported that squealing and squawking could be heard all the way down to Riverside Café.

Only one citizen spoke in opposition at the first meeting of the new council, in what some have called a satirical speech, naming the late George Floyd. One week later it was announced that until further notice no more public comments were to be allowed at city council meetings. The act of disallowing public comments is ironic in the way that only five months prior, in the days following the death of George Floyd, Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler released this statement:

"Throughout the day today, there have been numerous social media reports and texts all referring to 'supposed' violent protests, vandalism, and riots. None of these reports have proven true, nor are the events mentioned expected to occur. Please do not continue to perpetuate these messages. Your police department is monitoring all reports and stands prepared to respond if necessary. But it is noteworthy to report that the protests that have occurred in Florence have been peaceful. Peaceful protests are always welcomed and our department will ensure the protestors’ (sic) First Amendment rights are respected. Rather than spending energy perpetuating the rumors, let’s all spend time and energy listening to what the protestors (sic) are saying."

Why is the City of Florence sheltering Brian Murphy? In Florence free speech is encouraged for people in the streets, but citizens are discouraged from free speech while at home. Public comments are banned from the city council. Troll accounts on social media have coordinated in such a way that industry insiders say it could only be achieved with special training. This is leading some people to ask if this is an act of an agent provocateur. It is also ironic how the University of North Alabama is now publicly being condemned. When asked for a quote President Kitts stated: But I thought we was kewl?


Hey Florence 'How's Your News?'

The Astute Professor