"Pearl-Clutchers", Sweet Home Alabama and the Confederate Flag

Sometimes I like to just sit back and observe things. You learn a lot by doing that I have discovered. This entire week I've kept my eye on a situation that seems to be imploding. And it's all about something that they do not really understand. And I can say that with certainty because they do not live in the south. One thing is clear, though, and it was made crystal clear again tonight; some of them absolutely hate the members of Bo's forum. We are "pearl-clutchers" to them and they seem to think that we blindly follow everything Bo says and does like starry-eyed cult members.

These are intelligent women but what they do not understand is that those of us born and raised in the south like Bo do not have an issue with the things he says and does. Over these past few years I have not only been a fan of the music, I have become an admirer of the man that he is, not the man I want him to be. And the man that he is adores his family, fishes, loves racing and motorcycles, supports the troops, respects life, is an unapologetic Christian and indicates by some of his statements and actions that he is more conservatively bent than these ladies ever dreamed. And they cannot accept him because of one or more these factors. I have found that those who scream "intolerance!" are the most intolerant people of all.

Even if I did have an issue with something he did I would never vocalize it in his forum out of respect for him. And even though some may think we are "doing him no favors", I would never, ever try to suck all of the joy out of something that he loves so much. "Pearl-clutching"? I don't think so. The happiness radiating from him in the video with Lynyrd Skynyrd is evident. Why would anyone think that the man is racist and hateful? He's simply expressing his excitement and pride in Southern Rock and Southern Heritage.

I've grown weary of those who consistently belittle Bo's fanbase at bb.com. who do not share the same beliefs as they do. But there are some things that you can write in stone. I will not apologize for being a Christian. I will not apologize for trying to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the forum. I will not apologize for my conservative beliefs which go hand-in-hand with my Christianity. I will not accept the accusation that those who embrace their southern heritage are racist. And lastly, I will not accept the label of "pearl-clutcher".