The Alabama ‘virulent racist’ who wrote George Wallace’s most infamous speech also wrote “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and the “True story: The Education of Little Tree.” (The story wasn't true).
A very odd statement to make: " 'This was written by a crude fascist.' It was nutty. The man's hatred of government was insane." Fascists LOVE the power strings of government. So do Communists. That's why it is so difficult to figure out what kind of beasts have been running our gov for the last few decades.
I won't deny - the Education of Little Tree - a book my wife suggested to me - was really a book that left an impression.....and regardless of the author's behavior as judged by other's I learned after the fact, I consider that a fine book worth reading - and all students ought be able to read it - without censorship or restriction based upon the sentiment of the author.
I read somewhere else about Asa's 2-sided life, but this article fleshed it out! Little Tree is one of my absolute favorite books of all time, one that I've read aloud to my family. I was so interested to learn that Carter was the exact opposite in his public life! I actually have to admire his writing ability, given the radical racial mindset he was known to have!
He was an ultra-talented writer. I haven't researched what speeches he wrote for Wallace during a heated gubernatorial campaign in 1962, but they must have worked because Wallace won.
Once Wallace had delivered Carter's "Segregation Forever!" line in a speech that got copious national coverage, Wallace almost HAD to "stand in the school house door" at the University of Alabama six months later.
Once he did that, Wallace (and the state of Alabama's) image was sealed - perhaps to this day.
So Asa Carter, the master wordsmith, was one influential hombre behind the scenes.
The movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is a classic and always will be.
Asa Carter's words made Wallace a national figure.
My whole family embraced "The Education of Little Tree," and my Dad bought multiple copies of the reissued paperback to give to friends far and wide.
1. Through Mom's side we're citizens of Cherokee Nation. 2. Through Dad's side, there's infamy of Watts family sale of Cherokee citizenship.
3. Granny (b.1900 Muldrow, Indian Territory) was an historian, OK State Republican Delegate, started and funded the Delaware County OK Library Book Mobile System in the 1970's and knew Carter's history, yet admired his chutzpa in calling this a True Story, as she was chagrined at our Watts shame (and distanced our branch from that unsavory part of our family tree).
4. From my research, 1908 Statehood was rife with deals and steals: paper contracts and proclaimed declarations were proven faulty. Suspicions kept many from signing onto the required Indian Rolls, self-declaration was not verified, corrected or audited.
5. We all found Little Tree to be a Great Story, definitely on my recommendation list.
6. Additionally, is Redemption on the table for any of us?
Oh you are bringing back memories of that book....so let me respond with respect.
1 & 2. May the spirits bless your families.
3. Did you know Oklahoma not only was the endpoint of the trail of tears - but per the Author here in another article - Oklahoma holds the record for Miss America or some such - I think I know why. Be aware this is on a "annual winner" over population scale - run the numbers - There are fine ladies in Oklahoma no doubt.
4. Oh God - tell me bout it....
5. I don't give a shit what the "author" might be judged as - let the story speak for itself - I agree wholeheartedly.
6. I think "redemption" is slippery slope - but Justified Retribution is not if one discerns in my humble view. I think resolution is on the way - one way or the other.
I'd like to express one more thing. I live on a River my neighbor whose mother was Sioux has said to me was possessed by two tribes on either side - on one side was the Cherokee - on the other I'm not exactly sure - I should research that.
But I am aware of the "Indian Removal Act" of 1830 - and frankly I can't abide it - and twas Jackson - president opposed the bankers - signed that into law - that is basically unforgiveable. But time moves on and Oklahoma ladies got my respect.
This piece will quickly become one of my favorites in a long line of superlative Bill Rice articles. I knew the story of Josey Wales the book becoming the movie but had no idea of Mr. Carter's connection to Alabama and George Wallace. Looking back today with 60+ years of time to reflect, we see what a complete spectacle our state turned out to be in the eyes of so many. Luckily, that type of thinking died away, but I still shake my head.
At The Troy Citizen, I also re-shared an article by Alabama political consultant David Azbell, who wrote a piece at his Facebook Page about the private meeting between former Alabama governor George Wallace and Vivian Malone, one of the two black University of Alabama students who Wallace tried to block from "entering the school house door" (a couple of months after Wallace gave the "Segregation Forever!" speech at his inauguration.)
Azbell was one of just four people at this meeting where, Wallace, again apologized (personally) to Ms. Malone. The backstory for this meeting is that Vivian Malone was the recipient of the Lurleen B. Wallace Courage Award, named for Wallace's widow (who also served as Alabama's governor). Azbell reports that when Wallace died two years later, Ms. Malone attended his funeral.
Here's that dispatch (which also notes that the "World's fastest man" once lived in Troy!)
My observation is that a small percentage of people sometimes make profound changes in character and beliefs, but only after a life altering event. It seems to me a person needs to experience an epiphany of sorts that makes clear how their previous beliefs have caused a major, often negative outcome in their life. Death, break up/divorce, estrangement from children, learning ones character is as bad as others s/he has condemned...
For me, it was recognizing my use of my temper and verbal aggression was as traumatic to a girlfriend as her first boyfriend's physical abuse had been. Shocked me. Embarrassed me. Humiliated me. I could not unsee what I was and how despicable it was.
The harshness of the epiphany faded; the lesson and resulting compassion has held strong for 30+ years and counting. I still have flashes of anger. But the words and aggression have been permanently vanquished.
Did that sort of thing happen to Carter? Could have, but what would have been the catalyst? Estrangement from kids? Was there a catalyst for the move out of state?
Regarding your last question - "Was there a catalyst for the move out of state?" - I'd say, definitely. Carter had once been fairly prominent in the state as he a radio show that was syndicated to 20 other radio stations. He must have had political ambition because he kept running for office - and kept finishing last or almost last in those races. He probably felt his speeches had ensured that Wallace got elected governor in 1962 and then became a "national" political figure. Carter, per reports, wanted to have a significant position in the Wallace administration or the administration of Wallace's wife, Lurleen. This didn't happen. Wallace wasn't virulent enough for Carter's tastes so Carter ran against Wallace in the 1970 gubernatiorial race. He finished in fourth place in the Democratic primary with 1.5 percent of the vote.
He had been shunned and he'd been fired from his radio show. But he also knew he was a talented writer and, like many writers, he'd probably always dreamed of becoming a novelist. Alas, he knew he could never get any novels published as ASA Carter and an avid racist or segregationist. Thus, his only solution was to leave the state, change his first name and his appearance and write those books - which might get published.
They did and his first novel was bought by Clint Eastwood's production company, grossing him $35,000 which would be about $350,000 in today's money.
So, his plan to re-invent himself actually worked. It wouldn't have worked if he remained "Asa Carter, Wallace's racist speech writer from the early 1960s."
Another recent Troy Citizen dispatch told my readers that another well-known and acclaimed Alabama author, Ace Atkins, was actually born in Troy, Alabama! Ace Atkins is the son of former Troy State football coach (and former Buffalo Bills all-pro, Billy Atkins).
As I learned in my research into Asa Carter, Carter's nickname was "Ace." This is what George Wallace's handlers and "cronies' called the speech writer they surreptitiously used to pen the words that first got George Wallace elected Alabama governor and later made Wallace a man who might have won the presidency if he hadn't been shot in 1972.
I don't know this for a fact, but I suspect Wallace's aides considered Asa Carter the campaign's "Ace in the hole" - their secret weapon to get their boss elected president and then, later, make him a "national figure."
Here's my story on Ace Atkins, who I have now belatedly added to my list of "Most famous people to ever live in Troy."
Per my research, George Wallace was considered a "moderate" on race relations when he first ran for governor in 1958. He lost to a candidate who pushed his segregationists views very hard, prompting Wallace to reportedly tell an aide that he was "never going to get out segged" again. (Other versions say he said, 'he was never going to get out-ni**erred again.")
In 1958, Wallace was actually endorsed by the NAACP. Many accounts say as a circuit judge in Barbour County, Wallace had a reputation for treating blacks well in his court.
After this race, is when "Wallace cronies" secretly brought in Asa Carter (who they called "Ace") and he began writing speeches for Wallace's 1962 campaign. One story said Wallace didn't know who was writing these speeches, which had been secretly farmed out to Carter.
As noted below, I think Wallace was sincere when he apologized to African-Americans for his past actions and speeches and asked for forgiveness.
When he ran for governor the last time in 1982, Wallace won with at least 90 percent of black voters voting for him.
So Wallace had re-invented himself. Still, his national reputation will always probably be associated with one speech he gave in January 1963 - a speech written by Asa Carter.
One story I read said that Asa Carter was interested in becoming the press secretary or spokesperson for Gov. Lurleeen Wallace (who succeeded her husband as governor because, at the time, a governor could not serve two consecutive terms.) Wallace and his advisors wanted nothing to do with Asa Carter by that time. Carter later ran against Wallace in 1970.
Oh this brings memories of To Kill a Mockingbird Bill.
I put forth it is when "ego" takes over "principle" that folks get confused - for good reason.
So, lets abide by principle - and stand strong upon them.
One principle I abide by is freedom of speech - be it on the web or elsewhere with a single exception being if one threaten directly another and suggests other act upon said threat. Otherwise - we all ought get to speak our minds freely - and how bizarre it is and it isn't that in Europe these days folks are getting arrested for speaking their minds - that speaks to where the haven of these so-called elitist resides I reckon. Canada ain't much better - at least here we can stills speak our mind Bill - and furthermore and most importantly - any work of literature ought be judged upon the letters in the book independent of the author - and those who want to judge authors oft times are puppets just do as they are instructed.
I copied and pasted several comments from the YouTube site where the film historian discusses "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and the story's author.
These comments give a range of views about Carter, Governor Wallace and the movie, which the narrator considers one of the best movies ever made.
***
"Brilliant analysis contrasting "Josey Wales" with the pompous and boring "Gods and Generals”.
***
"Interestingly enough, I recently learned about Wallace's repentance for his role in segregation and the forgiveness extended to him by some members of the Black community. He will always be remembered for that quote though."
***
"This video is a great explanation of what separating an artist from their art actually means. Appreciating a piece of film for its message while simultaneously understanding the flaws of the man who created it."
***
(Taking his first name, presumably after Nathan Bedford Forrest) … made me think of his potential repentance in a different light, like he was just hiding from the consequences of his actions and fighting for the lost cause in a different way ..."
***
"Wallace was a very complex figure. When he was a judge he was known for being incredibly fair to African Americans in his court--particularly for Alabama at the time.
When he first ran for governor in 1958, he was endorsed by the NAACP and lost to a Klan backed candidate. After which he vowed to 'never get out-ni@@ered' again."
***
"George Wallace never had any deeply held convictions to begin with. When he first ran for governor in 1958, he ran on a non-racist platform and was even endorsed by the NAACP. But after he lost that election he remarked to an aide that he had been “out-n***ered” by his opponent and vowed to never let that happen again, thus George Wallace as we know him was born."
***
“… As a politician, (Wallace) move with public opinion. But he had some correct ideas. Was the best man in '68 to be president, third party. As a Democrat in '72, he was the front runner and would have had a place on the ticket. He won the Maryland & Michigan primaries on the day he was shot. Became the gov of Alabama for two more terms, when most Black voters could vote. Longest serving governor since WWII. Not perfect but became a better man …”
***
“… George Wallace won over 90% of the black vote in 1982 and was elected governor of Alabama for the last time. He appointed the first black judge in Montgomery County, Alabama whom I was fortunate to practice law before for 30 years …”
***
“So Wallace’s racism was not based on personal prejudice, but rather a show put on for his racist constituency. Basically, he was a power-hungry psychopath whose every action was made to benefit himself. If you ask me, Wallace was worse than the genuine article racists.”
Asa Carter …
“>wants to run away from his past
>invents a new identity
>changes way of life
>forgets to change last name.”
***
“Damn, Asa Carter was literally the lonely outlaw running from his past.”
***
“The connection to Nathan Bedford Forrest actually helps the idea of a late in life change, assuming Asa Carter knew much of Forrest’s post-war history. A year or two after being grand wizard, Forrest actually tried to disband the KKK for only causing meaningless violence. He also worked to propose some level of equality as well. What he did in his later life hardly makes up for the earlier, but the fact of the matter is that he did change in his later years. Here’s a quick source:
Bill Rice Jr. comment: Personally, I think Wallace was indeed sincere in his apology for his past actions and speeches. I also believe him when he said he never personally met Asa Carter.
"The surreal back story of Asa Carter has always fascinated me and might even be germane to political and censorship trends today as Carter’s story has been cited by at least one influential historian as a warning that “fascists” like Tucker Carlson and supporters of President Trump are emulating rhetoric once espoused by Carter and Wallace."
Who was this "...at least one influential historian...?" He need his had examined.
And why is there not ONE mention in any of this that Wallace was a democrat. In fact, ALL elected officials who stood against MLK were democrats. Besides Wallace, we can include Lester Maddox, Bull Conner and Orville Faubus. The KKK itself was made up of democrats. And no, there was no "Nixon's Southern Strategy" in which democrat KKK members switched to the republican party. That's a lie that democrat history teacher's tell. Neither Nixon nor the republican party wanted anything to do with the KKK.
Now, find me the "fascist" rhetoric that Carlson and Trump are espousing that "...emulates the rhetoric once espoused by Carter and Wallace."
I quote Allen Barra's 2001 article several times. Barra also late wrote a very good biography of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant as well as a best-selling history book on Wyatt Earp.
Barra interviewed Asa Carter in 1979 for a profile for the Houston Chronicle, but he never wrote the piece as Carter soon died. Barra said Carter's appearance was similar to a haggard Wyat Earp.
I once met and chit-chatted with Barra at a book signing at Capitol Book & News in Montgomery when Barra was promoting his book on Coach Bryant. The things you remember ... George Will once used his column in Newsweek to write a glowing review of the Coach Bryant book. George Will must have admired Coach Bryant.
Asa Carter once ran for the office of police chief in Birmingham (Director of Public Safety Commission). Carter lost to “Bull” Connor, who would himself become an infamous historical figure when he turned fire hoses and German Shephards loose on black Civil Rights protestors.
Carter finished a “distant fourth” in a field of four in the 1970 gubernatorial race, getting 1.51 percent of the Democratic primary vote and finished last when he ran for lieutenant governor in 1958.
A very odd statement to make: " 'This was written by a crude fascist.' It was nutty. The man's hatred of government was insane." Fascists LOVE the power strings of government. So do Communists. That's why it is so difficult to figure out what kind of beasts have been running our gov for the last few decades.
Why did you leave out that they were all Democrats - the party of identity politics continues to be the party of identity politics!
I won't deny - the Education of Little Tree - a book my wife suggested to me - was really a book that left an impression.....and regardless of the author's behavior as judged by other's I learned after the fact, I consider that a fine book worth reading - and all students ought be able to read it - without censorship or restriction based upon the sentiment of the author.
~
Regards,
BK
I read somewhere else about Asa's 2-sided life, but this article fleshed it out! Little Tree is one of my absolute favorite books of all time, one that I've read aloud to my family. I was so interested to learn that Carter was the exact opposite in his public life! I actually have to admire his writing ability, given the radical racial mindset he was known to have!
He was an ultra-talented writer. I haven't researched what speeches he wrote for Wallace during a heated gubernatorial campaign in 1962, but they must have worked because Wallace won.
Once Wallace had delivered Carter's "Segregation Forever!" line in a speech that got copious national coverage, Wallace almost HAD to "stand in the school house door" at the University of Alabama six months later.
Once he did that, Wallace (and the state of Alabama's) image was sealed - perhaps to this day.
So Asa Carter, the master wordsmith, was one influential hombre behind the scenes.
The movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is a classic and always will be.
Asa Carter's words made Wallace a national figure.
Posted 2 days ago:
What is the Source of Creative Genius? with Eric Wargo
New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brjymv7FxSE
My whole family embraced "The Education of Little Tree," and my Dad bought multiple copies of the reissued paperback to give to friends far and wide.
1. Through Mom's side we're citizens of Cherokee Nation. 2. Through Dad's side, there's infamy of Watts family sale of Cherokee citizenship.
3. Granny (b.1900 Muldrow, Indian Territory) was an historian, OK State Republican Delegate, started and funded the Delaware County OK Library Book Mobile System in the 1970's and knew Carter's history, yet admired his chutzpa in calling this a True Story, as she was chagrined at our Watts shame (and distanced our branch from that unsavory part of our family tree).
4. From my research, 1908 Statehood was rife with deals and steals: paper contracts and proclaimed declarations were proven faulty. Suspicions kept many from signing onto the required Indian Rolls, self-declaration was not verified, corrected or audited.
5. We all found Little Tree to be a Great Story, definitely on my recommendation list.
6. Additionally, is Redemption on the table for any of us?
Oh you are bringing back memories of that book....so let me respond with respect.
1 & 2. May the spirits bless your families.
3. Did you know Oklahoma not only was the endpoint of the trail of tears - but per the Author here in another article - Oklahoma holds the record for Miss America or some such - I think I know why. Be aware this is on a "annual winner" over population scale - run the numbers - There are fine ladies in Oklahoma no doubt.
4. Oh God - tell me bout it....
5. I don't give a shit what the "author" might be judged as - let the story speak for itself - I agree wholeheartedly.
6. I think "redemption" is slippery slope - but Justified Retribution is not if one discerns in my humble view. I think resolution is on the way - one way or the other.
~
Warmly and with Respect,
BK
I'd like to express one more thing. I live on a River my neighbor whose mother was Sioux has said to me was possessed by two tribes on either side - on one side was the Cherokee - on the other I'm not exactly sure - I should research that.
But I am aware of the "Indian Removal Act" of 1830 - and frankly I can't abide it - and twas Jackson - president opposed the bankers - signed that into law - that is basically unforgiveable. But time moves on and Oklahoma ladies got my respect.
This piece will quickly become one of my favorites in a long line of superlative Bill Rice articles. I knew the story of Josey Wales the book becoming the movie but had no idea of Mr. Carter's connection to Alabama and George Wallace. Looking back today with 60+ years of time to reflect, we see what a complete spectacle our state turned out to be in the eyes of so many. Luckily, that type of thinking died away, but I still shake my head.
That for a great history lesson Bill!
Thanks, Jeffrey.
At The Troy Citizen, I also re-shared an article by Alabama political consultant David Azbell, who wrote a piece at his Facebook Page about the private meeting between former Alabama governor George Wallace and Vivian Malone, one of the two black University of Alabama students who Wallace tried to block from "entering the school house door" (a couple of months after Wallace gave the "Segregation Forever!" speech at his inauguration.)
Azbell was one of just four people at this meeting where, Wallace, again apologized (personally) to Ms. Malone. The backstory for this meeting is that Vivian Malone was the recipient of the Lurleen B. Wallace Courage Award, named for Wallace's widow (who also served as Alabama's governor). Azbell reports that when Wallace died two years later, Ms. Malone attended his funeral.
Here's that dispatch (which also notes that the "World's fastest man" once lived in Troy!)
https://thetroycitizen.substack.com/p/the-worlds-fastest-man-was-from-troy
My observation is that a small percentage of people sometimes make profound changes in character and beliefs, but only after a life altering event. It seems to me a person needs to experience an epiphany of sorts that makes clear how their previous beliefs have caused a major, often negative outcome in their life. Death, break up/divorce, estrangement from children, learning ones character is as bad as others s/he has condemned...
For me, it was recognizing my use of my temper and verbal aggression was as traumatic to a girlfriend as her first boyfriend's physical abuse had been. Shocked me. Embarrassed me. Humiliated me. I could not unsee what I was and how despicable it was.
The harshness of the epiphany faded; the lesson and resulting compassion has held strong for 30+ years and counting. I still have flashes of anger. But the words and aggression have been permanently vanquished.
Did that sort of thing happen to Carter? Could have, but what would have been the catalyst? Estrangement from kids? Was there a catalyst for the move out of state?
Regarding your last question - "Was there a catalyst for the move out of state?" - I'd say, definitely. Carter had once been fairly prominent in the state as he a radio show that was syndicated to 20 other radio stations. He must have had political ambition because he kept running for office - and kept finishing last or almost last in those races. He probably felt his speeches had ensured that Wallace got elected governor in 1962 and then became a "national" political figure. Carter, per reports, wanted to have a significant position in the Wallace administration or the administration of Wallace's wife, Lurleen. This didn't happen. Wallace wasn't virulent enough for Carter's tastes so Carter ran against Wallace in the 1970 gubernatiorial race. He finished in fourth place in the Democratic primary with 1.5 percent of the vote.
He had been shunned and he'd been fired from his radio show. But he also knew he was a talented writer and, like many writers, he'd probably always dreamed of becoming a novelist. Alas, he knew he could never get any novels published as ASA Carter and an avid racist or segregationist. Thus, his only solution was to leave the state, change his first name and his appearance and write those books - which might get published.
They did and his first novel was bought by Clint Eastwood's production company, grossing him $35,000 which would be about $350,000 in today's money.
So, his plan to re-invent himself actually worked. It wouldn't have worked if he remained "Asa Carter, Wallace's racist speech writer from the early 1960s."
Quite plausible. He's definitely an interesting character himself.
What a fascinating biography, and piece of American political and literary history.
Re: F. Scott Fitzgerald's claim that there are no second acts in American life”— oh, that was just silly of FSF to have said.
Another recent Troy Citizen dispatch told my readers that another well-known and acclaimed Alabama author, Ace Atkins, was actually born in Troy, Alabama! Ace Atkins is the son of former Troy State football coach (and former Buffalo Bills all-pro, Billy Atkins).
As I learned in my research into Asa Carter, Carter's nickname was "Ace." This is what George Wallace's handlers and "cronies' called the speech writer they surreptitiously used to pen the words that first got George Wallace elected Alabama governor and later made Wallace a man who might have won the presidency if he hadn't been shot in 1972.
I don't know this for a fact, but I suspect Wallace's aides considered Asa Carter the campaign's "Ace in the hole" - their secret weapon to get their boss elected president and then, later, make him a "national figure."
Here's my story on Ace Atkins, who I have now belatedly added to my list of "Most famous people to ever live in Troy."
https://thetroycitizen.substack.com/p/i-didnt-know-best-selling-novelist
Per my research, George Wallace was considered a "moderate" on race relations when he first ran for governor in 1958. He lost to a candidate who pushed his segregationists views very hard, prompting Wallace to reportedly tell an aide that he was "never going to get out segged" again. (Other versions say he said, 'he was never going to get out-ni**erred again.")
In 1958, Wallace was actually endorsed by the NAACP. Many accounts say as a circuit judge in Barbour County, Wallace had a reputation for treating blacks well in his court.
After this race, is when "Wallace cronies" secretly brought in Asa Carter (who they called "Ace") and he began writing speeches for Wallace's 1962 campaign. One story said Wallace didn't know who was writing these speeches, which had been secretly farmed out to Carter.
As noted below, I think Wallace was sincere when he apologized to African-Americans for his past actions and speeches and asked for forgiveness.
When he ran for governor the last time in 1982, Wallace won with at least 90 percent of black voters voting for him.
So Wallace had re-invented himself. Still, his national reputation will always probably be associated with one speech he gave in January 1963 - a speech written by Asa Carter.
One story I read said that Asa Carter was interested in becoming the press secretary or spokesperson for Gov. Lurleeen Wallace (who succeeded her husband as governor because, at the time, a governor could not serve two consecutive terms.) Wallace and his advisors wanted nothing to do with Asa Carter by that time. Carter later ran against Wallace in 1970.
Oh this brings memories of To Kill a Mockingbird Bill.
I put forth it is when "ego" takes over "principle" that folks get confused - for good reason.
So, lets abide by principle - and stand strong upon them.
One principle I abide by is freedom of speech - be it on the web or elsewhere with a single exception being if one threaten directly another and suggests other act upon said threat. Otherwise - we all ought get to speak our minds freely - and how bizarre it is and it isn't that in Europe these days folks are getting arrested for speaking their minds - that speaks to where the haven of these so-called elitist resides I reckon. Canada ain't much better - at least here we can stills speak our mind Bill - and furthermore and most importantly - any work of literature ought be judged upon the letters in the book independent of the author - and those who want to judge authors oft times are puppets just do as they are instructed.
Ken
Thanks, Ken. I agree.
I copied and pasted several comments from the YouTube site where the film historian discusses "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and the story's author.
These comments give a range of views about Carter, Governor Wallace and the movie, which the narrator considers one of the best movies ever made.
***
"Brilliant analysis contrasting "Josey Wales" with the pompous and boring "Gods and Generals”.
***
"Interestingly enough, I recently learned about Wallace's repentance for his role in segregation and the forgiveness extended to him by some members of the Black community. He will always be remembered for that quote though."
***
"This video is a great explanation of what separating an artist from their art actually means. Appreciating a piece of film for its message while simultaneously understanding the flaws of the man who created it."
***
(Taking his first name, presumably after Nathan Bedford Forrest) … made me think of his potential repentance in a different light, like he was just hiding from the consequences of his actions and fighting for the lost cause in a different way ..."
***
"Wallace was a very complex figure. When he was a judge he was known for being incredibly fair to African Americans in his court--particularly for Alabama at the time.
When he first ran for governor in 1958, he was endorsed by the NAACP and lost to a Klan backed candidate. After which he vowed to 'never get out-ni@@ered' again."
***
"George Wallace never had any deeply held convictions to begin with. When he first ran for governor in 1958, he ran on a non-racist platform and was even endorsed by the NAACP. But after he lost that election he remarked to an aide that he had been “out-n***ered” by his opponent and vowed to never let that happen again, thus George Wallace as we know him was born."
***
“… As a politician, (Wallace) move with public opinion. But he had some correct ideas. Was the best man in '68 to be president, third party. As a Democrat in '72, he was the front runner and would have had a place on the ticket. He won the Maryland & Michigan primaries on the day he was shot. Became the gov of Alabama for two more terms, when most Black voters could vote. Longest serving governor since WWII. Not perfect but became a better man …”
***
“… George Wallace won over 90% of the black vote in 1982 and was elected governor of Alabama for the last time. He appointed the first black judge in Montgomery County, Alabama whom I was fortunate to practice law before for 30 years …”
***
“So Wallace’s racism was not based on personal prejudice, but rather a show put on for his racist constituency. Basically, he was a power-hungry psychopath whose every action was made to benefit himself. If you ask me, Wallace was worse than the genuine article racists.”
Asa Carter …
“>wants to run away from his past
>invents a new identity
>changes way of life
>forgets to change last name.”
***
“Damn, Asa Carter was literally the lonely outlaw running from his past.”
***
“The connection to Nathan Bedford Forrest actually helps the idea of a late in life change, assuming Asa Carter knew much of Forrest’s post-war history. A year or two after being grand wizard, Forrest actually tried to disband the KKK for only causing meaningless violence. He also worked to propose some level of equality as well. What he did in his later life hardly makes up for the earlier, but the fact of the matter is that he did change in his later years. Here’s a quick source:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.tennessean.com/amp/29217861"
***
Bill Rice Jr. comment: Personally, I think Wallace was indeed sincere in his apology for his past actions and speeches. I also believe him when he said he never personally met Asa Carter.
"The surreal back story of Asa Carter has always fascinated me and might even be germane to political and censorship trends today as Carter’s story has been cited by at least one influential historian as a warning that “fascists” like Tucker Carlson and supporters of President Trump are emulating rhetoric once espoused by Carter and Wallace."
Who was this "...at least one influential historian...?" He need his had examined.
And why is there not ONE mention in any of this that Wallace was a democrat. In fact, ALL elected officials who stood against MLK were democrats. Besides Wallace, we can include Lester Maddox, Bull Conner and Orville Faubus. The KKK itself was made up of democrats. And no, there was no "Nixon's Southern Strategy" in which democrat KKK members switched to the republican party. That's a lie that democrat history teacher's tell. Neither Nixon nor the republican party wanted anything to do with the KKK.
Now, find me the "fascist" rhetoric that Carlson and Trump are espousing that "...emulates the rhetoric once espoused by Carter and Wallace."
I quote Allen Barra's 2001 article several times. Barra also late wrote a very good biography of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant as well as a best-selling history book on Wyatt Earp.
Barra interviewed Asa Carter in 1979 for a profile for the Houston Chronicle, but he never wrote the piece as Carter soon died. Barra said Carter's appearance was similar to a haggard Wyat Earp.
I once met and chit-chatted with Barra at a book signing at Capitol Book & News in Montgomery when Barra was promoting his book on Coach Bryant. The things you remember ... George Will once used his column in Newsweek to write a glowing review of the Coach Bryant book. George Will must have admired Coach Bryant.
I've always loved that movie, The Outlaw Josey Wales. Interesting story about the author.
Price of cotton nose dives, sell your slaves out west, Eastern Bankers can't trace, GTT, Gone to Texas and there all here now
Asa Carter once ran for the office of police chief in Birmingham (Director of Public Safety Commission). Carter lost to “Bull” Connor, who would himself become an infamous historical figure when he turned fire hoses and German Shephards loose on black Civil Rights protestors.
Carter finished a “distant fourth” in a field of four in the 1970 gubernatorial race, getting 1.51 percent of the Democratic primary vote and finished last when he ran for lieutenant governor in 1958.
This must of influenced Carter's disposition to lost to Bull Connor.
End of the day - Carter ain't no simple figure - is he Bill.
And that is the nuance of this fine article.
~
Ken