Mississippi....................not just a river.......

Forty eight years ago Phil Ochs, the greatest of our protest singers, wrote a song called “Here’s to the State of Mississippi” in which he pretty much excoriated every single person and aspect and institution of the state, which at the time had the worst civil rights violations record in the country, and was known for a blatantly racist law enforcement division, and more. “Behind their broken badges they are murderers and more…,” Ochs said.
The chorus is unforgettable. “Here’s to the land you’ve torn out the heart of. ..Mississippi find yourself another country to be part of. “
Ive never been to Mississippi, but that song has always stuck in my head whenever I hear the name. So, you can bet that as I entered Mississippi today at around 2:00 pm, I was singing a hearty chorus of something….
So now, it begins. Will Mississippi prove to me that it has changed since Ochs penned his vitriolic tune? I had read or heard somewhere that Mississippi at one time in recent years had advanced so far into the present that there were more black office holders than any other state in the union. Whether this is still true I do not know but obviously lessons were learned and times did indeed change. Now I want to see it for myself.
Alabama was a surprise to me. The people were lovely, almost to a person. I think I met one or two jerks, namely that rent a cop in Walnut Grove and the woman who clipped my cart with her car on purpose in Gadsden, but by and large everyone, even suspect looking people, turned out to be wonderful and as generous as they could be with food, cash on occasion, and offers of showers, supplies and more. The police everywhere have been terrific (the real ones anyway) and have asked appropriate questions and even helped me find safe places to set up my tent, as happened last night in Cherokee, where I not only camped between the fire and rescue building and the police department, but was offered pizza and Pepsi as well, which was delicious.
My main gripe so far, and not one that will be addressed, is the roads. I know they are meant for cars, not strollers pushed by burly guys, but at times the shoulders are so bad, or non existent, that it makes life sheer hell. But that’s part of the adventure,
So far, I have only travelled about 7 miles into Mississippi. I have not seen much and have not spoken to anyone except a couple who were taking their picture by the Welcome to Mississippi sign, where they kindly took my photo as well. They were driving across the country and hope to visit 20 states by the time they are done.
Every step I take from here on out is a step further west than I have ever been before. Pigeon Forge Tennessee was my old landmark and now every step is an extension. Im happy you all (y’all) are enjoying the stories I tell you. Ill try to keep them as enjoyable and thought provoking as I can.