Starting Monday, March 8, 2021, Bank of Winnfield – will change hours of operation in response to the Phase 3 COVID Order.
A Slow Start to the 2021 Season
My 2021 bass fishing season got off to a slow start this year with a 41st place finish at Sam Rayburn. I fished the ABA South Texas Division and let’s just say, things did not go as planned. Now as a true angler, I know in my mind what went wrong, or should I say where I went wrong. Like any great angler, I have plenty of excuses that I will attempt to explain and then we’ll break it all down and see exactly what really went wrong.
First, there was another major event taking place on Sam Rayburn at the same time as my event called the MLF Toyota Series which included some of the greatest names in bass fishing with Rick Clunn (who is arguably the greatest angler of all time) Paul Elias (one of the legends of the sport) and many other top names that fish the MLF Pro Tour. With over 200 plus anglers in this event alone, the lake was very crowded making it difficult to have fish to yourself. Second excuse, too much fishing pressure on the lake with Toyota, ABA Open Series and guys practicing for a Sunday event called the Sweet 16. Unstable weather was another reason I had trouble (while others did not) as a front came through with high wind and rain. Oh, and did I mention we were in the middle of a full moon cycle.
As you can see, anglers are full of reasons why they did not catch fish for a particular event. I did have 3 days of good pre-fishing in which I was able to put together a Rat-L-Trap (a flat sided crankbait) pattern along with everyone else on the lake. But this time of year, that’s a normal pattern that a lot of anglers will make a part of their game plan. This is a great technique especially when you have a lake like Sam Rayburn with plenty of hydrilla (aquatic vegetation). I was also able to catch a few fish on a Yamamoto Swimming Senko slow rolling it through the hydrilla in 5 to 6 feet of water.
After picking up my co-angler (Lat Nichols of Paris, Texas) for the day, I decided to start our fishing in the same area I found and caught 4 bass in practice on a 100-yard stretch. There were 70 boats (pros) in this
tournament and we were boat 47 at takeoff on Saturday morning with our scheduled weigh-in time of 3:30. We spent the first two hours on this so-called hot stretch that did not pay off with an early morning bite. So, we made a few moves here and there but still had nothing to show for our hard work and commitment. But with little to no success, I still maintained my focus and felt there would be a late bite in the afternoon just before weigh-in time. Turns out, I was right as I proceeded to catch 3 of my four keepers in the last hour of the tournament. Just like touring MLF Pro Mike Iaconelli says, “Never give up!” Always keep this in mind the next time your tournament day does not go according to plan.
Tune in to Tackle Live every Monday at 12:30 CST. on our Facebook or You Tube channel as we discuss the latest news and tournament results from Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and other great bodies of water found right here in the Ark-La-Tex region. Until next time, don’t forget to set the hook!!!
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approved an amendment Thursday (March 4) during its monthly meeting in Baton Rouge pertaining to the use of natural deer urine in Louisiana.
The amendment states that the only natural deer urine products lawful to import, sell, use or possess must have a seal of approval on the product from either the Responsible Hunting Scent Association or the Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division will actively monitor all Louisiana businesses selling these products to ensure compliance.
The full amendment as adopted reads as follows; It is unlawful to import, sell, use or possess scents or lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids, except natural deer urine products by manufacturers or entities that are actively enrolled and participating in either the Responsible Hunting Scent Association (RHSA) or Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program, and which has been tested using real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) and certified that no detectable levels of chronic wasting disease are present and is clearly labeled as such.
These actions are part of LDWF’s efforts to prevent chronic wasting disease (CWD) from entering the state’s deer herd. CWD has not been detected in Louisiana, but has been found in 26 states, including Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. For more information on CWD, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/cwd.
A public hearing on this amendment will be held April 21, 2021, at LDWF Headquarters in Baton Rouge at 10 a.m. in the Joe L. Herring Louisiana Room, 2000 Quail Drive.
To view the full notices of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulation changes, visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/commission-action-items.
Public comment on the amendment will be accepted at the April 1 LWFC meeting in Baton Rouge or may be submitted directly to Tommy Tuma, LDWF Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA., 70898-9000 or via e-mail to ttuma@wlf.la.gov through April 21.
For more information, contact Tommy Tuma at 225-765-2349 or ttuma@wlf.la.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available by appointment only to those eligible Mondays at the First Assembly of God Church located at 5693 Hwy. 167N in Winnfield.
To make an appointment click covidvaccine.la.gov or call 211 or 318-628-2148.
If you need help registering you may call Randa Statham CHW at 318-302-9381 for registration assistance.
*Schedule and days are subject to change due to vaccine availability.
Individuals currently eligible for vaccination are:
Patients must contact a participating location and make an appointment at the location. Do not arrive at a location without an appointment. LDH cannot make appointments for residents; only participating locations can. Appointments do not have to be made to receive the second dose of the vaccine. Second doses are given at the same location a person receives their first dose and the appointment for the second dose will be made during the appointment for the first dose.
Students from all eight Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) campuses are competing in 25 work skill categories in the school’s 2021 SkillsUSA Regional competition to determine which students will represent CLTCC in state competition.
“SkillsUSA is an incredible program focused on student achievement and service learning. We have a record number of students competing this year from CLTCC,” said Chancellor Jimmy Sawtelle. “In 2019 we had students competing in seven categories. Last year we had students competing in 21 categories and this year we have 129 students competing in 25 categories. I’m so proud of our students for wanting to develop their skills and compete to be the best.”
SkillsUSA is a national organization where students, instructors and business and industry partners work together to produce a “highly skilled” American workforce.
The regional competition will be held in Alexandria, with activities at both the main campus on Murray Street and at the Advanced Manufacturing Center on Second Street, as well as the Natchitoches campus.
Activities started February 25 at the main building on Murray Street for students competing in Allied Health and Business categories. Students will compete in Cosmetology and HVAC categories on Wednesday, March 3, at the Natchitoches campus. Competition will wrap up on March 12 with Welding and Electrical categories at the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Alexandria.
Winners will be recognized with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. All medalists will qualify to advance to the state competition.
“We are so proud of our CLTCC SkillsUSA students,” said Stephanie Gaspard, student advisor. “With all the adversity they have faced this academic year, they have risen above it all and continue to strive to be the best of the best. It is amazing to see.”
As in the past, the students are collecting food donations as part of a community service project in a partnership with the United Way of Central Louisiana. “We are focusing on helping the homeless population, so we are asking for donations of canned items with easy-open lids or pop-tops as well as items that don’t need cooking,” said CLTCC Director of Student Affairs Meredith Rennier.
“Donations can be dropped off at the main campus location on Murray Street. Central Louisiana has given us so much, our students are happy to have the opportunity to give back.”
Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for good-paying jobs. CLTCC serves 10 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses and provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions. For more information, visit www.cltcc.edu.
WINN:
David Anthony Hinson
March 08, 1951 – March 03, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 6 at 11 am at Garden of Memories Cemetery
NATCHITOCHES:
Johnnie Williams
March 3, 2021
Arrangements TBA
Annie Thompson
March 2, 2021
Arrangements TBA
Miguel Raoul Garcia
December 01, 1975 – February 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 6 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
SABINE:
Douglas Wright Curtis
October 31, 1926 – February 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 13 at 2 pm at Zion Hill Cemetery in Negreet
Winn Parish is entering the 21st century! And by that, we mean the era of having food delivered to you via a third party. This exciting service is being launched in Winn Parish by EZ-Deliver, who plans to start delivering Friday, March 5, 2021.
A third-party delivery service partners with restaurants to create a marketplace that customers can search to browse restaurant menus, place orders, and have orders delivered to their location.
You can order via the EZ-Deliver app or EZ-Deliver website ez-deliver.com.
Nope! EZ-Deliver delivers anything from food and groceries to alcohol and laundry. You name it, they deliver. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Tap “Concierge Services” on the app or website and let them know what you need.
There is a $4.99 delivery fee. Teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement all get free delivery when they enter a special code (coming soon.)
Local restaurants interested in being added to the EZ-Deliver service may contact Kyle Staude, CEO at 270-791-6796, Shelby Smith at 318-265-7386 or Jill Bates at 806-683-5441.
Yes! EZ-Deliver is hiring delivery drivers for Winn Parish. They offer flexible hours and day and night shifts. Contact Kyle Staude, CEO at 270-791-6796, Shelby Smith at 318-265-7386 or Jill Bates at 806-683-5441 for more hiring information.
Name: Gary P. Lachney
Date: 2-24-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 56
Charge: Driving Under Suspension W/o Accident, Speeding 25 To 29 Mph Over Limit
Name: Henry Rodriquez
Date: 2-24-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Charge: Criminal Trespass, Simple Criminal Damage to Property (Both Arrest Warrants)
Name: Christy Laray Jordan Ingles
Date: 2-25-21
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 43
Charge: Failure to Appear
Name: Damondric Ja-daryl Jamond Jackson
Date: 2-25-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Charge: Failure to Appear
Name: Nekesha S. Ellison
Date: 2-26-21
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 43
Charge: Cruelty to A Juvenile, Domestic Abuse Battery
Name: Kenneth Ray Dudley
Date: 2-26-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 70
Charge: No Tail Lights Or Defective Tail Lights, Driving Under Suspension W/o Accident
Name: Kevin M. Conner
Date: 2-27-21
Race: Unknown
Gender: Male
Age: 31
Charge: Battery of Emergency Room Personnel, Resisting an Officer/Simple Assault
Name: Tanisha A. Amos
Date: 3-1-21
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 38
Charge: Prohibited Acts; Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule IV Drug W/ Intent To Distribute, Winn City PD FTA Warrant
Name: Michael Ryan Mooney
Date: 3-1-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Charge: Domestic Abuse Battery
Rotarian of the week, Mrs. Jane Purser, arranged for and introduced the special guests of Winnfield’s Rotary Club on Wednesday, February 24, 2021: Winnfield native, Ashley Price Nacquin, and her husband, Shawn Nacquin, born and reared in Mamou, Louisiana. Ashley, the youngest daughter of Larry and Edith Price, was raised in Winnfield, began learning the piano at the age of 2 and ½, and was Valedictorian of her class when she graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana College, where she met her husband, Shawn, when she served as his piano accompanist in music competitions.
Shawn was drawn to the field of music in junior high and high school and, although his school was too small to have a marching band, his band teacher recognized his musical talent, gave him encouragement and individual lessons, and helped him qualify to participate in various honor bands in Louisiana. Because of his talent and determination, Shawn was awarded a full music scholarship to Louisiana College, where he and Ashley met.
Shawn and Ashley married in 2015. Shawn completed his bachelor’s degree in music education at Louisiana Tech with a specialty in clarinet and woodwinds, and the couple moved to Baton Rouge where Ashley has been studying for a degree in law, which she will complete in May of this year, along with a supplemental graduate certificate in comparative law. It is notable that, throughout all her studies and moves, Ashley has remained closely connected with Winnfield and Winn Parish, and provides music for the congregations of New Hope United Methodist, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, and First Presbyterian, where she has played piano since she was in the sixth grade. She and Shawn were recently able to move permanently to Winnfield, as planned, when Ashley’s classes went all-virtual due to the changes in educational media necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As one might imagine, Mr. and Mrs. Nacquin provided a musical program consisting primarily of songs from Disney musicals for the Rotarians present, with Ashley on the piano and Shawn on the alto saxophone and the clarinet. The introductory piece was Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast), followed by almost thirty minutes of lovely familiar tunes such as Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany’s), Bare Necessities (The Jungle Book), You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story), Never Enough (The Greatest Show on Earth), and When I’m Older (Frozen II), among others. The finale was a piece called Disney Piano Medley arranged by Johnny Ray.
After a period allowed for questions from the audience, the meeting concluded with Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self!
The Rotary Club of Winnfield meets every Wednesday at Noon for lunch at Lynda’s Country Kitchen. For more information about the Rotary Club of Winnfield, you may contact President, Jodi Taylor (832) 573-5085. You can also find club information on Facebook at Rotary Club of Winnfield Facebook Page or online at Rotary.org.
Don’t miss the hottest ticket in town! The Winn chapter of Whitetails Unlimited annual banquet is tomorrow at the Winnfield Civic Center beginning at 6 PM. This family friendly event has it all. Games, raffles, live and silent auctions, food and socializing all to raise money for a good cause.
This fundraising event will include a various products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork, and collectibles only available at WTU events. Check out what you could win here!
Tickets -$40 single, $20 spouse or child (15 & under). Tickets will be available at the door. Table sponsorships are still available.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hunting for Christ Banquet at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Calvin, LA.
On Feb. 25, 2021, Zac Little, Winnfield native and 2017 WSHS graduate was 1 of only 2 seniors
to be presented with the Tenets of Tech Award for acknowledgement of his academic
excellence and outstanding dedication and contribution to Louisiana Tech University at it’s
annual Who’s Who Banquet. Little, a senior at Louisiana Tech, was 1 of 100 seniors
nominated by faculty to be named to Tech’s Who’s Who. After resume submissions and
interviews, 20 were chosen as Who’s Who, and the top 2 were honored with the Tenets of Tech
Award.
Earlier this year, Mr. Little was selected via a rigorous process as Louisiana Tech’s
Homecoming King and also serves as 2020-2021 Student Government Association’s (SGA)
President. As an extremely active student at Louisiana Tech, Little also served as SGA’s Vice
President, Sophomore Class Senator and Freshman Class Senator. He also served as an
Orientation Student Leader, a Student Recruiter, a College of Business Ambassador and was
selected to Kappa Delta Soroity’s Dream Court.
He has been honored as the 2020-2021 College of Business Senior Scholar, and won the 2020
Louisiana Tech Spirit of Orientation Award, and named 2019 SGA Member of the Year.
Little will graduate on March 6, 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. His future plans
are to remain at La Tech and obtain his Masters of Business Administration and then hopes to
attend law school. He is the son of Kelly and Ken Carpenter and Bodie Little.
By: Brad Dison
In 1907, Marion Robert Morrison was born to Clyde and Molly Morrison in Winterset, Iowa. Before his tenth birthday, the Morrison’s moved to Glendale, California, where his father worked as a pharmacist. Marion excelled at Glendale High School. He was an overachiever who did well in academics as well as in sports. He played on the football team, was on the debate team, contributed articles to the school’s newspaper, and, in 1925, was the president of his senior class.
Marion’s impressive high school transcript earned him a football scholarship to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The scholarship covered tuition, $280/year, and, because he was on the football team, his scholarship included one meal a day during weekdays. Eugene Clarke, a longtime friend and teammate of Marion, said “we sort of had to scratch around for our other meals and for all of our meals on weekends.” Eugene added with a grin, “We were always pretty hungry by Monday morning.”
Marion’s schoolwork ethic was just as strong at USC as it was at Glendale High School. Marion and several of his high school friends joined Sigma Chi fraternity. During one college party, a fight broke out. Marion cleverly filled his mouth with ketchup. When several guys turned their sites on Marion, he put his fists up and allowed the ketchup to flow slowly from his mouth. Rather than hit Marion, the guys felt bad for him and let him go. Marion’s quick thinking all but ended the fight. Then, Marion started to laugh. Realizing they had been had, the guys started the fight anew with Marion as their main target.
During the summer between Marion’s sophomore and junior year, Marion went bodysurfing with friends in the Pacific Ocean. Surfers generally use a surfboard or some other type of floatation device to surf high waves. Bodysurfers, on the other hand, use no floatation device, but use only their bodies to ride the waves. Bodysurfers swim out into deep water and watch for a powerful advancing wave. The bodysurfers turn and swim back toward the beach. Once the wave reaches them, they hold their bodies in a rigid position with their backs slightly arched, which allows them to ride the wave. Marion bodysurfed a large wave only too well. He rode the wave into shallow water and struck the ocean floor with such force that it broke his collarbone. His afternoon of bodysurfing ended his football career and, more importantly, his scholarship. Marion was in financial trouble. He owed more money than he made at his various odd jobs. He owed his former fraternity money for membership dues in addition to room and board. Unable to afford tuition and fraternity fees without the scholarship, Marion was forced to drop out of college.
Marion had no prospects, no money, and no place to live. A friend of Marion’s convinced his parents to allow Marion to live in a small room above their garage until he got back on his feet. USC football coach Howard Jones helped Marion secure a part-time job as a prop man and day laborer at Fox Studios. Marion had no aspirations at acting. He just needed a job.
In 1928, Marion moved from behind the camera to in front of it when he landed a small movie roll. The small role came with a small pay increase. For two years, Marion played bit parts and an occasional lead part in a few mostly forgettable low budget films. In 1930, he got his first starring role in a movie which had a budget in excess of $1 million. Marion fit director Raoul Walsh’s formula for the part. Raoul wanted an actor who was six foot three or over, had no hips, and had a face which fit in a sombrero, characteristics which Marion had. Fox executives assigned an acting coach to help Marion develop his manner of speaking, walking, subtle movements, and other minor details. Marion detested the strict regimen and failed to take his acting coach seriously. Finally, the acting coach quit with a final harsh remark; “If you live to be 100 years old, you will never become an actor.” Raoul was unconcerned because he believed in Marion’s acting ability. The movie was a commercial flop.
For another decade, Fox executives demoted Marion back to low budget, mostly forgettable films, for which he received little pay. Whereas most big budget movies took months to make, many of the movies Marion appeared in were shot in just a few days. His movie career seemed at an end, but, because of the Great Depression, Marion was glad to have a job. He worked as often as he could, was always on time, always knew his lines, often performed his own stunts, and did whatever was possible to improve the picture. After working on several musical films which required him to lip sync due to his inability to sing, Marion made a single demand. He refused to “sing” on film. Marion was in no position to make any demands, but luck seemed to be on his side.
Legendary director John Ford had an upcoming project for which he thought Marion would be a perfect fit. Movie producers disagreed with Ford, but Ford argued that rather than getting a big star, which would be expensive, they could get Marion “for peanuts.” Ford failed to mention that he had watched several of Marion’s films and saw potential. Finally, the studio relented and Ford cast Marion. During filming, Ford purposefully treated Marion cruelly. Ford wanted to break Marion of his bad acting habits, and wanted the other, more established actors to feel sorry for Marion so that they would help improve his acting ability. Ford’s cruelty paid off as the film was nominated for best picture along with Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and several others. The best picture Oscar went to Gone with the Wind.
Despite not winning the Oscar for best picture, Marion’s status as an actor gradually improved, as did the budget for the films he worked on. Marion eventually became more than a movie star; he became an icon. Despite the fact that he died in 1979, more than four decades ago, Marion has always ranked in the top ten of “America’s Favorite Movie Stars” according to the Harris Poll. Marion is the only person who has never dropped off of the top 10 list since 1993, the first year the Harris Poll was published. Fox executives disliked the name Marion Morrison and decided on a new name. Marion suggested they use his childhood nickname, which they quickly rejected. For the rest of his life, Marion’s devoted fans called him “Duke,” the name Fox executives rejected. Fox executives settled instead on a moniker for Marion which has become symbolic of a tough, honest, all American man. They created the name… John Wayne.
Sources:
Mr. Cargle Branch, Jr., age 71 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Born Monday, May 16, 1949, in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude Gilmore Jowers and Cargle Branch, Sr.; his brother, Jesse Branch; and his sisters, Frances Freeman and Elsie Laurent.
In Junior’s early career, he worked on tug boats and drove an eighteen-wheeler truck. Since the late 1980’s he dedicated his life to public service. Junior was proud to work for local ambulance services, the City of Winnfield Police Department and, most recently, the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Department. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and will be remembered as a great cook, hard worker, a loving, caring man who was always pleasant, and dedicated to his family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 40 years, Jo Castleberry Branch; daughters, Renee Arrington, and husband Don, and Jennifer Brown; grandchildren, Garrett, Ashlyn, and Logan Sanders; Carson Arrington; and Tyler, Emilee, and Jaci Mixon; and a host of cousins and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Southern Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Southern Funeral Home, from 11:00 AM until time of services.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Hines officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery, in Tannehill.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Garrett Sanders, Tyler Mixon, Logan Sanders, Carson Arrington, Stephen Porter, Manuel Espejel, Joseph Vines, and Carliss McCarthy, Jr.
Curtis R. Joseph, Jr./Opinion
It is often through the most difficult of circumstances and the most trying of times that we learn life’s most valuable lessons. In the aftermath of committing one of history’s most heinous crimes, Cain is confronted with an opportunity for growth. By that, God presents Cain with the quintessential loaded question, “Where is thy brother, Abel?” At the time God asked the question, He knew full well what had transpired. He knew that Cain had slain his brother. Rather than seize the chance for redemption by owning up to his act, Cain opted, instead, to shirk any responsibility. His response has been etched in time. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” was his indignant reply.
The answer to this singular question speaks volumes about our society. Simply put, before we arrive at the question of what is just and proper for me to do as it regards my brother, I must first answer the question of whether I even owe a duty at all with respect to my brother. If the question of duty is not answered affirmatively, then the balance of the query is rendered moot. History is filled with examples of moments in time when strangers answered the question of duty affirmatively and they, therefore, acted with compassion, love and respect for their fellow man.
It has been said that adversity doesn’t build character; rather, adversity reveals character. Although the quote is typically meant to apply to individuals, it is equally applicable when speaking of nations. Given the current situation involving COVID-19, our collective character is certainly being revealed. For every healthcare worker or other manner of “essential” worker, who has accepted their call to duty and braved the risks associated with life during these times, there are scores of people who simply refuse to adhere to basic practices that are likely to decrease overall exposure to the virus. Simply put, these individuals have made a conscious, deliberate decision that they owe no duty to the rest of us. How can that be so?
As is typically the case, history can be our guide. For, it is written that there is nothing new under the sun. That said, as an example, I offer the Bank Holiday that was instituted from March 6, 1933 through March 13, 1933. The nation had been reeling for several years as a consequence of the Great Depression. The matter was only compounded by the ensuing run on the banks by customers who rushed to withdraw deposits for fear that the banks would not be able to function.
At the darkest hour, leadership entered the picture. Newly inaugurated President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, signed the Emergency Banking Act, which sought to restore Americans’ confidence in the national banking system. However, it required all banking to cease for four days beginning on March 9, 1933 and, thereafter, recommence on March 13, 1933. The proposed measures gained bipartisan support because the banking calamities were not Democratic or Republican issues. They impacted all Americans. Consequently, petty party disagreements took a back seat to governance for the greater good. Imagine that.
However, there is more to the story. On the evening of Sunday, March 12, 1933, only eight days into his presidency, FDR took to the radio to deliver the first of his “Fireside Chats” with the American people. In plain language for all to understand, FDR outlined why it was necessary to shut the banks down in order to rehabilitate them with an eye toward reopening them in a manner that would allow them to meet every customer’s need. Roosevelt also detailed the way in which the banks would phase in their reopening. Essentially, there was a phasing-in process that was somewhat similar in approach to the current phases we see with respect to COVID reopening (i.e., reasonable metrics to assess readiness).
More importantly, Roosevelt was able to communicate a sense of compassion for the plight of the common man, while also laying out his plan in a candid and honest fashion. He was, thereby, able to obtain buy in from the American people, who immediately began removing their money from their mattresses and, once again, depositing it in the banks.
I do not offer the Bank Holiday to in any way deify FDR, or to suggest a thorough understanding of the banking system. Rather, I offer it as an example to illuminate the fact that it sometimes takes leadership to point us in the direction where we listen to the better angels of our nature and own the responsibility of being our brother’s keeper.
In less than 14 minutes, during that first fireside chat, FDR appealed to the American people and reached them in a way that tapped a sense of unity that our country needs not only during times of war, famine or crisis, but one that must become prevalent if we ever hope to realize our true potential. Roosevelt captured the essence of oneness in the closing remarks of that first radio address, when he noted as follows:
“After all there is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work. It is your problem no less than it
is mine. Together we cannot fail.”
This is the most strenuous test of our collective mettle during my lifetime. As FDR stressed, it is up to each of us to make it work. That said, please continue to be safe. We’re all depending upon it.
The views and opinions expressed in the My Opinion article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Winn Parish Journal. Any content provided by the authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.