Klan highway: That’s the predicament transportation officials are facing in Georgia, where a chapter of the Klu Klux Klan has applied for the “adopt a highway” program. The whole scenario is particularly touchy in a legal sense, leaving officials to ponder what, precisely, to do about the group’s application.
“My God, when you say that the Ku Klux Klan is now being considered in that category, it stretches the imagination,” State Representative Tyrone Brooks, an African America legislator, explained to Reuters. He also added that, should Georgia lose the battle against the KKK’s application in court, the state should consider ending the program altogether.
Harley Hanson, who is known in certain circles as the Exalted Cyclops of the Union County Klan, said that the group intends to take legal action against the state should their request be denied. “Our intentions are to keep the road clean,” he said. “We love our race. We don’t promote violence.”
The “adopt a highway” program, according to Brooks, is a program for “civic-minded” organizations that are looking to clean up a stretch of road by picking up litter and planting trees. To thank people for their efforts, a sign with the group’s name is usually erected on the highway they’ve helped improve.
Twitter users have taken to the site to express their concerns about the Klan’s involvement with Georgia’s “adopt a highway” program. You can find a sampling of their opinions below.
Georgia’s Klu Klux Klan wants to adopt a highway. Wait till they find out it’s black.
#ugh we really are moving backwards ll Georgia Ku Klux Klan group wants to adopt a highway: http://t.co/ockMWnWp
http://t.co/rnhoufbC Good to know the Klan in #Georgia is anti-litter. #vomit
HEADLINE: “Georgia Ku Klux Klan group wants to adopt a highway.” I now have justification to trash I-75 around Macon!
klu klux klan highway is one road i wont travel on…period