George Wallace was an American politician, and the 45th governor of Alabama. He earned the title, "the most influential loser" in 20th century politics after four runs for U.S. president (three as a Democrat and once with the American Independent Party). On this day in 1972, an assassination attempt left Wallace paralyzed and bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. While campaigning in Maryland, he was shot five times by Arthur Bremer, who claimed he was motivated by fame. Wallace was known for his Southern populist and segregationist attitudes during the desegregation period, beliefs he renounced later in his life. On desegregation, Wallace said "The President (JFK) wants us to surrender this state to Martin Luther King and his group of pro-communists who have instituted these demonstrations." Bremer's actions inspired the screenplay for the movie Taxi Driver, which in turn, provoked the assassination attempt on President Reagan by John Hinckley, Jr.
It’s Tuesday, May 15
There’s a diabetes support group meeting tonight at 7 at the Lone Oak Church of Christ in Paducah. Optometrist Tonia Batts will speak on caring for your eyes when you have diabetes. For more information, call Western Baptist Hospital at (270) 575-2822.
Fort Donelson hosts a Civil War Roundtable Thursday night at 7 at the Cumberland Room of the Stewart County Visitor Center. Mike Manning will present a program on the Civil War in Indian Territory. The lecture is free and open to the public.
A trivia night benefiting Relay for Life will be held on Friday at Graves County Middle School. Teams of six players will compete for three top prizes. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided. The entry fee is $60 per team, and teams may purchase up to six mulligans at $5 each. Doors open at 6:30, and competition starts at 7. To register, call (270) 674-1553.
Find community event details at wkms.org.
