Not to rain on your parade

Despite rumors that Mayor Steve Adler had waffled about participating in the Austin Veterans Day Parade, which will include people carrying the Confederate flag, Adler says he never had any such plans. Yesterday, members of Adler’s office provided the receipts, in the form of a Sept. 20 email. In that email, Adler wrote, “As you know, I do not get to decide who the Austin Veterans Day Parade Committee allows in its parade. I can only decide whether I personally participate, and as I have stated, I want to spend that day honoring United States Veterans and am not comfortable marching in a parade that honors the Confederacy. I have offered to explain my reasons to the Sons of the Confederacy directly, but it is not my place or intent to negotiate their participation in the parade.” He continued, “It remains my preference to participate in a Veterans Day event that honors United States veterans, as defined by law, and in a manner consistent with this community’s values.” Adler will volunteer at the Central Texas Food Bank instead.