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August 10, 2002 Let's scrap the Confederate Flag By Allen Lottinger,
Sr. It’s time to scrap the flag that most people consider to be an emblem of slavery. True, there were some good causes pursued by the Confederate States, such as states rights and the elimination of unfair tariffs placed on European imports that competed with goods produced by the yankees. But in this day and age, the Confederate Flag stands for slavery and the injustices and indignities associated with it. Flying the Confederate Flag under the U. S. Flag on public land in Mississippi recently was just the latest insult to descendants of those slaves who make up a large portion of our population. A similar situation developed in South Carolina during the last Presidential campaign. The Confederate Flag certainly belongs in our museums where it relates a part of our history. But it has no place on a flag staff as an inspiration to follow what it stands for. Race relations have come a long way in this country from the days of slavery. Though many people try to keep prejudice alive to serve their selfish purposes, it has disappeared to a great extent in many aspects of society. The races work together very well side by side in the private sector. And whites and blacks constantly cheer on their heroes of the other color on the football fields and basketball courts of the land. Even in the political arena, people are less likely to vote for the color or an individual than for his ability to govern. Colin Powell would have been a shoo-in for President had he chosen to run in the past. And we dare say that if Mayor Ray Nagin successfully continues his drive against governmental corruption in New Orleans, he could very well be a future governor of Louisiana, despite the color of his skin. People are less prejudiced than we give them credit for being. And if it were not for some who try to keep racism alive for whatever purpose, even that would soon almost disappear. One way to help speed that day is to eliminate vestiges of the time when white men were considered superior to blacks. The Confederate Flag is one of them. It has no place beneath the stars and stripes in this age of enlightenment. Let’s quit bringing back bad memories to our black brothers and scrap it. |
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