Can we talk?

Out On A Limb Again

         I can't believe there is so much melodrama going on these days. Extremists and haters seem to be everywhere. The Confederate flag has drawn out a lot of crazies, for one example.

         First, neither "side" understands what it means to the other. I agree it should not fly over any government building. It represents an entity that doesn't exist any longer. But it did at one time, so it can't and shouldn't disappear from museums, gift shops, or personal collections, just like any other flag of a bygone era. It can't be erased from history.

         At the time it was flown legally, it did not represent slavery, but in the century and a half since then, it has come to mean that in the minds of some people, both black and white. It wouldn't hurt to be sensitive to that. To others it just symbolizes the Southern locations and has nothing to do with war or racism. It's just a nostalgic thing, a genealogical thing without negative connotations. Most people who fought in the Civil War were not slave holders. Poor farmers fought on both sides, and they couldn't afford slaves. The generals and statesmen who did not fight probably owned slaves. And slavery was not an issue when that war began and the Confederacy was formed. It became an issue much later, when something was needed to unify the North, which was losing interest in the war.

         Unfortunately, that flag has become more of a decoration than a symbol. Groups over the last week have rallied to defend their flag, which has now evolved into a symbol of freedom of personal expression. But have you looked at pictures of those groups? Forgive me for saying so, but they look like shoppers from Wal-Mart were rounded up. On the one hand, you kind of admire their spunk, regardless of what you think about that flag. But, on the other hand, you wouldn't want to be seen with them. It's not the crowd you hang out with in your spare time.

         There have been numerous anti-Christian demonstrations, involving wiping the butt with pages from the Bible. Anti-American flag demonstrations, gay demonstrations, transgender episodes, etc. And the Trump issues just won't stop.

         Mind you, I'm not a Trump fan. But I like that he's not backing down. He could cave in and recant to recoup all the lost dollars, but no. He's standing firm. I don't like the challenge to freedom of speech. Macy's and NBC were wrong, and a half dozen others. But the recoil from the negative reaction has actually helped him more than ever. Had they ignored him,he would still be spinning his wheels. But the polls have rated him higher than before. He's getting more backing, and could surge way ahead. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head if NBC and Macy's actually helped boost his nomination?

         I've never flown a Confederate flag and don't intend to. But I defend the right of people who want to do so as long as they are lawful and respectful of others. I don't support Trump, but I support his right to speak his mind.