PUBLIC FORUM: We shouldn’t erase history — even dark parts

The author in this blog post speaks about the Confederate flag and what it stood for, both now and in the past. They argue that, despite the negative mindset that the flag tends to bring up in some people, the Confederate flag should not be forcibly removed from history. They also argue that many other symbols of America were created by slave owners, and that it would be impossible to erase that part of history completely.

Key Takeaways:

• The impetus for removing Confederate symbols may have come when Dylann Root murdered black parishioners in Charleston.
• To see that flag marched in step with the Nazi cross speaks volumes.
• Now I say we’re going too far. Destroying or removing statues of Confederate leaders and generals will only fuel more racial animosity and embolden the sympathizers of white supremacy.

“Some would say it’s no longer a symbol of racial subjugation, but any modern interpretation cannot efface its origin as a banner for a rebellion that took the lives of over half a million citizens most of whom never owned a slave.”