Removing History

Take Down Jefferson Memorial, Rename DC?

This whole discussion about the Confederate flag is getting way out of hand.  Certainly there should be discussions about racism, but relating racism to the history of slavery in America is misguided.  Here is why.

The flag did not kill anyone.  The flag is a symbol.  Depending on who is asked the symbolism varies, but it is a symbol.

The discussion is still too emotional for many following the mass murder in a Charleston, SC. church.  Calmer heads must prevail when discussing potentially heated topics such as racism.

In an effort to remove a symbol we risk removing our history as well, and that is dangerous.  We have all heard the saying about ignoring history and begin doomed to repeat it.  Removing history removes the lessons learned from it.  Think about your children going to school and not learning about that period of our history. 

Let us not forget that Americans abolished slavery, and were the first people in the world to do so.  In fact, many places around the world still practice slavery.  We have done great things in our short American history, and fighting the Civil War and ending slavery is one of the most important series of events in that history.

Talk about the slippery slope that many people say would never happen, is also misguided.  There are countless examples of asking for an inch and taking a mile.  Where would it end?  The video above shows people think we should rename our nations capital, and tear down memorials for people we no longer think deserving.  No matter how well intentioned, the ends do not justify the means.

Instead of removing anything that offends some person, which would amount to almost everything we have, let's learn form our history and move forward with renewed good will toward all men.