It is interesting how freedom of speech can be bent and people do not even realize it. I saw something where they are getting rid of confederate flags in several front line franchises. The grounds look noble on the surface, People think it represents racism. I find it interesting that something that happened in the 18 00's when none of us were yet alive has such a big impact on todays world. By the way I have African American blood in me so before you start saying I am saying this because I am predigest THINK AGAIN. I was not born then and neither were you, but I do know my American history and the confederate flag did not represent slavery it represented one part of this country thinking they could not live under the rules set down by the other part. For the record I think slavery or oppression in any form stinks and should be fought against. High scruples and ideals and morals are all good things. What I do not understand is why people get so upset over a flag, a piece of cloth or a sticker on a car bumper or on a shirt.
Fact is it happened over a century ago how is this country come together as one nation under God if we are so far lost in the past that an archaic symbol draws this much attention? Also how is anyone to take anyone serious when they cry racism at the same time people are calling their friends and family the names that were once used by their oppressors. If there is a name I do not like to be called by someone else I sure am not gonna let my friends call me it. Equality will only happen when everything is the same for everyone.
I was correcting a group of children one time for breaking a rule at the community hall. I said to a little boy that I spent much time with why did you bring all the kids in game room without and adult. He replied one of the other supervisors told him he could get a ball. I replied then why did you not come get me to be here when you did instead of bringing all these kids in here unattended? At this point a little girl about 9 or 10 said to me you just do not want us in here cause we are black. She had no clue of my ancestry. I looked at another little girl in the room that I had know sense she was born I had been friends with most of her family all her life and before. I called her by name and smiled at her I said you have know me your whole life am I predigest?
She replied no Miss. Jane you treat all kids the same. I smiled at her again said thank you hun. Then I turned to the little girl that made the remark and softly said, You heard if from someone that has know me more then 10 years that I am not predigest, but for you to assume because I you see my white skin I am, could indicate you are. I then told her what no one can see looking at me I have black blood in me on my fathers side. She did not know what to say. I find it interesting most of the people that yell racism do so because they themselves have it in them.
Now back on the main subject cause I digressed, but if you were able to see inside my mind you would see the 2 things are connected. My point is this in America we were made up of people from the whole rest of the world. How ironic is it that in a country that was founded on freedom of speech we are going at each other over something as stupid as an over a century old flag? But more to the point sense that flag is being removed when will the next one offend someone and freedom of speech will take another black eye.
Sense we are going back into history to find things to be annoyed about how about if I go back in history to prove my point? The following was written around the time of WW2 I think.:
First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.
MY POINT IS WHEN YOU START STRIPPING AWAY SOMEONES RIGHTS ( EVEN IF YOU YOURSELF THINK IT SHOULD BE STREIPPED BECAUSE YOU ARE AGAINST IT TOO) THAT IS WHEN YOU NEED TO STAND UP AND SAY THIS IS AMERICA I DO NOT AGREE WITH IT BUT WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO AWAY WITH IT. UNLESS IT BREADS A USA LAW. If they break a law arrest them, but do not escalate a problem by trying to make everyone just like you. It will not work.
FOR THE RECORD I AM NOT RASEST, AND I DO NOT OWN A CONFEDERATE FLAG. I JUST THINK EVERYONE MUST HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY TO SURVIVE.
