Commentary

Much news this week was focused on what statues, flags and symbols of racism (alleged and otherwise) should be torn down. If it offends one's sensitivities then it must be torn down.

I believe that those people doing these things are misguided in their zeal to eradicate racism. History is something that we all can learn from. Some of it isn't pretty but it happened nevertheless. One of the most disturbing pictures I saw was several years ago at the Museum Of Natural History here in New York City. It showed a young child screaming for his mother as she was chained and taken away by slave traders. This practice was common and it actually happened. The picture pained my heart but I wouldn't want it to be taken down. It's a history lesson for all who see it. 

I will read more about the Confederacy, in particular the Confederate flag. It is a part of the history of the South. There are symbols of many events that happened through history all over the world. Revisionist history does no one any good. People on the Right and the Left are behaving like spoiled children over these symbols. They are blowing off a lot of steam without having any solution as to how to end racism.

I believe that people have the right to erect any statue, wave any flag, and make stupid statements because it's what called free speech. Each person has to own up to their own actions and positions. My neighbor has the right to have a Confederate flag just as I have the right to fly a transgender flag. What is happening is that people are sinking into tribal warfare and that is dangerous for all. 

I have been saying all year that people will need to stop the hollering and name calling and have serious discussions about racism and other topics. I believe there are many people who want to do this but the extreme factions on the Left and the Right would rather not have this happen. Politicians and officials need to be taken to task especially if they foment the racial strife that already exists. Both the Left AND the Right are guilty of this. Until serious and honest discussions do not happen nothing will be accomplished.