To the Editor:

The controversy in South Carolina revolving around the Confederate Flag has made me think about my Southern heritage. I grew up in Georgia and spent most of my working life in South Carolina. The rationale offered by those who support prominent display of the flag is to honor their Southern heritage and their ancestors who fought in the Civil War.    Over 600,000 Americans died in that war, more than any other war in American history. This war was indeed about states’ rights — states ensuring the right of landowners to not only own the land, but to enslave other human beings to work that land. That’s it! If that’s the heritage we’re supposed to be celebrating with the flag, I’ll pass.

Similarly, characteristics such as high levels of poverty, poor education and ill health that characterize many of the states of the old Confederacy are part of the legacy, but hardly worth honoring or celebrating. That being said, I choose to live in the South and there are many things worth celebrating. 

Maybe a new flag is in order that recognizes those things positive about the South. One element of the flag would celebrate food — maybe grits and barbecue. Another element would certainly be music. Jazz and bluegrass are have a uniquely southern heritage and should be represented. The literature from southern authors such as William Faulkner, Thomas Wolfe, Harper Lee and many others should also be symbolized in such a flag. Designing such a flag would be worthy endeavor to acknowledge things worth honoring that are uniquely Southern.

Those individuals who wish to fly the Confederate flag should clearly have that right. It is not a sign of honor, but it does clearly mark those who choose to exercise that right — sort of like a mark of Cain.

John Gladden

Franklin