FLAG: Consistency not much to ask

I never thought I would quote a Democrat: Sen. James Webb of Virginia made the following remark about the so-called Confederate flag controversy:

“ … honorable Americans fought on both sides in the Civil War, including slaveholders in the Union Army from states such as Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware, and that many non-slaveholders fought for the South. It was in recognition of the character of soldiers on both sides that the federal government authorized the construction of the Confederate Memorial 100 years ago, on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.”

I looked into it. Sure enough, the same U.S. government that defeated the Confederacy actually dedicated a monument at Arlington National Cemetery to honor BOTH the Union dead and those of the Confederacy. This was done not to recognize slavery which the nation had outlawed. It was done to honor those who fought in battle — the vast majority of whom had zero connection to slavery.

In watching the spectacle on the grounds of the South Carolina statehouse, I recalled a time when Americans conducted themselves with honor and respect for those who have gone before us — contrasted with the mob-rule of chants and jeers.

Perhaps some will have the courage to call for George Washington to be removed from our currency and Washington, D.C., renamed — did he not own slaves? Remove Monticello from the Parks Service — Jefferson was a slaveholder. The White House: Built with slave labor. Let’s be consistent, shall we?

Perhaps wishing for consistency is like hoping Walmart will remove Che Guevara from their clothing line. Unlikely.

JEREMY MORRIS

Hayden