FLAG: It's an emblem of evil

The Confederate battle flag is the symbol of a society that was founded on, and maintained by, slavery. The suffering caused by that society was extreme.

Everything that could possibly be done to break the slave’s spirit (and keep them docile) was done. The slaves were told that they were stupid, ugly, lazy, half-human and a worthless being. They had no purpose in this world other than to serve their master.

Those slaves who would not submit to their masters were beaten, whipped or worked to death (by being forced to work long hours with very little rest, and with a minimum of food and water). As an example of what could happen to those who would not submit — some slaves were lynched (and their bodies were left hanging from the trees), still others were tied to a large wooden cross, set on fire and then burned alive.

The female slaves were subjected to repeated sexual assault. Every conceivable indignity was forced on them — from gang rapes to individual attacks, to the nightly visits of their gentlemen masters; they had no rights and were not allowed to say “No.” When the female slave became pregnant and gave birth — her child could be taken from her and sold to the highest bidder … who would continue on with the torment.

This is the world the Confederate flag represents. Cruel, brutal, repressive. It is an emblem of evil and its display should be banned from polite society.

UNUS VOCATE

Coeur d’Alene