FLAGS: Generate mixed feelings

I would like to express a thought about the Confederate flag being in the July 4 parade in Coeur d’Alene. Without knowing what is in the heart of the people choosing to have a Confederate flag on the front of their company truck, it is wrong to say it should not be allowed.

Most all flags represent different feelings to different citizens of the United States. The American flag — many, myself included, regard it for the freedom it represents the people that sacrificed their lives while our country was at war, and the people injured while serving in our armed forces, so all people living in this country could have individual freedom. To some, the American flag should be burned. To some, it represents civil injustices that need addressing.

Should the American flag be allowed in parades when it creates so many mixed feelings?

For several years now, rainbow flags are on parade in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Many mixed feelings are created with its colors flying. Again, the right our members of society have to express themselves because of the freedoms we are given.

We could go on and on about what flags represent — state flags, armed forces flags, foreign country flags, etc.

Rather than suppress flags and pretend they do not exist, in a free society they can be used as a focal point of discussion that can hopefully allow all of us to become more educated and make proper decisions for the long range well-being of our society and nation.

Thank our military daily for allowing us to have the freedom we are granted to think as individuals. I will pray for their well-being for what they do for us.

BRIAN JORGENSON

Coeur d’Alene