David Epps' column against flying the Confederate battle flag [Citizen Review, Jan. 28] is well rebutted by Walter E. Williams, a black man, in his column on the same page, but there is more to be said.

The past misuse and abuse of the flag by racists and hate groups is no reason for me and millions of others who have not succumbed to the wave of political correctness run amok to think less of the flag or to fold it away in shame. The shame is upon the descendant of the Confederacy who fails to defend the flag as an honorable symbol.

Neither does that past misuse of the flag confer license to someone of a different heritage and opinion to demand that he be appeased by its removal.

Black people complain that the flag is a symbol of slavery. It can be pointed out, in logical argument against such a view, if logic and reasoned thinking is of any value in this controversy, that slavery existed much longer under the U.S. flag than under the Confederate flag and that there were more Northern slave states (eight) than Southern slave states (seven) at the beginning of the Civil War.

The formation of the Confederate States of America as a separate nation and the Civil War/was fought over the right of states to secede from the Union was, by far, the biggest event in the history of this country.

The Confederacy and its battle flag are an important part of that history and the descendants of the white Confederate people have every right, many would say obligation, to publicly honor the heroes, the dead, and the symbols of that heritage.

When the supporters of the flag were marching down the street in Columbia, S. C., on Jan. 8, a black man on the sidewalk yelled at them, “Get over it”. No marcher deigned a reply that day.

Here is my reply to him: Slavery and any organized oppression of your people is past history. Hating and opposing the Confederate flag cannot change history or improve your present circumstance. Turn in the other direction and tell your own people, “Get over it.”

Glen Allen
Peachtree City

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