I recently read the comments made by Jean Ward of Peachtree City and Jeff Ellis of Fayetteville concerning the Confederate flag. I would like to promise Mrs. Ward, that in no way could we ever come up with a flag that would not offend someone.

I, for one, believe it is our duty to keep the flag as it is, to honor the men and women that gave us the freedom we so take for granted today.

There are many things that offend many people. For instance, the Million Man March. I have been told that this is prejudice against whites, yet if whites were to have a “White American March” — well, it would probably be called racist and be all over the news with protests.

I personally have yet to ever hear about the NAACP investigating discrepancies or complaints regarding any white folks and yet I have not heard anyone complain about this. I could go could go on and on.

I hardly think African-Americans are going to choose where to live on the basis of that state's flag. Why not change all the state flags, you know, just to make it fair?

People are being so ridiculous about what offends them. First it's a book in the library, then it's the name of streets, then the state flag. Well, don't read the book, don't drive down the streets and don't fly the state flag. Just get back to the business of living and let everyone else do the same.

Our government cannot fix and change everything to suit everyone. What I'm saying is, someone, somewhere, will always complain about something. Folks that want to keep the flag the same are only doing it to honor the death of their ancestors, not to hurt anyone.

It doesn't bother me that the schools close, banks close, etc., on MLK day. I know he was a great man, but they don't close for George Washington's birthday or Abraham Lincoln's, and they were great white leaders. I don't dwell on this, I don't plan a huge protest, I say “live and let live!”

And yes, Mr. Ellis, we should all try to see things through the eyes of others, which also means, African-Americans should try and see this from our eyes too. White folks, born and bred right here in the wonderful state of Georgia, we have a heritage too, and we need to stand up and protect it.

Debbie Harris

Fayetteville

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