Greetings Dear Reader,
Once again just my addressing this may step on a few
toes. Please indulge me as I try to
resolve this issue in my own mind. I
assure you that I am sensitive to those who find the topic offensive but my
intent is honest analysis and not to offend anyone.
When the controversy erupted over the use of the Stainless
Banner by racist and hateful people our society demanded that it be removed from
all government use. The issue of slavery
was presented as the reason that this symbol is so offensive. What seems ironic to me is that the demands violated
the other major issue of southern succession that has never been properly
addressed.
Slavery is wrong, full stop. The South was correct, however, on the issue
of the rights of individual states to determine most of their own laws. We see this evident in the current changes
from state to state over marijuana laws.
When we think about the issue of the legalization of marijuana we are
all for state’s rights. Why then are we
hypocritical about other things.
I agree that it may be time for the Stainless Banner to be permanently
furled by official government offices. It
is not, however, the right of anyone to oppress a state into that action. If we are going to allow states to self-determine
based on the will of the people then we must be consistent as long as those
laws do not violate human rights.
I have long understood why this flag is offensive to
some. It is a part of my heritage having
grown up in the South. That does not
mean that I embrace the idea of it being a symbol that should be used
today. I think that if we want to accomplish
this, however, we need to do so with honest conversation that recognizes the
rights of others to choose. The honey
versus vinegar idea applies.
The other thing we must do to be consistent is to recognize
that the Stainless Banner is not the same thing as the Stars and Bars. In fact, if one does a little research into
the history
of Confederate flags there are several that we will still see in common use
in some forms. If we are going to call
for all Confederate flags to disappear, it is a larger task than we realize.
What I must consider is if the flag I wave is offensive by
what it symbolizes. If it is, and that
offence has merit then I should not wave it.
If, however, you demand that I abandon a flag you must help me understand
why your feelings supersede my freedom to choose. I will always be sensitive to the offense that
things cause. I will not be manipulated
by the easily offended.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer
who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner.
He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Contacts for Aramis
Thorn:
Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com
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