Political correctness has gone too far

I’ve been bashed pretty harshly about my stance on having the confederate flag (the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia) removed from governmental agencies. The only flags that should fly from governmental agencies are the National Ensign, the State’s flag, and an agency flag if appropriate. No other flags, period.

I stand by my belief that the flag in question has been hi-jacked by people of ill-will; and has no place on government installations. For some reason, I need to clarify that I am discussing flags; not monuments. I see no value in erasing our national history by removing monuments to those who have gone before. Where will it stop?

The “political correctness” backlash of recent events, including those in Charleston are too much.  I agree with our governor with the removal of the battle flag from license plates.  The Son’s of the Confederacy should use the  CSA’s national ensign; not a military unit’s colors (flag).  Removing the flag from governmental agencies is the right thing to do, since those governmental agencies are funded by taxes collected from all citizens.

I am offended by somethings, I’m just that way. What matters is not that I have been offended, but the fact that their rights have not violated my quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

• What impact does the show “Dukes of Hazard” have on individual rights? None, if you don’t like it – don’t watch it.
• What impact does the white house lighted in rainbow colors have on my rights?  None, I didn’t like it and thought it in extremely poor taste.
• What impact does a monument have on my individual rights?  None, I choose not to visit it.  But monuments are a piece of our history, whether you agree with them or not; they are historical in nature and are not used to advance a cause (think KKK and the battle flag, Nazi flag…)
• What impact does a flag flying over a government institution have on my individual rights?  The flag itself, none.  The fact that a government agency has given it’s quasi endorsement; and as a tax payer – that has an affect on my pursuit of happiness as a citizen.

Things must be taken in context. There are proud southerners for whom the flag is representative of their heritage  (I personally believe that a more appropriate symbol would be the CSA national ensign) – and that shouldn’t be taken away nor banned. Each individual has the freedom to express themselves.  If you remove parts of history that are offensive to one – you must do so for all.  Look at what happened with the 10 Commandments, it is no different in my book.  I disagree with the removal of the 10 Commandments based upon the context of what they are representing – common rules of morality and treatment of your fellow man.

The sheer nature of our quaint little country as a melting pot dictates that all people cannot be pleased all the time.  We are built on compromise with one another and play well in the sandbox together.  Together we will stand, divided we will fall.  So, unless something violates your rights, or the rights of others; it should be tolerated.  We all have rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great land. I would like to reiterate those rights and responsibilities, some of which include…

As a citizen, you have RIGHTs:

• Freedom to express yourself.
• Freedom to worship as you wish.
• Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury [click here for my article on Jury duty].
• Right to vote in elections for public officials.
• Freedom to pursue “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Also as a citizen, you have RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and defend the Constitution.
• Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
• Participate in the democratic process [i.e. vote!].
• Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others. [I think a good many people have forgotten this one!].
• Participate in your local community.
• Serve on a jury when called upon.

Also available on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website is a link to the “Citizen’s Almanac” which I encourage you to download, it’s free.  Let’s be done with all this touchy – touchy, feely – feely political correctness.  It’s OK to disagree, to have differences of opinion.  It’s OK not to like someone.  It’s all OK as long as what you do does not interfere with my rights – or as long as what I do, does not interfere with your rights.  Once you violate another’s rights; you have gone too far.

What say you?  Have I waffled on my previous position?  I don’t think I have.  I am still convinced the battle flag should be in museums, historical events, and flown by private citizens only – it has no place with our national flag. Am I wrong, prove it.