To say that the Confederate flag symbolizes slavery and a legacy of racial discrimination is about as simple minded and myopic as claiming that infant babies are all about dirty diapers!
There is so much more there!
Just some of the thoughts that pop into my mind when I think of life in the Deep South are:
Southern hospitality: Warm, sincere, gracious, honest, caring, & loving “down home” people---people you can trust!
Charming Southern accents, colloquialisms, and humor
Slower speech, more relaxed, lifestyles, less conniving
Politeness, perfect manners & courtesy
Warm summer evenings, rain & thunder storms
Amber waves of grain
Elvis Presley and Graceland, TN
Sunday school in May
Vacation bible school
Gospel music sung so passionately by African-American choirs
Blue grass and country music
Sunday dinner
BBQs, horseshoes,
TV show He-Haw
Andy Griffith & No Time for Sergeants, Mayberry, RFD; Beverly Hillbillies TV show
The Grand Old Opry
Superstar country performers like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynnete, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, & other women of renown
Cold watermelon, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, potato salad, hot buttered biscuits, corn on the cob, iced tea, cherry cobbler pie
Magnificent parades on 4th July, Veterans Day, & Memorial Day
Open, proud love for America, unabashed patriotism
There is so much to enjoy and love in and about the Deep South….why would anyone waste time fretting about slavery and a war that was fought 155 years ago?
Time to heal and live!
Respect and love the Confederate flag for what it is…an indelible part of our blessed American heritage and culture!
May it ever be so!
