There is a very divisive issue in our nation that, in my view, needs to be put to bed. This is the issue of the Civil War flag and hanging it all across our country on a tall flagpole for all to see. We have a group in my state that has raised money, bought some land, and plans to hang a 20X20 foot Confederate flag on a 40-foot lighted pole along Interstate 30 between Rockport and Malvern. The group says they have some very good reasons to do this, but it is time to put this issue to bed and get on with solving some of the massive problems that will impact generations to come, especially our young people.
Now, I don’t say this to cause problems or division but rather to bring us together in a spirit of peace and harmony because we are all Americans. The United States of America is the greatest nation in the history of the world, and it is sad that we fought a Civil War that took so many lives and inflamed passions. However, when viewed in context, we also fought two world wars, and wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm since the days of the Civil War. My father fought in World War I, and before his passing told me many terrible stories about that war.
One good reason not to hang this flag along Interstate 30 is the impact it will have on people who live nearby, especially those in the city of Malvern. They don’t want it there, as evidenced by the following comments by the mayor: “In my view, the flag’s presence has the potential to create a highly charged atmosphere and could also impact our community’s economic development. I am genuinely concerned that travelers passing by might hesitate to stop, dine, or purchase fuel in the area. For these reasons, I don’t believe this would be a positive development for our community.”
As you read this, if you are involved in this project in any way, I would just like to appeal to your patriotism and the great blessings and freedom we ALL enjoy in this nation. If you keep up with the news, you know we have massive problems involving our economy, the Southern border, inflation and so much more. As fellow citizens, let’s work together to unite our country and restore the blessings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If you have read my column for very long you know that I have a burden for young people, especially in today’s times when there are forces that are counterproductive and tear at the very fabric that binds us together.
Rather than be concerned about the Confederate Flag that is long gone, let’s pledge our hearts and our sacred honor to Old Glory, the American flag: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Really, isn’t it time to put this divisive issue to bed? Anything that causes division among our fellow Americans is not in our best interest. As a nation we have been tremendously blessed, and greater are the things that unite us rather than the things that divide us. Won’t you please make this concession for our nation? I pray that you will, and thanks to all for reading this.
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(Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist, and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in the Log Cabin Democrat in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated in over 375 newspapers in 35 states. For a personalized copy of “Your Future Begins Today” send $20, which includes postage and handling, to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)