Jul 1, 2015 2 min read

There is some validity to the statement that the Confederate flag controversy is complicated, but a solution is reasonable and sensible.

The Confederate flag clearly is an artifact of a defeated government that was in rebellion against the United States. Although the Confederate government existed on North American soil, it was vanquished in a bloody and costly war. I am all for preserving our American history in every aspect – the proud, as well as the shameful – but it is clearly an inappropriate action to fly the flag of a rebellious cause on public property.

I see nothing wrong with displaying the Confederate flag at museums, sections of cemeteries containing Confederate war dead, and at events that teach American history as it really happened. Let’s consider this – how inappropriate would it be for the Nazi swastika, or the wartime Japanese flag, to fly on American public property, knowing the stories behind these flags? Captured flags of our World War II enemies are seen in museums that tell the complete story of the worst world conflict in human history. I’d wager no one would ever tolerate seeing a Nazi or Japanese flag flying on public property anywhere in the United States.

The same sentiment must apply to the Confederate flag being displayed at state capitols, public libraries, local government buildings, schools or any other public building. As I see it, a defeated enemy of the United States government must not be glorified on public property. However, personal and private expressions that use the flag must be allowed, as per our constitutional rights of free speech and expression.

The history of the Southern cause, in all aspects, should be studied and preserved. After more than 150 years, however, it’s absolutely imperative that we destroy the rebellious sentiments and racism the Confederate flag symbolizes, and relegate it to exactly where it belongs – to the fascinating history of our country.

Ronald J. Yamka

Canonsburg