History...it matters

I've made many mistakes and bad decisions in my life, too many to count. Many of them I regret and wish that I could erase but that's impossible. They are as much a part of my history as the good decisions that I have made. It's my history, ALL of it shaped who I am today good or bad and even if I wanted to change it - I can't. I can learn from it, and to be honest I wouldn't want it to change.

In American history we have committed horrible, despicable acts as well as many remarkable acts that changed the world. We have a dark, grisly past that the majority of Americans would likely desire to forget. Yet, we cannot erase it. It is part of our past and it cannot be forgotten, only forgiven. We can use it improve our relationships with others. We can learn from our mistakes if allowed to do so.

In the wake of the sickening crime in South Carolina many are calling for the ban of the Confederate flag in all forms (including the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard, Civil War video games, movies, books and probably more that I haven't heard of yet.) For many Americans the flag represents racism and injustice. I recognize that the flag in whatever form is seditious and I agree that it should be removed from government buildings because it sends the message that the government endorses the various interpretations assigned to the flag. However, I believe that the rapid response to expunge it permanently is wrong. Again, it's part of our history and as such it can never be entirely forgotten.

I have read of many related incidents happening, the call to rename a school named after Robert E. Lee (so far, I've only heard of one but I'm sure many will follow.)  Changing the name of the school won't change the fact that Robert E. Lee was a Confederate General in the Civil War. Trying to erase Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Stonewall Jackson and others would make for a very lopsided history of the United States. In order to accomplish this we would have to erase the entire Civil War. The Civil War is a monumental factor in the history of the United States and cannot possibly be forgotten. It is nonsensical to even attempt.

Gone With the Wind? Classic book and movie. Get your copy now while it's still available. It has been suggested that it should "go the way of the Confederate flag" and be consigned to museums. Hattie McDaniel (Mammy) was the first African American to win an Academny Award. If she were alive today would she want GWTW relegated to a museum?

Racism is vile. Defacing statues, banning video games, movies, changing school names, altering history books will not in any way 'revise' our past. Removing the 'symbols' of racism will not eradicate it.

Yes, black lives do matter. All lives matter. History matters. Leave it alone and let us learn from it.