x-sender: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com x-receiver: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com Received: from mail pickup service by IQ12 with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Mon, 29 Jun 2015 10:47:04 -0400 thread-index: AdCyenajnev0zrJ7RF65wstWZCZiwQ== Thread-Topic: The Confederate Flag From: To: Subject: The Confederate Flag Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2015 10:47:03 -0400 Message-ID: <971812302B99456D947B659B8DAF7D8C@IQ12> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 29 Jun 2015 14:47:04.0008 (UTC) FILETIME=[76A5DC80:01D0B27A] CUSTOM Ms D M PO Box 771189 St Louis MO 63177 justpeace.usa@hotmail.com GOVE The Confederate Flag TO: The Honorable Nikki Haley RE: The Confederate Flag Wow, here we go again! Some of the U.S. Presidents were slave masters. Should we remove their pictures and statues from history books or from The U.S. State Capitol? Should we recognize U.S. Soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War? Should we return the land of this great nation to the Indians? Just as Germany and other countries cannot erase parts of their painful history so can't the United States. We cannot re-write history, but we can learn from our past. If we really want to prevent the next Civil War, it is imperative that we find a way to listen, talk, and work people from both sides of this racial debate and flag controversy. This is a defining moment for the State of South Carolina. You cannot wipe out more than two hundred years of history overnight; yet, you must find a way to unite the people across the state. Hence, for South Carolina to move forward, a sincere effort must be made to listen and work with all people; otherwise, you will only create more tension and deepen the divide in the state and across the country. It is just as dangerous to misrepresent facts of racial injustice as it is ignore racist acts. Also, it will take more than 'moving the flag' to resolve the racial problems in this country, but discussing this flag controversy and the racial tension is a good way to start. After all memorial services are held, I suggest that the state appoint a commission to meet with representatives across the state from both sides of the Flag Controversy for their opinions and recommendations. Then ALL the people in South Carolina or their representatives should vote on this matter. Whatever happens, its the People of South Carolina who should make the FINAL decision and find a way to move forward. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King stated "Now is the time to make real the promises of Democracy. . . that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights." Racism, however, is like a cancer that is eating America alive. But, EVERY African American is not a thug or criminal and EVERY White Person is not a bigot or racist. Albeit, Racism, Ethnocentricism, Stereotyping, Revenge, and Hatred are all dangerous and unproductive, regardless if the person is African American, Asian Hispanic, White, Black or White. For many reasons, I do find the Confederate Flag flying on the TOP of the State Capitol to be very offensive. Nevertheless, we cannot and should not try rewrite any parts of our nation's history. So I can understand why some people would want the confederate flag displayed at the state capitol. Likewise, I can also understand those who are deeply offended by the sight of the Confederate Flag. We should be using this opportunity to educate our children and grandchildren; otherwise, like Dylan Roof, they will only hear one side of the story. Hence, it is the responsibility of our leaders to accurately tell both sides of this story, not run from it. So, instead of hiding our past, we should use our history to become stronger and better people. Instead of hiding our past, let's stand up and face the problem. For South Carolina and America to move forward, both sides must be willing to consider the other's view, give a little, and make some sacrifices. The challenge for all of us will be to reject revenge, aggression, and retaliation. However, if we are truly sincere about forgiving people, we must do this. The South Lost the Civil War. So I definitely think the Confederate Flag should not be displayed on top of the State Capitol, but I can see the flag displayed in some area on the state capitol ground or somewhere near the state capitol. Finally, Dr. Martin Luther King was about justice and reconciliation, not revenge and retaliation. He often reminded us that we must move beyond the hate and anger if we are to move forward; that we must not drink from cup of bitterness; that in our struggle for our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds How we deal with this crucial issues will determine our moral health as individuals, our political health as a nation, and our prestige as leaders of the free world. Peace Across America And The World