U.S. flag will stand test of time
I am always inspired by the outpouring of patriotic spirit that is shown during our Fourth of July celebration. However, I fear that many, if not most, Americans have a rather loose grip on the history of Western civilization.
It is unquestionably true that when the last human draws its last breath here on planet Earth, the Union Jack still will be the greatest flag ever flown.
William Greeson
States' rights phony argument
States' rights and Southern heritage are the most frequently cited principles the Confederate flag memorializes. For the sake of clarity, the only states' right (singular) over which the Civil War was fought was slavery. Historian Henry Brooks Adams writes that, about federal encroachment, Southern states took an inconsistent stand for states' rights insofar as, whenever presented with an opportunity to expand the reach of slavery, Southern states conveniently forgot the principle of states' rights. The heritage that some Southerners proudly embrace is a legacy of oppression and degradation and no more worthy of fond remembrance than the heritage of Nazi Germany. Fortunately, Germany and the German people have acknowledged the degeneracy of the Nazi regime and relegated it to a dismal chapter in the history of an otherwise honorable and accomplished nation. When states' rights and heritage are stripped of their facade of nobility, their truly despicable nature is revealed. No Nazi flags are hoisted over monuments in Germany and, likewise, no public institution in the United States should ever fly the Confederate flag. Any individual who chooses to fly the Confederate flag should realize that the heritage venerated is one of human bondage.
T. William Alexander
Hobby Lobby ad omitted info
Hobby Lobby ran a full-page ad in a recent Sunday paper. Not mentioned among all the Bible quotes was the company's bottom line. It is clearly on display on 99 percent of their merchandise - Made in China. Profits trump fake religious slogans every time.
George A. Duncan, Rossville
Reader suggests Constitutional amendments
Since the Declaration of Independence lists life as the first inalienable right and since the family is the fundamental unit of society and in accordance with Article V of the U.S. Constitution, I respectfully request consideration of two amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The first would protect human life from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death. The second would define marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman under the Creator. I would encourage each of your readers to contact their representatives and let them know your views.
Philip W. Haymaker Sr., Hixson
Protecting religious liberty
In response to a recent letter writer who quoted the Declaration of Independence and wanted an explanation for "protecting religious liberty." Here's mine: A rabbi wouldn't perform a marriage ceremony for me; I'm not Jewish. A priest wouldn't condone marriage between me and a Catholic nor perform the ceremony, because I'm not Catholic. A Muslim cleric wouldn't perform a wedding for me and mine, because I'm not of Islam. Think they should be forced? Want them to lose their tax exempt status? Your bigotry! Find someone who will perform the ceremony. Why pick on the beliefs of someone who won't perform the marriage? I don't care either way about the legality of homosexual marriage, but that priest, rabbi and cleric also have "unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." For them, that probably doesn't include performing a homosexual wedding. That's "religious liberty." I can quote the Constitution, too: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them (the people) under absolute Despotism, it is their right, their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Mike Henry Whitwell, Tenn.
Dispel stubborn battle flag myths
After all the claptrap about the Confederate battle flag, I believe it is important to dispel a few myths that are very PC. 1. The Confederate battle flag was, is and always will be a "battle flag." It was never intended to fly over state capitols. The reason: To differentiate Confederate lines from Union lines - the national Confederate flag was too similar to the Union flag. The Confederate battle flag belongs at historical battlefield sites. 2. No "war" was ever declared. To do so would have been a tacit recognition of the Confederacy as a nation. 3. Gettysburg was the turning point for the North. Actually, the battle of Antietam Creek was the point of no return for the Confederacy. The "first" attempt to invade the North would have resulted in the collapse of the Union perimeter around Washington, D.C., and the evacuation of the capital. 4. No Confederate leader was ever close to being tried for treason. The reason: Our U.S. Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws. Succession was legal in 1861. Even the most zealous Unionist understood that fact. Facts are stubborn things. R. David Williams
Seek God's guidance
A terrible thing is happening to the greatest country the world has ever known. Everyday people like you and me allow and sometimes encourage our leaders to make changes to Christian beliefs set down by our Founding Fathers as they drafted the Constitution. They would be appalled at all the changes made. A prime example is making same-sex marriage the law of the land. America's commitment to Judeo-Christian morality is obviously deteriorating under our current leadership. This trend must be reversed if we are to remain the best, most powerful nation in the world. The only hope is for us, the people, to return to God and seek his guidance. II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Gene O. Wagner Sr., Rossville
Furor over Cuba is nonsensical
Why is there so much flap about re-establishing diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba? For 50 years, embargoes and trade sanctions against the Cuban government haven't worked. We have only hurt the Cuban people. We fought a war against Communist Vietnam. Our military fought valiantly. We lost 58,000 (and counting) U.S. personnel in that war. How many were killed in Cuba? Our government now has full diplomatic and trade relations with Vietnam, a "communist country." Some politicians are fighting against changing a failed policy and healing the rift between us and Cuba. Why? I think the majority of our citizens are supportive of normalizing our relations with Cuba and its people.
Jim Rice, Red Bank