Confederate flag a symbol of treason
The several ordinances of the seceding Southern states all point to slavery as the reason for secession. All argue the right of the states to property (slaves). White supremacy was employed to gain the support of nonslave-owning whites. Slave owners alone could not supply sufficient manpower for a war. Read Cash's "The Mind of the South" and McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom."
In the 1950s, in response to the civil rights movement, Southerners resurrected states' rights and the battle flag in defiance of the federal government. Where was the "heritage" crowd then when it was being "stolen"? I think silent because they agreed with the thieves.
The history of the flag to defend states' rights is not one to be lauded, unless you are pro-slavery, anti-union and against integration and the federal government.
As one whose many ancestors fought for the union, I see the flag as a symbol of treason, not heritage. It does not belong on federal or state buildings. Those who want it there need reminded that they lost the war. It is the USA not the CSA.
Sherman Gibbs, LaFayette, Ga.
Prejudice, terror link unnecessary
To David Cook: On July 21, you suggested that "prejudice" prompts viewing Abdulazeez's acts as "terroristic." The definition you cite comes from the federal statute criminalizing acts of domestic terrorism. It is not useful in making the classification of terrifying atrocities you then list as "terrorism" or "just an act of terror."
Prejudice is the unwarranted or unfounded hatred or mistrust of persons, religions and beliefs different from our own. Is it totally unreasonable to suspect Islamic inspiration behind the shootings on July 16 even if no direct contact with jihadist sources is discovered? Quotations in the TFP from Abdulazeez's communications suggest his self-inspiration was fed by Islamic ideas, however unrepresentative of the beliefs of the vast majority of Muslims.
To Steve Smith: Is it unreasonable to view your post about killing our enemies as inciting vigilante justice? Suppose such comments are found among Abdulazeez's communications from a jihadist source labeling the U.S. as its enemy? Would you view them as merely personal or as evidence of Islamic motivation for terrorism?
Gary Lander
We're at war; let's act on it
Within a generation, the Islamic jihad has brought death to these shores how many times? People will change their politics but rarely their religion. There is an Islamic State in the Middle East. It collects taxes; it offers services. Hitler stated in his book "Mein Kampf" what his plans were; the Islamic State, backed by Iran, tells the world every day what it will do to Israel, America, Britain. The borders of this nation must be physically closed. Congress must declare war on the Islamic State and its allies.
Every member of the military must carry their assigned weapons 24/7. Citizens must relieve themselves of political correctness and report to authorities (your parents, the police, the federal authorities) any act that looks remotely out of normal. Citizen groups similar to civil defense programs must be established. The British, Mexican and Japanese attacks on U.S. soil were not tolerated; why should any others be?
Craig Steven Beck