The world of politics is a cruel and unforgiving one.
No one in any sector is safe, especially if you tend to lean a little bit more right than your counterparts across the hall.
In recent weeks, our newly elected governor, Bill Lee, had a photo leaked from back in his college days. Lee was seen in the photo wearing a Confederate soldier’s uniform to a party that his fraternity was having.
Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with how deep the roots of the Civil War still run in the South, let me break it down for you.
Just one hour southwest from UTM is the spot where one of the bloodiest battles in Tennessee was fought. During the Battle of Parker’s Cross Roads, the Confederate Army destroyed Union infantrymen held up at the Parker House.
To commemorate this achievement, there is now a memorial in honor of the fallen soldiers, as well as Civil War re-enactments. Contrary to popular belief, the Rebel flag and the Confederate uniform symbolize heritage and pride, not racism.
The cult of stupidity that is the left-wing media would have you think otherwise. I do not see anything wrong with what Lee did back in the 1980s. It was only a themed party where the participants dressed up as Civil War soldiers – no harm, no foul.
That was almost 40 years ago and no one was hurt except the feelings of a few fragile-minded liberals.
Where I draw the line is when someone truly brings racism into the picture. Racism is disgusting and for ignorant, small-minded individuals.
For example, politicians like Ralph Northam, who is the governor of Virginia, and his Attorney General Mark R. Harring, have recently admitted to wearing blackface in college during the 1980s. Now I thought what you are thinking now, “there is no way this could be accurate, they are both Democrats and Democrats could never be racist!” Wrong.
Blackface, for anyone who doesn’t know, was a popular act in theater during the early to mid-1900s where white men would paint their faces black and act in an appalling manner. This act is extremely racist.
To me, blackface and a Confederate uniform are apples and oranges. Trying to end someone’s career over wearing a Rebel uniform should not even be an argument. Blackface, however, and other racist acts should have no statute of limitations on them. Racist acts should have a zero-tolerance policy regardless of the time frame.
Unfortunately, our country is divided enough and we don’t need any more obstacles in our way that could potentially hinder us from becoming a better and more unified nation.
Having political officials in office who are disguised as racist wolves in sheep’s clothing could do just that, and we can not and will not stand for it.
The Confederate Army was fighting for slavery, which kept an entire group of people oppressed. RACIST. Period.
The Confederate Army was fighting for their home, family and their honor. However, neither side had a great moral compass and there is no arguing that. Years earlier during a debate against his opponent Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln said “I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.” The Confederate uniform and flag do not symbolize racism. If that is the case, then wouldn’t the American flag represent that as well? Considering both Delaware and Kentucky fought for the Union but did not abolish slavery until 1865. I will be the first to tell you that it is not the case because I wear that flag on my shoulder for the Army, and it is not in no way shape or form racist. The Confederate’s and the Union’s uniform is a piece of history. It is not worn to be racist.