TPM Reader JL takes another view on the Civil War and national reconciliation …
I’m a lifelong Democrat and though I was raised in Mississippi go back two generations and all my people are in Ohio or New York. My uncle worked for RFK and I’ve received awards from state and national organizations recognizing my “progressive” activism.
There are things we definitely should change in the southern United States. One example I support is doing away with the current design of the Mississippi state flag which incorporates the Confederate battle emblem.
However, I see little or no problem naming facilities and institutions after some Confederate generals. The CSA was defeated, but not subjugated. Over time the desire, I hope, has been to reintegrate as one nation which means a united history. For good or for ill we all belong to each other.
General Lee is one of the better people this country has had to offer period. (Did you know President Lincoln wanted him to lead the Union Army?) His influence helped end the war early and at less cost to both northern and southern people.
The original writer suggests that we shouldn’t ask soldiers to serve at a base named after people who defended slavery.
Okay, but nearly EVERY one of our forefathers did and believed things we now find distasteful or worse. Should we never honor Thomas Jefferson or George Washington since they owned slaves themselves? Should we rename our capital to someone who upheld/upholds our current values?
My .02.
