On Friday I was asked to be a guest on a local radio talk show to discuss the shooting in South Carolina.  During the interview, they asked if the Confederate Flag should be removed and this was my response. 
 
The flag represents a time when our nation was divided.  It was a time when Americans were killing each other.  A divided nation along with brothers and sisters killing each other is not something we should be proud of or celebrate.  A divided nation meant that we were a weaker nation.  When we once again became the "United" States of America, we laid the foundation to become the most powerful nation on earth.  A nation that was now in the position to bless other nations and defend their freedoms.  The "unity" should be celebrated, not the separation. 
 
There is nothing wrong with preserving history.  We should never eliminate any portion of our history whether good or bad, but we should never proudly and publicly display or celebrate any portions of history that was designed to divide us.  What we should celebrate are the efforts that made us "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all.
 
 
Rev. Wayne Perryman
P.O.  Box 256
Mercer Island, WA 98040

Why The Confederate Flag Needs To Go

Wayne, I second your response. 
 
However, I am of the opinion that sometimes we Black folks – Africans & African-Americans, tend to place too much weight on the past wanting certain historic incidents to be made whole and right, and in that quest those who want to frustrate us dig in and become annoyingly stubborn and very resistant. The flag can be removed but we may not have removed from their minds the hate and their devilish desires to maim, afflict harm and hurt on innocent people. Since the playing field will never be level, why not level a field of your own and play on it. As one makes their bed, so shall they lie on it. Does it make sense?
 
Where lies the golden notion SILENCE is a good answer to FOOLISH?
 
What if we ignore the things from the past that annoy us and forge ahead to right the socio-economic issues that plague our communities? We are still the ones struggling to employ ourselves and assert sense of belonging in a country we dutifully and rightfully contributed in building. Somehow we have become the ones even newcomers in and to America see as doormats as they take off and over while we are busy wanting to be made whole and right.
 
Racism and racial tensions are part of life and I know not what will make it go away at least in US America. But I know that we owe ourselves economic well being and presence that is unapologetic as we strive not to just overcome but prevail.
 
The presence of the flag is not why the massacre happened at Emanuel AME church, because in other states without such vestige of slavery, black folks have been abused and treated as if they are less than. Ignore and leave the FLAG alone and let’s charge on to prove to ourselves we are no pushovers.
 
Yes, we must fight for what is right. But sometimes, certain things are worth leaving alone. If the flag is such a big issue, why not all black conventions that go to South Carolina, withdraw their patronage and encourage black businesses to shun the state? When one can hit the pocket of the oppressor, they often take notice and want to negotiate.
 
It does look like we are still mentally enslaved by the insatiable quest to make everyone feel sorry for us because of slavery and Africa colonial rule. I can see that. But when will the CRY stop so we deal with things that are really collateral in advancing the image and prestige of the black race? We seem to be wanting to be loved and liked instead of being respected. Respect comes when one has achieved a level of mental and socio-economic stand that makes the competition seek cooperation and collaboration.
 
Sorry, I was not born in US, so I stand to be accused of not being Black enough. That I understand, but my God, can we speak to ourselves, in addition to building churches and devoting energy in worship, begin to own enterprises and employ ourselves such that the competition takes notice?
 
Economic success, not spiritual nor racial, is undoubtedly an effective way to shut up the opposition. Remain a cry baby and complain as to who is doing what for/to one or not, and get side stepped and be treated like a doormat.
 
By Ejike  E. Okpa
Dallas, Texas.