THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 12, 1994 TAG: 9409100023
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
I usually enjoy Lawrence Maddry's column, but the views he shared in the offering concerning the Confederate flag are way off base (``Honor dictates that we not offend with hallowed flag,'' Aug. 31). When hate groups misuse the Confederate flag (and the United States and Christian flags), people should be offended; not by the flags, but by their misuse and by the motives of the groups displaying them.
However, when the Confederate-flag emblem is displayed in its correct historical context (such as in state flags and symbols of the former Confederate states) or flown by a recognized historical group such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy or the Sons of Confederate Veterans, there is no way that an intelligent, informed person should be offended.
Anyone can claim to be offended by anything. What if the United States had been afraid to offend Germany by entering World War II? What if someone told you that he was offended because the grass on your lawn is green? Would you burn it off? I'm offended because Maddry mocked the Southern accent in his column and called the people who support the proper display of the Confederate flag ``rednecks'' and ``bubbas.''
Displaying good manners works both ways. Southerners should not have to compromise their heritage because an uninformed person might be offended.
COLLIN G. PULLEY JR.
Courtland, Aug. 31, 1994 by CNB