DATE: Wednesday, April 16, 1997             TAG: 9704160009

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  121 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR -THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

CONFEDERATE MONTH

Same tired old line from the NAACP

I read with interest the feeble NAACP attempt to further polarize blacks against Governor Allen by his signing of the proclamation declaring April Confederate History and Heritage Month. Just seeing those self-serving people trying to stir up controversy reminded me of the sad waste of time state Sen. Louise Lucas caused by her bias and hatred of history. While thousands of young black men were dying in the streets by their own hand, through either the gun or the crack pipe, her only concern was to sanitize history, stripping honor from a black man who wrote ``Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny'' or attacking a common soldier who lived and fought for his beloved commonwealth.

When Linda Byrd-Harden took the directorship of the NAACP, I thought she was going to be a breath of fresh air, but I guess she's going to be towing the same old tired line. Oh well, some history never changes.

James E. Walters

Virginia Beach, April 11, 1997

Where are priorities?

The April 11 Virginian-Pilot contained an article regarding Gov. George Allen's proclamation of April as Confederate History and Heritage Month, and the ``righteous indignation and outrage'' expressed by state NAACP concerning this action.

Contrast this with the heartbreaking picture of a starving Rwandan child, published April 10, which illustrated the suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people caught up in a civil war wreaking death and destruction. Nowhere have I read any account of any NAACP official even casually mentioning or addressing the latter issue.

To state NAACP Director Linda Byrd-Harden et al., I pose this simple question: Where in God's name are your priorities?

R. L. Bagwell

Chesapeake, April 12, 1997

Remember Confederacy, but don't celebrate it

Thank you for reporting the news about Governor Allen signing the proclamation to make April Confederate History and Heritage Month. I was not aware that this was something that Virginia governors do.

I am a white American with a rich heritage - a heritage replete with Revolutionary War soldiers, preachers and all kinds of interesting people. However, there are some facets of my heritage that I am not proud of.

Many of my ancestors owned slaves. I am not proud of this. One of my ancestors was a major general in the Confederate Army who fought to protect the Southern way of life - a way of life in which African Americans were pieces of property rather than people. I am not proud of this, nor do I want to celebrate it during the month of April or any month.

Governor Allen was wrong to sign that proclamation. If the Sons of the Confederacy want to declare April Confederate History and Heritage Month, they are free to do so. However, our government leaders should not endorse their proclamation. The Confederacy was a sad chapter in Southern history that should be remembered but not celebrated.

Cary M. Paulk

Virginia Beach, April 12, 1997

Have tolerance, respect for others' history

The director of the Virginia Chapter of the NAACP has contributed mightily to the polarization of the races in our state by her characterization of Governor Allen as ``fascist and racist.'' By fanning the intimidating flames of political correctness, they have likened themselves to Stalinist tactics not seen in this country since McCarthyism.

It is sad and disappointing that such a noble, God-fearing and seemingly righteous organization as the NAACP would deny to its fellow neighbors the basic fundamental privilege of honoring one's own forefathers. Did we not just celebrate Black History Month? Is it not noble to strive to live together as brothers and sisters and fellow Virginians? Diversity is our strength and tolerance of others' views, together with respect for their family history, is a courtesy we all need to extend.

There can be no doubt that any form of slavery is evil. But like thousands of other Virginians, my forefather were poor farmers who never owned a slave. They fought and died protecting their homes, saving their families and answering a higher call to lay down their lives for the commonwealth. Where is the dishonor in these deeds that would cause the NAACP to brand our governor a ``traitor'' for honoring these fallen Virginians?

Brian V. Camden

Virginia Beach, April 11, 1997

Proud of heritage

I applaud the governor of Virginia for his proclamation on Confederate History and Heritage Month. This by no means is a racist issue and I think it is about time for all who think so to put it to rest.

Heritage is the issue here. It seems as if certain individuals in our society forget that others have a heritage, too. We today did not fight in the Civil War but are the descendants of those who did. Yes, slavery was an isuue in that cause, but let us not forget, it wasn't the only issue.

I strongly disagree with that era's slavery issue. It wasn't me or anyone else living today that played a part in it. But for us to sit back and forget about our Southern history and heritage, because a select group feels we shouldn't recognize it, is unfair and wrong.

I am proud of my Southern heritage just like the African American, Mexican American and all other Americans are proud of theirs.

Dan Richardson

La Grange, N.C., April 12, 1997

FRONT-PAGE ISSUES

The April 11 front page left me with more questions than answers to two of its stories.

1. How can the NAACP call Confederate History and Heritage Month racist and not apply the same description to Black History Month, Black Entertainment Television (BET), The American Negro College Fund and Miss Black America?

I personally believe that man will not get rid of his prejudices as long as we celebrate events and contribute to organizations that either point out the differences between the races or have the prerequisite of race to participate. Each race and nationality has reason to be proud of their heritage, but to say one is better or to celebrate that heritage at the cost of another is absurd.

2. Does the possible 2-cent stamp increase in mid-1998 mean that Postmaster General Runyon's `` `heroic' strict cost-control budgeting'' is giving way to such frivolous things as satellite hookup to postal vehicles to track mail carrier's movements, road speed, time at lunch and time spent with each postal patron? (This is presently being tested at the Chesapeake Main Post Office.) Or is it just his way of insuring adequate funds for the multi-million dollar retirement package he has proposed for himself?

Jan Smiley

Virginia Beach, April 11, 1997

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