Two weeks ago, a tragedy happened in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine African-Americans were murdered in their church by a racist young man named Dylann Roof, who’s only three months older than me. What was the first reactions from President Obama and Hillary Clinton? Gun control. I was disgusted that both of them would exploit this tragedy into another fight against our Second Amendment. I thought it couldn’t get any worse. I was wrong.

One of the victims was the Rev. Clementa Pinckney who served as a South Carolina state senator. Outside the Capitol in which he served, a Confederate flag flies above the city of Columbia. Roof was also pictured holding the Confederate flag. I agree with Gov. Haley in calling for it to be taken down because I don’t believe it belongs on Capitol grounds. I do believe the flag is more about Southern pride than racism. The debate’s gotten out of hand.

Back here in Minnesota, progressives are trying to rename Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, which is named after Vice President John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. Calhoun was a defender of slavery. When he was secretary of war in 1817, Calhoun sent the army to survey the area that is now Fort Snelling. He ordered construction of the fort as well, which is one of the earliest settlements in Minnesota. The lake was named in his honor. If we’re going to change the name of everything/everyone that supported slavery, when are we going to rename all the memorials to Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson and the seven other presidents who owned slaves? Are we to forget all the history and accomplishments of these men in the name of political correctness?

Corporate America is giving into the political correctness as well. Walmart announced last week they would no longer sell any merchandise with the Confederate flag. Many other companies followed suit.  Warner Brothers announced they would no longer have the Confederate flag on any future models or toys of the General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” TV Land announced yesterday that they’ve taken all re-runs of “The Dukes of Hazzard” off the air.  This upsets me the most since I love the show. “The Dukes of Hazzard” actually showcased real family values, unlike the disgusting reality shows people watch these days. I’m offended by reality TV, but I choose not to watch it instead of calling for it to be canceled.  Luckily, I own all seven seasons of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” plus the two not-as-good movies.  Anyone who has watched the show knows there’s no racism, just the good ol’ boys, never meanin’ no harm.

Our society is in a downward spiral, where everyone is a victim and is easily offended.  The problem is not a flag, the name of a lake or a TV show.  The problem is thinking that political correctness and hiding our history will solve racism. Want to stop racism?  As Morgan Freeman says, “Stop talking about it.”

 

Spencer Krier

Glenville