I am reticent to that only in seeing so many other flags being flown in this country due to heritage (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, etc). At some point we have to get on the same page identity-wise. Otherwise we will continually split into smaller and smaller divisions and be (I hate this term) Balkanized.
"No one is complaining here, but if we bury these events under the covering of time, the true importance of why we are where we are will never be taught."
Thoughtful; and thought provoking. I would only say that there has to be a point and reason of where we understand the past, but move ahead to the greater challenge. I think the injustices of the Indian wars have been learned, and they are not that hidden as far as history goes (maybe glossed over, but not suppressed in these PC times). So much of DiLorenzo's writings seem more to divide and incite than anything else.
"And if we are to remain free, then we must always stand against the silent encroachments of our liberties by governments!"
Agreed.
"I am reticent to that only in seeing so many other flags being flown in this country due to heritage (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, etc). At some point we have to get on the same page identity-wise. Otherwise we will continually split into smaller and smaller divisions and be (I hate this term) Balkanized.'
There will never be total agreement in a free society. And if flying another flag seems onerous to you, then you should understand the true meaning of that flag. It is only seen as racist because of recent adoption by a racist group of looneys (recent meaning within the last 20 to 40 years), but its actual historical meaning is something entirely different.
'Therefore, the "official" issue over which this war was fought, as defined by the first magistrates on both sides, was whether the several States have a constitutional right to secede from the Union. The struggle was an American Civil War, because it was like the wars etween Israel and Judah after the death of King Soloman. It was also a War Between the States, because it was a war between a Union of Northern States and a Confederacy of Southern States. And it was no less a War for Southern Independence, because it resembled the War for American Independence. But the French seem to have devised the best name of all - "la guerre de secession," because that is what it was in the eyes of both Lincoln and Davis.
From this undeniable fact derives the true meaning of the Confederate battle flag. The regulation flag was square, 51 inches by 51 inches for units of the infantry, somewhat smaller for the artillery and cavalry. It is contained within a white border on all four sides. The central feature is the diagonal cross of St. Andrew, as displayed on the flag of Scotland, only with the colors reversed as now appears on the flag of Nova Scotia. Next was the diagonal cross of St. Patrick, which is part of the current British Union Jack, and appears today as the flag of Alabama, only with the colors reversed and bars broadened so as to fit over the cross of St. Andrew, leaving a narrow white trim to distinguish the two crosses. Then over the bars of the cross of St. Andrew are thirteen States, which signify the thirteen States represented in the Congress of the Southern States.
The Confederate battle flag has been perverted in its meaning by extremists from different parts of the political spectrum, but the truth remains that it is the banner of a Christian civilization, designed from hallowed Celtic symbols to signify the constitutional right of several States to secede from the Union. The right is universal, rooted in natural law and legal tradition, - a right of peaceable and lawful revolution, illustrated by the inexorable constitutional transformation which ushered William and Mary to the throne of England. It is a right necessary in extraordinary circumstances for every free and civilized people, whatever their race or culture, wherever their location in the world, whenever they have entered into federal relations with neighboring peoples in neighboring states for mutual advantage. Without it, federal relations are too dangerous even to consider. With this right, federal relations can be a great blessing to mankind, and can insure peace and friendship among nations.' - 'The Constitutional History of Secession' by John Remington Graham.
In other words, it is a symbol of my right to rebel against opression, tyranny which is guaranteed to me under the 9th, and 10th Amendments, The Declaration of Independence (the cornerstone of American beliefs), and by God who gave me the gift of freedom and life. Granted the spirit of rebellion is not to be used for insignificant things, but when the government tries to trample and encroach on my rights as a citizen, I reserve that right.