Bank of Holly Springs

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Disrespecting national flag and state flag

To the Editor:

I believe some of us differ on the view of “disrespect” of these two flags. Who is really showing disrespect to the flag? The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America contains the words “with Liberty and Justice for All.” Are these just words? Or is this the essence of the meaning of the flag? If it is the latter, then those denying these fundamental rights to any American are the ones who are showing “disrespect” for the flag. It is the duty of us all to expose wherever these values are being denied to any citizen. It seems that recently this is being done more frequently by some sections of law enforcement.

Let me pause here to say that I have all respect and admiration for our local law enforcement agencies, for their integrity and dedication to our citizens. However, other agencies should learn that not every offense is worthy of death.

Death was inflicted upon individuals that should have been arrested and handed over to the judicial system. Arresting officers should not be the judge, jury and executioners, denying individuals of their due process under the law. When Dylan Roof was apprehended for the massacre of a church congregation, no one tackled him to the ground or used excessive force, yet a man accused of a forged $20 bill was forced to the ground and lost his life and wasn’t even armed. (Just one example of many). If there wasn’t an outcry over this heinous act, the officers involved would never have been arrested. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.”

The time for meaningful dialogue was available before Mr. Floyd was killed, like when Colin Kaepernik took a “peaceful” knee to bring awareness to these obvious violations of what the flag stands for. However, it was wasted when the leader of the United States took it out of context and spun it to demean and divide the people of this nation. This peaceful act was met with vulgarity and opposition from the highest leadership in the land instead of an understanding being sought. When President Barack Obama was elected, yes, this nation had hope; instead that hope was snuffed out by racism rearing its ugly head just because he was elected. He was disrespected continually, mostly by his successor, on every hand; even members of Congress were disrespectful and impossible to work with.

The same “disrespect” can be said of the Mississippi State Flag. Anger shouldn’t be directed toward the ones that were oppressed under this flag, but toward the ones who used the emblem on the flag to commit lynchings, burnings, and hateful and violent acts against African Americans and other people of color. Where are the pride and heritage found in these acts? We shouldn’t have to repeat the call for justice and equality that was fought for in the 60s. We need a flag that is inclusive of all Mississippians. It is a part of Southern history and should be placed in a museum. If your neighbor is hurt by these acts, and nothing has been done to cure this hurt, how can it be said that you love your neighbor? The question was posed in the Bible, “How can you say that you love God, whom you have not seen, and hate your brother, whom you see daily?” The Bible says that you are a liar and the truth is not in you.

This nation was supposed to be founded on Christianity, but right now it is far from it. The words, “Try the Spirit by the Spirit” and “The Anti-Christ will come and deceive many, even the very elect,” come to mind. If God is love, how can hatred be so prevalent now? I’ve read many times, that people want to start a “race war.” Is this of God? Is this His agenda? I think not.

I believe this is our opportunity to begin again and to go forward in finding tools to unite us, not divide us

“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.” — Rev. Martin Luther Kings, Jr. Western Michigan University, December 18, 1963.

So, let all of us strive to be that one nation, under God and indivisible. May God grant us the peace that surpasseth all understanding and live in harmony with each other in Christ.

With sincerity and respect,

Juanita M. Dillard,
Potts Camp

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
www.southreporter.com