Heritage Tradition History

Senator Ted Cruz, speaking on 06/20/15 ~ "I also understand those who want to remember the sacrifices of their ancestors and the traditions of their states, not the racial oppression, but the historical traditions, and I think often this issue is used as a wedge to try to divide people.”

For me, The Wall Street Journal self-identified the problem I have with the current GOP better than any far-left politico or pundit could have.  And Ted Cruz, in this one sentence, captures the whole irretrievably convoluted dynamics of our nation's Southern Culture & the Confederate flag.  It's about historical traditions, not racial oppression.  Sen. Cruz - I don't know what you're talking about, since it's all in broad generalizations, but the reality is that racial oppression was the #1 historical tradition differentiating the Old South from the rest of America & most of the world.  Every fiber of the southern culture so many glorify & hold dear to their hearts was rooted in racial oppression.  

Heritage & tradition are soft words, a layer of gauze thrown over the lens of history, heightening the attractiveness of the subject.  One of the great goods coming out of this present teachable moment is downright earth shaking  - getting those who love the southern culture around the Confederate flag to be more explicit about what they so fervently honor.  

Personally, I believe that soft layer of gauze - distorting what people really believe from what they find acceptable - is thrown over the minds & hearts of many, maybe most, who love the southern culture represented by the Confederate flag. Maybe this tragic moment will help them reconcile their affection for the flag, the heritage & traditions it represents to them, and its actual history.

We shall see.