Confederates were traitors

I read with dismay Kit Heston’s July 5 letter, “Respect flags of veterans,” in which the veterans he is addressing, and their flag, are those of the rebellious states who formed the Confederacy. He states that the Civil War was “first and foremost a battle over states’ rights.” This disingenuous nonsense didn’t fool anyone back then and certainly doesn’t now. The foremost right that led to the secession of the Southern states was the right to buy and sell human beings. Let’s not try to gild that lily.

The flag those states fought under deserves to be in the dustbin of history and certainly should not be flown or displayed anywhere. The soldiers who fought for the Confederacy were traitors and not now worthy of any recognition. Those who claim that this despicable flag is a symbol of Southern heritage and pride are missing the point. That flag is a symbol of oppression and hatred of the worst kind.

There are many veterans of many wars in this world. Some fought for freedom and liberty and should be honored along with their flag. Others did not and should be vilified by all.

Johnny Erp

Spokane