sunh032701

THE SUN HERALD

March 27, 2001

Letters to the Editor

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Our role today in the civilization process

Many arguments that focus on Mississippi's state flag erroneously apply today's culture, values, beliefs and moral standards to those of a time of lesser civility - exhibited by our forefathers, their governments and, yes, their churches, temples and synagogues. It hasn't been that long since we and these institutions were comfortable with denying women the right to vote as well as condoning the use of slaves.

Over the ages, my ancestors and yours have, at one time or another, placed their fellow man into slavery. Fortunately, over the centuries, man's incivility to man, at least in this form, lessened. Slavery was finally abolished globally in the past century, except in parts of West Africa where chattel slavery is still practiced.

Slavery was never confined only to blacks or black Americans; they were only the most recent victims. And in deference to their exploitation, in historical context, they were the most fortunate of slaves. They participated in the last historical remnants of slavery and were freed as they witnessed its ultimate abolition.

With the abolition of slavery should have come a sense of gratitude, rejoicing and the immediate governmental institution of a program of economic mainstreaming of black Americans into the work force. Our failure to implement an adequate program is our albatross.

Any condemnation of today's generation as it may apply to slavery should focus on this latter failure, as it is now our responsibility to extend and promote civility in our day.

So, why not learn from history, applaud civil success and act on present-day incivility rather than to continue to espouse "Holier Than Thou-ness"?

ARMOND 'SI' SIMMONS

Pell City, Ala.

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