Reading the reports on Fox News I see that the old adage “if you give them an inch they will take a mile” certainly seems to apply to the Progressive and Black community’s insistence of now doing away with not only the Confederate Flag but ANYTHING that has a historical tie to the Civil War – which as all Southerner’s know is more appropriately called “The War of Northern Aggression.”

The great and wise Harry Reid proposes removing the Statute of Jefferson Davis from Washington, DC. Several other progressive groups are demanding the removal of all statutes of American Historical figures like Robert E Lee from public buildings and parks. Other proposed bans include the singing of “Dixie” – any school named after a Confederate leader – and once again not to be out done by anyone Harry doubled down and has asked the UNLV Administration to considering dropping their “UNLV Running Rebels” Mascot. Funny I don’t remember Nevada being in the Confederacy.

Balance – BALANCE – BALANCE. What happened to a little balance mixed in with some give and take? It seems these days the only acceptable view is the Progressive view and in this moment it’s the rush to do anything and everything that salves the wounds of the Black Community.

I started this morning to send a “letter to the Editor” on this topic but was wisely advised against it by a friend because anything that is printed that goes counter to the current trend of Progressiveness and Racial Improvement would automatically classify me as a “Racist” according to my friend and he is probably right. More on this in Point B of this missive.

Point A: That said let me share my thoughts that started all this. I realize my life view is considered heresy to Progressives and the intelligencia of the media. Nonetheless I am sharing with you my feelings! My goal today is not to be correct from any stand point – political or otherwise but rather to simply share what I perceive to be true for a large portion of Americans – feelings which have been pushed down and demeaned and mischaracterized by the left and the media.

For example: Third, Fourth and Fifth Generation Southerners like Marty and I and our son Tony, from the Core Confederate States – and most likely many other whites scattered about our Nation – understand what would be the politically correct thing to do in the moment for the sake of the Black population we live life with. However, our lives and generational thinking, hold onto a deeply rooted historical culture – and we don’t see another round of “rush to judgement” change on our part as being merited. Today’s demands from various groups show it certainly won’t be the last change we will have shoved down our throats. You could call it selfish and prejudice and I could agree with you and not be offended. Somewhere, sometime isn’t there going to come a point where the thoughts and feelings of the majority are considered in these issues?

I think people groups with different “life views” have a much better chance of successfully living together if each will take the time to understand the other. I hear the Progressive view daily. I guess I’m asking others and anyone who reads this to try and understand my thoughts and the thoughts of people like me.

To be clear I’m not just talking about what the media will describe as pick up truck driving hillbillies – though they are great fun to be with on Saturday night and I feel so much safer with a rifle or shotgun in the window rack. I’m putting forth the position that many whites – Southern and otherwise – of all economic and social classes – across the last four or five living generations – to include a range from the most successful older population – to the current generation coming out of high school and trying to find their way in life – have deep rooted and entrenched positions handed down from generations past. Further, we believe that our heritage and choices also deserve to be remembered and not be swept away by the Progressive movement as if we mattered not.

It may be a hard thing for some to think that feelings and positions such as mine even exist and an even harder thing for anyone to put out there – but its true. It’s possible many Non Southern Whites, Progressives and a fair percentage of Blacks may criticize something they don’t understand and don’t have a answer for. But that doesn’t mean it does not exist.

It also means that I and many like me feel it is time to slow the rate of change – to take into account the thoughts and feelings of the majority and to put some emphasis on BALANCE. We are not alone – however, we are very under-represented in the media and in Washington and politics in general.

Point B: I don’t consider myself or my friends to be a racist. For example: While living in Chicago Marty and I supported an inner city mission in Chicago that helped exclusively – yes Black children. For decades we have been financial supporters of various ministries in Africa which serve – yes Black children. For 15 years I served regularly as a volunteer and Board Member of a rescue Mission in Chicago that provides shelter from the cold winter nights, showers, meals and clean laundry for – yes mostly Black men from the streets of Chicago. Not “homeless” folks but “street people” who made a conscious decision to live on the streets and live off the Social Welfare money stream.

When we moved to Florida Marty and I got involved with a children’s ministry that provided adoption for unwanted – yes mostly Black children. After that we ran the major fund raising effort for an inner city ministry in West Palm Beach that provides after school care, tutoring, food, clothing and mentors for – yes inner city Black children. In addition to the significant investment of time we have given money to causes over the years that provide the basic needs of human life and for “extras” like bikes and toys at Christmas for – yes Black families and Black children.

We have Black friends – one of whom is among the finest restauranteurs I have had the pleasure to know. For four of the past five days Marty and I have spent time in the Jupiter Hospital with a couple – the husband of which is paralyzed from the waist down and has a myriad of health issues. When they are home we bring them food and give them a little financial help now and then and – yes they are Black people. We attend a Church that goes of its way to welcome all persons of color.

We’d be open to having more Black friends but often my mouth’s “filter” clogs up and people aren’t comfortable when I say what I am really thinking.

My friends can tell you I am no saint. Far from it. My point is there are millions of Americans who think like I do who also personally and privately are helping minorities and people of color live life. Hence I don’t consider myself or them to be a racist. I may rightfully be accused of being prejudiced because I want to hang out with people who have the same goals and aspirations that I aspire to – regardless of their color. I think of that process as making good decisions because “bad company corrupts good morals.”

Larry