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In William A. Levinson’s letter to the editor last Sunday he urged readers to reconsider the symbolism behind the Confederate flag. His argument? It’s only racist if you make it out to be.

If only it was that simple.

After doing a little research behind the author in question, I discovered Levinson was a white male. That being said, it’s probably safe to assume he has no real-life experience on what racism is. It’s a lot more than getting your feelings hurt.

Levinson reminds us that the five-dollar bill and penny aren’t hate symbols, despite what Abraham Lincoln said regarding black people during the Lincoln-Douglas debates (“I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.”) Mind you, this was years prior to him freeing the slaves, of course.

People change. Need I remind everyone that President Barack Obama’s stance on gay marriage evolved? People evolve, but it seems like some rather cling to the security blanket that is the Confederate flag and pretend it doesn’t have racist overtones. It does; one need to look no further than the people supporting it.

Regardless of Lincoln’s and Obama’s intentions, be them political or sincere, perhaps they knew what side of history they rather be on.

Call it heritage. Call it what you want, but there’s still blood on the leaves.

Chris Monjelo

Pittston