Confederate flag discussion creates awareness

By ROSANNE LA RUSSO KOLBERG

A few weeks ago the Tri-State Unity Coalition received a letter from a part-time resident of our area. He reported he was glad to learn of our newly formed group and expressed his concern about a local business displaying a Confederate flag on its premises, as it symbolizes a period in our country’s history of legalized slavery, and is currently in vogue with many hate groups. This resident further expressed his hope that the unity coalition might be able to address the situation, which is an offensive display to many in our community.

After much discussion, our organization decided to send a representative to discuss the issue with the business owner. The coalition representative was promptly told to get out of the store. The unity coalition then decided to draft a letter to the proprietor and the landlord of the property to express our concerns regarding the display of the flag and to offer to replace it with either a state flag of Pennsylvania or a United States flag. To date we have received no response from either party.

When The River Reporter contacted the proprietor, he responded to questions about why he chose to display a flag that was offensive to members of the community by stating that it was not a racial symbol, and he was “not Hitler.” He further stated flying the flag is “a privilege of living in America.”

We could not agree with him more. Freedom of expression is a continually hard-won right for all citizens of this country, and one that is not always easy to live with. Our organization’s goals are: 1. To create a community in which harmony and justice thrive, 2. To promote and enhance inter-group understanding, cultural awareness and respect for differences, and 3. To support individuals and groups who are survivors of prejudice and/or hate crimes.

The members of the Tri-State Unity Coalition would prefer that this flag not be displayed by a local business. It is a symbol of one of the darkest periods in our country’s past, and a present day reminder of the pain suffered by millions of people who were legally enslaved and subjected to unthinkable horrors. It would seem, at least, a poor way to attract customers by displaying something one has been made aware is so offensive to the community.

We agree that the business owner has a right to freely express his beliefs and display this symbol. One of the greatest things about freedom of expression is that it can truly empower everyone. If we choose to discuss this issue at home, school, work and in our houses of worship, at the bus stops and in the grocery stores, we will fully experience that awesome power—the power to think and speak, to listen to and understand each other. This is possibly the greatest good for our community, the opportunity to discuss the taboo subjects of race, prejudice and bigotry. Each of us can help to create a moral barrier against hate in our community by listening to and learning from each other, celebrating the diversity that is our strength.

The Tri-State Unity Coalition meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Milford United Methodist Church on Ann Street. For more information call 570/686-4065, e-mail tristateunity@yahoo.com or visit www.geocities.com/tristateunity.

[Rosanne La Russo Kolberg is president of the Tri-State Unity Coalition.]