The Confederate Battle Flag ... just let it go.

The swastika is considered to be a sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Used as a decorative element in various cultures, its first known appearance was on the tusk of a mammoth from the paleolithic settlement of Mezine, Ukraine dated to 10,000 BCE. It was found on a man's tunic shown in a Roman mosaic at the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. The swastika motif is found in some traditional Native American art and iconography.

However, in Western countries, association with the German Nazi Party has obliterated any use of the swastika in its original context. Its use is banned in Germany. Any appearance elsewhere is immediately presumed to represent a fascist, nationalist, racist agenda.

The Confederate battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia (original square later rectangular) was, at one time, a symbol to those whose ancestors served in the armed forces of the Confederacy. However, it has also been adopted by various racist groups. It now that association which the flag represents: fascist, nationalist, racist, hate, violence.

Those who feel affection for the flag have lost the battle of public opinion. It would be better to just let it go.

 
-30-