[Vision2020] Robert E. Lee and Moscow

[Carl Westberg]

Perhaps it's true that the admiration that some local folks have for Robert 
E. Lee has nothing to do with his military defense of slavery, but 
everything to do with his leadership skills.  Skills which, according to his 
admirers, can be transferred and translated to business and Chamber of 
Commerce  leadership in Moscow.  However, these same people have to be aware 
that using Lee, with the corresponding image of the Confederate flag, is a 
hot button issue.  The Civil War has been over for 140 years, but the wounds 
nationwide linger and are still deep.  To praise Robert E. Lee in a 
presentation featuring the Confederate flag in a town somewhat north of the 
Mason-Dixon line, is to knowingly invite controversy, and controversy, never 
shy about going to a party, has accepted the invitation.  The argument that 
southern slavery wasn't so bad reminds me of what some wags in Topeka, 
Kansas have recommended for that city's new slogan.  "Topeka:  It's not as 
bad as you think."                                                           
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                 Carl 
Westberg Jr.

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