[Vision2020] A Special Thanks to Joann Muneta

[Tom]

>From today's (September 16, 2004) Daily News:

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Board retreat raises questions 

Ordinarily the choice of subjects for a Moscow Chamber of Commerce Board 
retreat would not be the concern of the general public, nor would it be cause 
for comment. However, the recent news of a board leadership workshop that 
glorified the leadership of Robert E. Lee has raised questions because it seems 
to tie in with the growth of neoconfederate propaganda we have been witnessing 
in our community. I refer to the booklet about slavery co-authored, published 
and distributed by Doug Wilson and the conference held by Wilson last February 
featuring guest speaker, Steve Wilkins of the League of the South. 

One of the themes of the book, conference and the League of the South is that 
the antebellum South was an example of virtue and godliness, and that northern 
Unitarians were to blame for the Civil War. The neoconfederates not only play 
down the issue of slavery but also ignore the theory of white superiority/black 
inferiority which was used to excuse the owning and selling of one person by 
another, and which has formed the basis for segregation, discrimination and 
prejudice in our country ever since. 

Such an outlook is racially insensitive. I wonder if the Robert E. Lee 
presentation complete with pictures of the confederate flag would have been 
given if an African American were present. I would hope not - and if not, 
neither should it be presented at a whites-only retreat. 

The city of Moscow, the University of Idaho and the community at large are 
working to ensure Moscow is a welcoming and respectful community. Hopefully, 
the chamber of commerce favors this effort. If so they should recognize that 
neoconfederate symbols, talks and conferences undermine racial harmony. The 
chamber of commerce has long been a credit to Moscow and we look to the staff, 
board and membership to continue to be an honorable partner in our community's 
progress. 

Joann Muneta 
Moscow 


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