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Editor, News-Register:
I write as someone who never understood the Confederate flag lasting this long to begin with. Lincoln probably should have banned them at the end of the Civil War. That darned First Amendment.
I have some interesting theories about the removal of all the statues of Confederate heroes. First off, the Democrats put most, if not all, of them up, so they should be the ones who decide to take them down. Who can blame them for being embarrassed? They lost the war, tried to divide the country (sound familiar?), and promoted slavery.
More important, once they are all removed it will so much easier to "paint" those today who disagree with them as the original bigots, racists, etc., as if it started this century. Once they are all gone there will be no history to point to when talking about the Civil War. History teachers and college professors can skim right over the Civil War, if they don't already.
As for other name changes and statue removals, I wonder what the "over and under" is on the late Senator Byrd's (or his wife's) name remaining on the 40-plus buildings, highways, parking garages, etc., in West Virginia. Will they last longer than the 18th century merchant trader Elihu Yale, for which Yale University was named? What was old Elihu trading and selling back then? Slaves. Say it ain't so Eli.
Don't worry, Ivy Leaguers. I know a guy who loves to have his name on buildings who wasn't so successful at the last university he placed his name on. He may want a second chance. Just not sure how soon he won't be busy.
Jay Knapp
Moundsville