Missouri governor Matt Blunt's decision to fly the Confederate flag to honor dead soliders has generated much controversy. There is controversy over whether the flag is a symbol of valour and honor, or whether it is a symbol of slavery and hatred, or whether it is a symbol of anything at all. There is controversy over whether it is appropriate to honor dead soldiers with the flag, or whether honoring dead soliders who supported slavery is appropriate at all.
The main question here is not whether Matt Blunt was right or wrong in deciding to fly the flag. It's not a question of what the flag stands for, or what it's perceived as standing for, or any of those complicated logistics---everyone has their own opinion and it's impossible to reach a consensus.
The real question is whether or not Blunt displayed wisdom and discretion in making this decision, and I don't think he did. It's fairly obvious that anything to do with a Confederate flag is going to generate controversy, so it might have been wiser to just avoid the whole thing altogether. On the other hand, one might argue that Blunt apparently had no problem with it, and he was showing integrity by sticking to his values and not being influenced by what other people want, as too many politicians are.
It's not a question of right and wrong, but of integrity versus discretion. I guess it would have been better not to display the flag, simply because of the controversy involved. But I can understand his point of view as well.
So, let's stop arguing about what the flag means and debating its history! It obviously means different things to different people, and going over this again and again isn't going to help anyone. If you're mad at Blunt for what he did, then tell him that you think it would have been wiser to stay away from it. But don't waste your time telling him why the flag is evil.
That's all I have to say.
Edmond the Hun
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