To the Editor:

Some thoughts on the recent submissions and local activities in response to the developments in South Carolina and now several other southern states in regards to the Confederate flag.

What a wonderful country we live in. I have absolutely no problem with the family in Canton raising a Confederate flag on their home’s flagpole; although I was happy to see their eventual observance of nationally recognized protocol to have it hoisted below the American flag.

I also have absolutely no issue with the gentleman from Gouverneur driving his pickup and parking outside of the county offices in Canton displaying a Confederate flag from his window. Although, I must confess, I don’t get all the deer antlers in the bed of his truck. Perhaps someone can explain that one to me?

Both parties have an absolute right under the First Amendment to do such. That being said, the rest of us also have the same right under the same First Amendment to publicly ask, why?

I could be wrong, but I can only assume, merely by geography, that neither party had a great-great grandfather who actually fought for the Confederacy. Is it about heritage?

I watched the South Carolina Republican senator, who confessed to being a descendent of Jefferson Davis, make her eleventh hour impassioned plea on behalf of her slain colleague, his family, and slain parishioners. I suspect that neither local party’s beef is about heritage, or the Confederate flag…that there’s some other issues at play; either perceived, or in actuality.

I was raised by two proud United States Marines, and have the American flag proudly displayed on my front porch. I also have a Union Jack British flag proudly displayed within my home as a homage to my English and Welsh heritage, which I have traced back to this country from the year 1680.

But I would not expect, and indeed would take issue, if the St. Lawrence County courthouse or other government institution displayed the Union Jack on its flagpole. The issue is not whether or not folks have a right to display the Confederate flag on their person or in public. The issue is whether or not that flag is a state sanctioned display.

Leland Farnsworth

Massena