To the Editor:

To the writer of the article titled, “The long road ahead” [by Walter Francis Jr., June 24], we appreciate your sincerity in your views reflected in your article and we can certainly agree we have a long road ahead of us to remedy the ills of society. First and foremost, we all are appalled at the tragic event in South Carolina and condemn this person’s actions. We were glad to see the coming together of the community to remember the victims and pray for their families. The perpetrator has been apprehended and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

While reflecting on your point being “the long road ahead,” let’s ensure we include a full spectrum of views on the ills that confront us. To some, the southern cross is offensive and to others the homosexual flag is offensive. One is deemed by the powers that be (unsure of who these people are) to be enlightened and a sign of equality, and the other a symbol of oppression and slavery. Though to the majority of people in the South, the southern cross is a symbol representing the very core of our nation in fighting for self-government, much the same as the Revolutionary forefathers fought against the British, and the homosexual flag is seen as representing a lifestyle, which is an abomination to God. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Depends on the eye of the beholder, and that’s why we do have freedom of speech and it used to be protected. When one form of speech is celebrated and no one can speak against it and the other is condemned and its symbols are threatened, yes, young man, we do have a long road ahead of us.

Jonathan E. Varnell
Franklin