Audra's post makes sense.  I believe this "flag raising" thread shows how
diverse our viewpoints are.  Creating a monument or statue -- even when it
makes a cultural statement -- is not too different from establishing a new
museum.  It should be provocative.  It should stimulate thinking, even if it
does seem to propagandize.

I also remember the McCarthy era and its aftermath.  Is there a museum
anywhere devoted to ole' Joe?  It would be interesting to visit it.
Ross Weeks Jr.
Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
Tazewell, Va.
http://histcrab.netscope.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Audra Oliver" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2002 3:11 PM
Subject: Argument vs Unity


As much as I was irritated with the criticism and grumbling, as much as I am
tired of this thread on flag raising, I have to respond to the comment ―
"How can we be united as a nation when we continue to be divided about
ideas?"

What I understand as the fundamentals of this nation is the right to open,
heated debate on all manner of issues, non-issues, etc.  The notion of being
"united as a nation" grates on me in part because it can so easily slide
into repression. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am old enough to remember a
bit about the McCarthy era, red baiting and the like.

Being divided about ideas is central to the American experience.

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