I join Ms. Fletcher and others in objecting to the tasteless display of the confederate flag in the Cd’A 4th of July parade. That action is a statement against respect for human worth, dignity, equality, and justice for all.

I also, however, support our sacred right of freedom of speech. Therefore, I cannot support a call to ban such a display as compelling as that action might be. That someone’s speech is objectionable is not compelling reason to ban it.

I can, however, call upon all of you who object to the display of that emotion-arousing flag to “turn lemons into lemonade” as we have done many times in response to hateful speech and actions: Make a donation to the Human Rights Education Institute or our distinguished human rights task force; write, or, better yet, in person hand a respectful letter of protest to the business (Dixie Services) which displayed (and continues to display on its dump trucks) the confederate flag; boycott that business — and tell others to join you; when you see that flag displayed, turn your back on it in silent protest.

PAULA NEILS

Precinct 7 Captain and Chair, Kootenai County Democrats