A personal commentary and editorial on news, events, social media, and just about anything else. Occasionally I will rant about something. I strive to argue and make my points with facts. I am not politically correct as it is a term connected with Marxist ideology.

Friday, June 26, 2015

My letter to the Editor of Fort Smith Arkansas Southwest Times Record

Dear Editor, 

    As an 1985 graduate from Southside High School, I never imagined our class' 30th anniversary would coincide with the recent Fort Smith Public School board's decision to rid our high school of our mascot, Johnny Reb and our fight song, Dixie. Perhaps it was an effort to cave to those political forces in our nation today in an effort to be perceived as good people to those wanting power and control and not symbolic olive branches.

   Those who bear an unquenchable anger about our nation's history and founding are emboldened by decisions like the one made by this school board. Actions of appeasement are a signal to grievance bullies to continue pushing political correctness and censorship on free individuals. 

   I would like the school board to understand that censorship is not civility. Furthermore, censoring the symbols of history dishonors those brave men and women that fought and died to preserve our precious God given rights and freedoms. Such actions taken so close to Independence Day are disturbing to me. What will the history of our nation look like once the disturbing and offensive parts are blotted out? 

   As a student, I played trombone in the Southside band at many football and basketball games. I can say racism was not even remotely part of the spirit for me or the vast majority of anyone else I knew. The Southside teams' name, the Rebels, and the song Dixie were rallying aspects of teamwork, excellence, friendship and school spirit:good qualities! Like the verse in Dixie; old times there, (at Southside High School) are not forgotten! 

   It is wrong to tie Southside with the horrific church massacre in South Carolina. The accused perpetrator, now in custody, is not an alumni of our school nor does he represent us. People of all races are mourning the deaths of those at that South Carolina church. 

   While there are good people with different views on this, I believe changing the mascot, fight song and identity of the school will be deeply hurtful to me and the many students who attended Southside High School. 

   My times at Southside were not always fun or enjoyable, yet I have good memories and friends from those years.

   I ask those serving on the school board to reconsider this decision. 

Michael Robinson 
Knippa, Texas