Injustice to memory

I write this letter on the holiday celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’ s birthday; however, being as this is Arkansas, the feeling of celebration is tainted.

This state contradicts the honor and esteem due this great man of peace and progress by combining the holiday unnecessarily with a birthday celebration for Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate army. I realize all the Confederate flag enthusiasts will condemn me for daring to bring up the fact that slavery and the legacy of racism in the South are intricately tied to the Civil War. But that’s like saying if you don’t admit to something, it doesn’t exist.

When is Arkansas going to eliminate this shameful denigration of Martin Luther King Jr.’ s birthday celebration? As quoted in numerous contexts throughout our nation’s history, both in the North and in the South, “United we stand; divided we fall.” Perhaps this year the Arkansas Legislature will be principled enough to eliminate this gross injustice to Reverend King’s memory, in acknowledgement of the inherent equality of all people. SUSAN BRADLEY POSPISIL

Fayetteville