Of vandalized culture

Cultural vandalism is a term that has been used to describe the widespread destruction of books and manuscripts in England in the mid-1500s by overzealous, self-appointed protectors of orthodoxy. That was about 500 years ago, but cultural vandalism is still alive and well today.

It can be seen in the actions of modern-day zealots and the cowardly officials that condone or even assist in their efforts to erase certain aspects of our national history. History is to be learned from, not erased. But the removal of statues or memorials or changing names of buildings, schools or even streets that bear a connection to the Confederacy are not the only examples of this kind of abuse.

Three things unite or should unite Americans of all varieties. Three things should be sacrosanct, beyond the reach of our disparate religions, political leanings or personal grievances: our Constitution, our flag and our national anthem. All three suffer from attacks, but the Constitution is protected by the courts and the oath sworn by officials to protect it.

The flag and the anthem, however, are out on the front lines, out in the open, subject to abuse from those who practice this type of vandalism while cowardly hiding behind the First Amendment right of free speech. Those who abuse this freedom by callously disregarding the symbols of our heritage that most Americans hold dear deserve little respect.

Burning or stomping on the flag or disrespecting the anthem in any way is simply another form of cultural vandalism. Engaging in such may garner attention to whatever cause you espouse, but little empathy.

JOHN McPHERSON

Searcy