The Commercial Appeal

Wrong focus

- Don Herring, Germantown

I grew up in Memphis during the time of segregatio­n. During my adult life, I have worked hard to not be prejudiced against all races and nationalit­ies. I agree it’s time to remove the Confederat­e flag from public parks and buildings. At the same time, I do not agree with Mayor A C Wharton to remove the statue and remains of Nathan Bedford Forrest. We cannot erase history as it reminds us our shortcomin­gs and failures, just as the Jewish people would not want all the reminders of the Holocaust to be destroyed.

The better question is for black Americans to ask themselves: Will it improve education? Will it help me get a job?

Time to quit blaming everything on the past. Resolve for black Americans and all Americans, that I’m going to do better for myself and my family. Seize the opportunit­y.

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