Removal of memorials will homogenize our culture
The most sensible commentary on recent discussions and rallies regarding Confederate statues and other memorials is in the October issue of the magazine First Things, under the Public Square column by R. R. Reno.
“Removal of Confederate memorials and statues reflects a desire for a cleansed inheritance, one unpolluted by sin and fault. Given the tragic character of human existence, this amounts to a desire for a heavenly inheritance, which only God and no nation or human culture can provide. The upshot of zeal for civic perfection will be a denuded public square. These Confederate statues will not be replaced by meaningful monuments. Another Starbucks will fill the void. Instead of civic life haunted by our all-too human past, we will enjoy “community,” brought to us by Facebook.”
TOM MURRAY
Bella Vista
Band excels, people in
stands are paying attention
A friend posted a picture on Facebook that showed something I’d never seen before. It was the home stands at the Bentonville High School game. The stands appeared full. Everyone in the picture was seated — no one was in the aisles — and it was halftime. To me, that served as a tremendous testament to the Bentonville Pride marching band, which was performing at the time.
Year after year, the shows the band puts on seem to get even better. Last year, the band was named the state high school marching band champions. This year’s show tells the story of Atlas from Greek mythology. The music and the costuming are nothing short of fantastic.
As a band parent, I’m very proud of what these kids have accomplished. But I also find it truly refreshing that, as arts and culture continue to grow in importance in our community, the crowd is now paying closer attention to the talent on display on the field. It means a lot to the band to know that people are actually watching them perform and enjoying what they are doing on the field.
Thank you, Bentonville fans, for embracing these tremendously talented young people as they bring their story to life with passion, movement and sound.
DAN FOGLEMAN
Bella Vista
Kaepernick stood tall
in his freedom to protest
To “bend a knee,” to kneel — or not? Our response is so much a matter of purpose, of perspective.
There are some who have never felt the need to kneel in desperation to pray for the life of a loved one, or as a supplicant for justice from a higher authority. And others would never genuflect in respect or kowtow to someone who demands submission.
Colin Kaepernick bent his knee to protest recent instances he saw as social injustices, explaining this action was “not to disrespect the military, our Constitution … our flag or country, the best country on the planet.” With hand over heart, he knelt for the marginalized who love our country but have no voice. He demonstrated the courage and reverence of those who value our Constitutional right to freedom of expression.
SUZANNE JESSUP
Bella Vista