Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Sound Off

Sound Off for June 9, 2020

Protests and coronavirus

A real science project is about to happen with the protests and possible exposure to the coronavirus. We will soon find out soon how this pandemic will expose itself. Will there be an upswing or no change in the dynamics of increased cases? Many young protesters in close quarters with each other is a real test, even with masks. Maybe herd immunity is the answer or maybe not.

Just people

I thought we were supposed to be getting away from seeing color. If so, why do we still have “people of color” and “white people?” Why can’t we just have “people?”

New flag

The Mississippi Coast Yachting Association should remove the Confederate flag from their burgee.

To ‘right place’

I pay to watch the games too. It wasn’t until 9/11 that the anthem was included in the pre-game show. I say show because that’s what it is. Why focus on a few players kneeling? Just salute the flag, sing the anthem, and be grateful you live in a society that allows free expression.

Drew’s choice

The press did not force Drew Brees to apologize. He chose to apologize. Before we talk about disrespect, let’s remember black peoples also fought in wars, usually in segregated units for less pay. They were payed less in the works projects of the ’30s, had a different minimum wage in the ’50s. Why can’t they kneel for the flag of a country that hasn’t treated them as equal? The apology that needs to come is our country’s continual apology for ignoring slavery for so long.

Not racist

Critics of Drew Brees seem to be saying that since he is patriotic and will stand for Old Glory, he therefore must be racist. Not true.

Missed the boat?

You seem unable to acknowledge the root of the problem. Most white folks support an end to racial injustice and reform of police actions which unjustly target any race. When you face up to the fact that arsonists and looters are criminals, not peaceful protesters, and that their actions reflect a systemic problem in the black community which fails to call them out as such, your message lacks credibility.

To submit a Sound Off, email soundoff@sunherald.com

This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 1:20 PM with the headline "Sound Off for June 9, 2020."

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