Whatever else its cultural accomplishments, the Confederacy's purpose, ultimately, was the defense of slavery. Society can honor the heroism and valor of its soldiers without honoring their cause, or revering the flag that represents it. Some South Carolina legislators have suggested replacing the flag with a statehouse memorial to Confederate veterans a more dignified and appropriate commemoration. If nothing else, taking the flag down would retire a seemingly incessant controversy that honors no one except those who use it as an opportunity to grandstand. As for that other perennial debate that has reared its head once more this January, the battle rages on.
Abortion takes more lives every six months than the Civil War claimed in four years.
No Americans have a greater claim on our sorrow and remembrance than these. Mr. Weinkopf is FrontPage 's managing editor.