Getting rid of symbol will not rid nation of hate

I understand symbols that are associated with violence and hate remind us of things that stir our emotions and lead to ill feelings and division.  Due to the number and type of hate groups that have carried the Confederate flag, it is possible that the time has come for such symbols to be removed from public places.

As time goes by, sometimes symbols that were created for one reason become associated with another cause that does or does not relate to the original symbol.  We must never forget that there have been hate groups that have carried our American Flag, and people were enslaved under the American flag a lot longer than they were enslaved under the Confederate flag.

We all need to understand that getting rid of a symbol does not rid us of the hate it may represent. It is the hate that can destroy our American nation, and removing the symbol may be a first step in removing the hate, but there is no guarantee that the hate that was represented by the symbol will disappear. Hate always carries some symbol, but it is this hate that must be removed if we are to become the nation that we still dream of becoming.

— Gordon Correll

Salisbury

Insurance for gun mishaps

On June 13, a N.C. Senate panel supported an insurance mandate on mopeds agreeing with a House bill that would add the insurance requirement effective July 2016. Rep. Phil Shepard says people traveling on mopeds should be held financially responsible for accidents they cause. Shepard estimated annual insurance premiums will range from $90 to $380 depending on driving history. Mopeds are often an alternative for those who’ve lost driving privileges.

Spring forward to a bill moving through the General Assembly that allows legislators and employees to bring guns into the legislative complex, including the House and Senate floors. Proponents of this issue say legislators deal with disgruntled members of the public and want to protect themselves. Opponents say “accidents happen and more guns equals more potential for accidents”. The General Assembly Police chief says, “I’m concerned about the number of guns that probably are in here now that we have no idea are in here, as well as any citizen could come in here with a concealed handgun.”

In states nationwide there is a hodgepodge of rules governing who can carry guns in buildings everywhere including the state legislatures.

A solution would be to create a law that requires insurance on fire arms. As long as your insurance company will cover the accidents that happen, you can bring your UZI submachine gun and carry as many clips as your insurance will allow. If you have a good shooting record, your rates should be on the low side, as Rep. Phil Shepard suggests for the mopeds.

— Steve Arey

Salisbury