The parts in brackets were those edited out by the newspaper.

Richmond Times-Dispatch
P.O. Box 85333
Richmond, VA 23293
Attn: Editor of Editorial Page

Dear Sir,

{Once again I find myself compelled to write to you regarding an article in the Times-Dispatch.}

{I refer specifically to the article in the March 27, 1998 issue titled, Gilmore to change Confederate Month. Among statements made by Gilmore regarding Governor Allen’s issuance of the proclamation last year was his promise, not to repeat the mistake of his predecessor. Would he please explain to me what that mistake was!?}

According to the March 27 story, Gilmore to Change Confederate Month, Governor Gilmore will not repeat the mistake of his predecessor when proclaiming Confederate History Month. Would he please explain what that mistake was?

Regarding {as for} his desire to {see the} make the proclamation more inclusive, I await his proclamation making February (Black History Month) more inclusive as well. After all, fair is fair. {Have any of you} Haven’t we been told that we should celebrate our nation’s diversity{?}{Have you been reminded} and that we should respect and honor the heritage of our own and other’s ancestors? {If you read the newspaper or watch TV news you see this all the time.}

The part that is left out is that those of us of a lighter hue who happen to live in, or have roots in the south, are not allowed to honor our heritage. It seems to me that the only people in this country that can still be stereotyped and made fun of {, if not outright reviled,} are Christians and white southerners. {Someone prove me wrong!}

{If I am not mistaken, aside from the actual issuance of the proclamation for Confederate History Month, there is no tax money spent to force another holiday on any of us. There is no State workers day off (with pay), no special classes taught in schools (over and above the southern history already taught), no special programs planned using tax money at all. Can the same be said for Black History Month? Can the same be said for a great many holidays or special programs designed to celebrate the multiculturalism we are supposed to all embrace?}

All the original proclamation was intended to do was say to those of us who already honor our heritage, Yours is as acceptable and worthy as any other. Celebrate it as you see fit.

I long for the day when we see more than a very few politicians with a real backbone.

Sincerely,

Floyd C. Bayne