YouCentral: Lee Vogler’s Confederate Flag Speech

As in the previous YouCentral article, SouthsideCentral is pleased to print all types of commentary. Here, we publish Lee Vogler’s speech from Danville City Council’s Thursday night meeting.

From: Lee Vogler

My generation likely has a different view of this issue than most of those who came before us. I grew up in Danville right outside the city limits and attended the public schools in Pittsylvania County. Seeing the Confederate flag was a common occurrence. You would see it on hats, t-shirts, belt buckles and bumper stickers. Seeing a Confederate flag in that context was as common as a Nike emblem or other brand logos. And I believe a vast majority of these people did so without an ounce of hate in their heart. For them, they wore the flag more as a statement that they were someone who liked to hunt and fish, drive a pickup truck and listen to country music, rather than identifying it with Civil Rights or the Civil War. For many people of my generation in this part of the country, that symbol says they are from the south and proud of it.

But for others, the flag represents something else. For some, it represents noble traditions of ancestry, history and heritage. The murderer in South Carolina, and others like him, have a warped view of the flag. They have hijacked this flag and used it to represent their twisted ideals and hatred. By no means do these radicals represent the views of most people who wish to see this flag remain, including those here tonight. We should respect the views of those who believe this flag should remain as a symbol of history.

At the same time, we should not discredit the real and warranted pain many people feel when seeing that flag. There was a time in this country when that flag was adopted by some to represent segregation and opposition to civil rights for all. It was during this time that the Confederate flag, and other variations of it, began to take on a new meaning. There are people in this room tonight who have been beaten, cursed at and spit on while the Confederate flag waved over them. While I seriously doubt anyone in this room ever participated in those events or would ever condone them, it does not change the real and emotional negative experiences some in our community have lived through.

There is no doubt that this is a sensitive issue. Emotions run high on both sides. I know good people on both sides. In the 21st Century, we should be able to have a respectful discussion of this issue in hopes of finding common ground and a better understanding of one another. Unfortunately, in the past several months, we’ve seen signs of division and demagoguery from some on both sides. The threats that have been made to Councilman Campbell and other council members are utterly unacceptable and have no place in public discourse. I would hope everyone here tonight would join me in disavowing these actions. On the other side, there have been remarks made regarding certain council members that exit the realm of reality and certainly cross the line of decency. A letter to the editor was published that stated if Councilman Rawley and myself were to be reelected next year, “black people would be in trouble.” The author also chose to draw a comparison between myself and the racist murderer in South Carolina. This type of extremism on both sides should be called out and repudiated at every turn. We, as a city, are better than this. We, as a people, are better than this.

Last year, when the museum came to council requesting the flag be removed from the monument and moved inside the museum, it was the first time many on council had heard this issue raised. Speaking for myself, I campaigned all across our city in 2012 and was fortunate to receive support from a broad spectrum of people; Democrats, Republicans, black and white, young and old. When I would ask people what issues concerned them the most regarding our city, I can’t recall the flag at the museum ever being one of the answers. That is not to say that this isn’t a real concern to some in our city and certainly since the issue has been raised, we have heard from many people regarding the flag. But even if the flag is taken down, it will not reduce poverty in our city. It will not improve education in our schools. It will not remove the hate that some have in their hearts. A flag cannot address any of these issues.

Recently, there has been a call for City Council to consider selling the property to a private group that will maintain and market it as the historical site that it is. I have gone on record stating my willingness to sell the property for the right offer. I know other council members feel the same. It is my hope that in the future, we can have serious conversations about doing so. Because regardless of how this vote goes tonight, as long as the city continues to own this property, it will always be a place of contention. And there are real financial issues that need to be considered. Whether the flag remains or not, the City of Danville, and more importantly the taxpayers of Danville, spend over $100,000 a year on that property without any tangible return. It is estimated these costs will continue to climb in the years ahead. We owe it to the people of this city to be open to offers on the property and what the best use for it would be. Is a city government the best proprietor of a site that will always be identified as the Last Capital of the Confederacy? I do not believe so.

This ordinance tonight simply states that if it is a city-owned flag pole, it should only fly the flags of the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Danville and the POW/MIA flag. We are, by definition, a city government that is designed to represent all its people. And in these flags, we can find those things that bring us together. Because despite our differences, we share a few common themes that unite us. We are all Danvillians. Above that, we are all Virginians. And most importantly of all, we are all Americans. And believe me when I say, no affiliation has ever meant more to me than that one. This ordinance does not, in any way, prevent people from flying the flag of their choice on their own property or wearing the flag on their clothing. Nor should it, for we are a nation that was founded on free speech and the ability to respect each other’s differences.
Some people have told me that I need to think very carefully about how I vote tonight and remember who my “true” constituents are. My constituents are, as they have always been, the people of the City of Danville. All of our people. And while the site in question is a historic one and one that should be honored, it is a site that is also owned by the city government. So the question at hand is: should the flag of a nation that has not existed for 150 years and, as we’ve seen over the past few months, causes pain to many in our community continue to fly on government owned property?

There are some quotes I’d like to share in response to that question.
“The Confederate flag means different things for different people. For some it’s heritage, regional pride or general rebelliousness. For others, I fully understand it is a symbol of hate because it’s been appropriated by so many hate groups.” Some might think this quote came from a liberal activist but it actually was conservative Republican, and former Virginia Governor and Senator George Allen.

Here’s another:
“The Confederate flag is not a symbol of unity and should not be displayed as a symbol of government.” -former Lt. Governor candidate, E.W. Jackson, who stated he believed people have every right to celebrate their heritage but the flag isn’t appropriate on government property.

And two final quotes:
“I think it wisest not to keep open the sores of war, but to follow the example of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of civil strife, and to commit to oblivion the feelings it engendered.” —Robert E. Lee, 1865

“My pride is that that flag shall not set between contending brothers; and that, when it shall no longer be the common flag of the country, it shall be folded up and laid away like a vesture no longer used.” —Jefferson Davis, 1881

I’m someone who appreciates history. I believe it should be respected and honored. That is why I believe the monument on the grounds of the museum should never be moved or disrupted. For it recognizes Danville’s place in history and those who fought and died during that war. It is also why I’m proposing tonight, that if Council passes this ordinance, we make an amendment to the museum’s lease with the city that would state as long as they are the tenant of the property, they must maintain a permanent exhibit inside the museum that features the 3rd National Flag of the Confederacy. This would ensure that the history of the property will always be told and will alleviate concerns that the flag will be completely removed after a period of time. During previous interactions with Council, the museum board has indicated that this is their intention. If their intentions are true, then they should have no issue with making it an official part of their lease.

I understand my vote tonight will upset some people. A lot of the people in this room tonight I’ve known for years and are proud to call my friend. I may lose some friends over this vote. But I would hope that is not the case. I hope our respect for one another is deeper than that. I respect these people and the views they have expressed to me regarding this issue and I hope they will respect mine. We are on the verge of a great opportunity in our city. To show the world what type of people we are. To show the world what type of place Danville is. Often times, these debates can bring out the worst in people. But in moments of unity, we can show the world Danville at its best. We can be the example of that “shining city on a hill”, a place where freedom and opportunity is afforded to all. We can fulfill the promise in the Preamble of the Constitution “to form a more perfect union.” The basis of my candidacy for City Council, and the purpose of my term, has been to bring our citizens together. It’s never been in my nature to pit one side against another and it never will be. I haven’t been outspoken on this until now because I know the real emotion involved. This isn’t an issue to exploit for political gain or launch a reelection campaign on. It’s an issue where there are no real winners or losers.

City Council should strongly consider in the weeks and months ahead, the best use for this property and the potential to sell it. But until then, a city government must unite under flags that represent all its people. I will be supporting this ordinance. Thank you.