Here are my thoughts on today's events:
1. NO ONE won today. We ALL lost. Cindy Meadows was spot on with her comments that people with an agenda sought to divide our community and succeeded. Things have been said on both sides, both at the meeting and in other forums, that will take much time to heal. Most of those in the room today live, work, go to school, play and go to church together. This was not always so. While race relations are always fragile, prior to June 2015 DeFuniak Springs was in a pretty good place. Most of the younger generation especially get along and respect each other. Sadly this issue has damaged those good relations and placed a barrier between people. While the agitators will go on the the next cause of the day, those of us who live in DFS must try and repair the damage.
2. It was fairly obvious to anyone rationally observing the proceedings that the supporters of the flag were more respectful of the other group and the commissioners and more willing to try and find a solution that everyone could live with. When Mr. Chapman made his motion to remove the flag there were no boos, no jeering and no threats. Conversely, Ms Commander and Ms Meadows were repeatedly interrupted and disrespected, to the point that the chair had to threaten to clear the room. While many local blacks were willing to accept the compromise of the "Stars and Bars" the state NAACP refused to accept any compromise. We listened to those in the Black community who stated their objections to the "battle flag" or "navy jack" and we understood because we share the same memories as they do. The "stars and bars" does not contain the southern cross and is a reasonable compromise. There are many who wanted to keep the battle flag up, but most supporters of the flag were willing to accept the compromise.
3. The 4 commissioners who were present showed a great deal of courage and political will today, whether you agree with them or not. It was extraordinary. While I did not agree with Mr. Chapman, what he said and did took a great deal of guts and I commend his honesty and courage. Likewise, Ms. Meadows demonstrated a like amount of guts and courage. Ms. Commander was truly wanting to find a way to satisfy the greatest number of her constituents and she showed patience and sincerity. Mr. Imfeld did a wonderful job at controlling the meeting and keeping it on point. He showed a great deal of patience and perseverance. All 4 were honest and demonstrated the kind of probity and sensitivity that shows us what representatives can be capable of.
4. Much has been said about not offending a group of citizens. It was very obvious this morning that no matter the decision some group was going to be hurt and offended. The easiest thing would have been to put this on a referendum and let the people decide. That would also have been the most damaging to our community. They could have also done nothing which would have satisfied their constituents in the North. They could have removed the flag and thus went against the clear majority of those expressing an opinion through the various petitions. Or they could compromise and try and bring healing to our community. They chose the last option and I think they were correct.
5. I hope this issue dies down and we can get back to issues that mean something today, not from 150 or even 50 years ago. We need to fix our infrastructure issues and we need to bring in good paying jobs. We have plenty to occupy us.
6. I was very proud to see the young people on both sides, many of whom were getting their first experience in government. I hope they stay involved and help bring about positive change.
