I find it both deeply saddening and infuriating how right wing southerners speak about their heritage as though that heritage determines them and what they do. That is, they seem to believe that the history and culture of the region determines them and obligates them to believe and behave in a certain manner. That manner is that of the pro-slavery Confederate and Jim Crow south.

I was raised in he deep south – south Georgia and north Florida.. I am more than aware of the beliefs and behaviors of he Confederate and Jim Crow south. But I take the stance that I determine or choose my heritage, NOT vice versa. That is, I see my heritage as being one of many people who believe in (1) constitutional democracy, (2) treating all people with dignity and respect. (3) the exercise of rational thought sound reasoning based on facts and critical thinking, (4) attempts to rid myself and our culture of all presumption of privilege ethnocentrism, bigotry, racism, xenophobia.

Acting on these beliefs and principles is what I consider to be true patriotism and morality. In acting in such a manner we are moving our country toward the ideal that America should be.