It Takes All Kinds
by
Jane Bryant, Treasurer
Friends of Kentucky History
When studying Kentucky history, I realized there were events that my Mom and Dad would explain as both good and bad, happy and unhappy, fair and unfair, moral and just and not. But I also acknowledge that it is those experiences that resulted in the birth of a proud and beautiful Commonwealth. The history of this nation delivers the same message. The good, the bad, and the ugly history have made this great nation what it is today. It really does not matter if history plays out as I would prefer. It doesn’t matter if our past is full of actions that are against my system of values and morals. What does matter is that it took lessons of all kind that resulted in the nation, state and community as they exist today. Why can’t we look at the results and then learn or change them? Why can’t we appreciate those leaders and events as stepping stones to our democracy?
I am referring to the negative approach that is being taken to celebrating Jefferson Davis’s birthday. President Davis set many programs in place that have been of great benefit to the nation. He stood for anything that would contribute to this nation’s success. Did everything he said or did make me proud or pleased? Of course not. But it was those words and actions that made us what we are today. My point is this. Agreeing or disagreeing with our current politics does not matter. We have political parties so that one person(s) position does not drive this nation. But it is a combination of positions and beliefs and political parties that has resulted in this nation’s chosen direction. We celebrate events and persons I may personally approve of or not. But I cannot deny the impact those events and persons have had in shaping our nation. Liking them will not change them. Neither does not liking them. The lesson learned is this. Acknowledge our differences. Celebrate our differences. And be thankful for them.