mounted on the wall of the Texas Supreme Court Building because it

contains an image of the Confederate battle flag.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People says it

is offensive to minorities. It may be offensive to some, but to others

it recalls events marked by honor, sacrifice and heroism.

Black citizens, supposedly see the flag as a symbol of slavery. Well,

the existence of slavery in the history of this region, and of the

nation, is a fact and removing the flag will not alter that. It is

useful and important to mark our history, the proud moments as well as

the things we have overcome. And, of course, the flag stands for a lot

more than just slavery. It was part of a struggle for independence that

invoked many of the same principles the United States itself cited in

breaking away from England.

The governor must know that if he yields on the plaque, the other

monuments on the Capitol grounds will be next. Bush was elected to

govern Texas for four years -- not to rewrite its history.