I’m deeply troubled by what’s taking place in our communities, our state, our country and the world. In these times of “political correctness,” our efforts to sanitize every aspect of our daily lives by political, racial, ethnic and all other groups to create their own vision of utopia.

I was struck that a Confederate flag was removed from the grave of the unknown Confederate soldier at Gray Village Cemetery, as reported in your paper (“In Maine, not all are joining Confederate condemnation,” July 11).

That soldier was interred there by local ladies who believed he deserved a proper resting place. Did that make them Confederate sympathizers?

I think not, any more than placing a Confederate flag on that grave does. Does the grave of that known Confederate soldier buried in Durham deserve similar treatment?

I assume these men faithfully served the cause for which they were called. That flag is a symbol of a part of the history of our country, regardless of our personal views.

When I was drafted into the Army, I wasn’t asked if I agreed with our involvement in the Korean conflict. Right or wrong, I believed it was my duty as a citizen to serve my country.

Should the display of the Union Jack be prohibited because of the outcome of the Revolutionary War? This continuing effort by elements of society to rewrite and sanitize history is troubling to me.

I’m equally troubled by efforts to silence a candidate for the presidential nomination from speaking the truth as he understands it because it may offend some ethnic group.

In our state Legislature and in Congress, we have two political parties locked in constant battle. Regardless of who wins the skirmish, the battle goes on, often to the detriment of those they’re elected to represent.

When is this going to end?

David I. Goldrup

Bridgton