Rebel Rouser 

Editor:

Marcy's right about the inadvisability of changing old place names to suit new sensibilities. But what started her off was the current anti-Confederacy fad. ("Names," July 30.) I tend to see it as hate speech versus free speech. I favor free speech, but then I'm not the target of the hate speech. On the other hand, if I knew that a sizable minority of my fellow humans hated me just because of the way I look, I'd appreciate it if they'd wear a badge, or a funny hat, or some other sign that I should stay alert around them. Hey, I've got it! How about a flag?

Jamie Flower, Arcata