Re: Letter to the editor “Free Press founder was right about Monument Avenue,” July 2-4 edition:

I agree that Confederate flags should not adorn any government property, although I beg to differ with the opinion of the letter writer, Ben Ragsdale, and the opinion previously expressed by Free Press founder, the late Raymond H. Boone, about Monument Avenue.

Removing historic statues might be a temporary solution to historic animus, but it is not the answer for crafting a better future for us all. Relocating them does little to change memory about them or attitudes toward them. That seems neither practical nor prudent.

Conversely, as with the statue of Arthur Ashe, lets add historic citizens of great accomplishments and good will to Monument Avenue, thus gradually transforming “the used to be.”

I perceive that the greatest challenge before us all now is whether we can continue to become better people within a nation that is multiethnic, multiracial, multireligious and multicultural, which these generals never experienced. Ain’t none of us going anywhere. So how do we survive such a past and thrive in a future that we must create together?

The Civil War is over. Are we too impotent to grow beyond it into a country that is beloved by disparate people?

Family members of The Charleston Nine demonstrated the power and impact within the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Can those of us who sit on church pews Sunday after Sunday, or who preach from our pulpits, endeavor to reflect such love? Can we create a path forward instead of jerking one another backward?

Jesus declared, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he (or she) who does the will of my Father.”

Culture demands “losers.” Faith paves the path to the winners’ circle! C’mon Richmond, we have a community to build — not tear down — a country to save and a world to transform. It’s tough, but somebody’s got to do it.

PAIGE LANIER CHARGOIS

Richmond