American society is experiencing unprecedented social upheaval and division along the lines of race, religion, class and political affiliation. There seems to be a cacophony of voices either advocating for or against different types of speech or action allegedly on behalf of white Americans who seem focused on vehemently proving that they are not racist as they actively seek to demonstrate blind solidarity with the slogan “Black Lives Matter” (BLM). However, for many white (and non-white) Americans who feel sympathetic to the Black community and who want to be supportive of the cause for preventing police brutality and corruption (a common aim among people of all races)—and of civil rights and social justice more broadly—doing so under the auspices of BLM poses some significant moral conflict.

Furthermore, the calls for social justice have, in many cases, involved other forms of non-peaceful protest, including but not limited to the desecration and removal of federal monuments and symbols. In more serious and tragic instances, protests have resulted in the careless loss of human life. There has also been a resurgence of calls for kneeling or otherwise protesting during the National Anthem or other patriotic displays by athletes and attendants at sporting events or other entertainment venues. To many in America, especially those who may have close friends or relatives who have served in the military and died protecting our country, this form of protest seems like an utter repudiation of the values for which our uniformed defenders fought and died. They gave the most sacred thing one could give, their own life, to ensure that we continue to have what many others in the world covet: freedom, justice, and equality.

So, to have such iconic symbols sacrificed on the alleged altar of political correctness seems to be a step too far for some who would otherwise be supportive of the BLM movement. So, the question that this book seeks to address is: