Legislation could very well be proposed during this legislative session concerning the preservation of historical sites in Missouri which could help settle the debate over the flying of the Confederate Battle Flag. At least Bruce Hillis, of Dexter hopes so. Hillis, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, recently spent nearly an entire week consulting with Missouri lawmakers in Jefferson City concerning the recent debate over the removal of the Confederate Battle Flag from two historic Missouri sites. The removal of the flag at the two sites was a direct decision by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Steve Mahfood. According to recent reports, Mahfood decided to remove the flags after having a discussion with Missouri Governor Bob Holden’s Director of Communications Mary Still. Aside from wondering how such a thing could happen without any direct orders from the Governor’s office, Hillis said he found himself befuddled by the lack of public input for such decisions.

“I researched the statutes concerning the Missouri DNR,” Hillis explained. “If we get the flags put up, what’s to keep the DNR from deciding to take them down again?” According to Hillis, the statutes concerning the DNR’s control at historical sites is limited in the way which state residents can have any input into decisions. It is because of his research that Hillis has decided to propose the implementation of a process to prevent future flag removals without a proper process and provides for public hearings or other public forums. Hillis argues that there is no current legislation which prohibits the DNR from making any action which might result in the alteration or removal of historical and/or cultural icons, monuments, memorials and markers. “We need statutory requirement to force the department to solicit public comments before taking action to add, alter or remove certain monuments, memorials or recognition and interpretations,” Hillis commented. It was this belief that led Hillis to speak with Missouri legislators within the Bootheel caucus; including Sen. Bill Foster and Rep. Rob Mayer. Hillis said he got the distinct impression from all the legislators he spoke with that something could possibly be done in regard to some legislative action.

“Both Sen. Foster and Rep. Mayer said they would continue to look into it and would keep in touch with me,” Hillis said. “And they’re very honorable men and I believe them.” Hillis said recent history has proven disastrous for the Confederate Battle Flag as many areas have been desecrated and vandalized due to the publicity given in areas like South Carolina where a dispute to remove the flag drew national attention. “There’s no teeth in the existing statutes to keep people from damaging or vandalizing such things on private property,” Hillis remarked. “That is one thing I hope to achieve.” Hillis said, idealistically, the bill will be presented during current legislative session where it can be “debated in the people’s forum,” rather than being debated publicly through the media. Up to the people Hillis said he spent the better part of an hour and-a-half standing outside Holden’s mansion in Jefferson City on Saturday, Jan. 18, with nearly 80 other people in protest to the removal of the flags from the flagpoles at the Confederate Memorial Park near Higginsville an the Historic Fort Davidson Confederate site near Pilot Knob.

“There were anywhere between 80 and 100 other people there for the rally,” Hillis said. “And I believe I saw about 50 Battleflags at the rally.” oddly enough, for such a heated issue, Hillis said there was no opposition at the rally and no one was present to give the assembly of people a difficult time. “I think the people of Missouri have made it clear, for the most part, that they are against the removal of the flags,” Hillis remarked. “They understand the importance of the history and the heritage.” In a Daily Statesman pole concerning the removal of the Confederate Battle Flag, 94 percent of those who answered the online survey said they were opposed to the removal of the flags. “This great debate should be conducted by the people through the people’s process and not debated solely by the press,” Hillis exclaimed. “I believe this proposed legislation will help insulate (such debates) from arbitrary actions by the governor or any other state officials.” Hillis said he feels there are good but misguided people working within the DNR and hopes the voice of the people at large will prevail over private actions. “There’s just no way for the DNR to be held accountable by the public,” Hillis said. “There’s currently no statutory requirements or legislative oversight to secure input or public hearings on any such matter. I think that needs to change.” Hillis said a proposed bill has not yet been drafted, but soon will be. Jonathon Dawe may be reached via e-mail at jdawe@dailystatesman.com