Free Speech Demonstration in Hot Springs, Arkansas

USPA NEWS - Can the history of the Civil War be preserved while healing racial tensions in America in 2017. The Confederate Square Group held a demonstration in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Aug. 19, 2017.

One week after a rally held in Charlottesville, Virginia turned violent, the Confederate Square Group held their own demonstration in support of Confederate monuments in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The group said its focus is on the preservation of Confederate monuments and would not support neo-Nazism, white sepremacy, or white nationalism. Event organizer, James Brock said,"We are here to preserve our history, preserve our monument, stand up and say that we do not want to see our history destroyed." With emotions high and uncertainty, law enforcement services and city officials developed an operational plan ahead of the event. Only 3 arrests were made for disorderly conduct. Counter-protesters chanted, "love, not hate!" while walking past the group. Many counter-protesters would say, we are just here to condemn racism and bigotry. So, at the end of the day, points may be made but will this yeild outcome. Whether monuments be moved, torn down or left alone...will the divide deepen or can the country come together one community at a time.