For many Southerners, the Confederate flag issue is as divisive as the current U.S. presidential campaign — a house deeply divided indeed.

Walking a balance of moral righteousness and accuracy to history is difficult.

The Natchez Cemetery Association’s recent change in policy in an attempt to legislate the use of the Confederate flag is a good example of how difficult that balance is.

While we have long been appreciative of the great work the volunteer cemetery board does to protect and promote the amazing history preserved in the cemetery, their new policy prohibiting any flags beyond the U.S. flag from being placed on graves except for a few specific holidays.

We appreciate what the board was attempting to do — assuage the descendant of a Confederate soldier who found the flag offensive.

An across-the-board ban on flags would also apply, then to other historic figures from Natchez’s history, such as Don Jose Vidal, the first Spanish governor to the Natchez territory.

It would seem if his family felt so inclined, they should be allowed to place a Spanish flag on his resting place.

The same could be said for other notables in history. The very diversity Natchez represents is on full display at the Natchez City Cemetery. Rather than blanket exclusions of our diversity more open, but tasteful celebrations of that diversity may be in order.

Certainly a better balance between individual rights, historical accuracy and keeping a peaceful final resting place from becoming a political frontline is possible.

That may best begin with an open conversation among all sides in which each group works hard to listen and understand the needs and desires of all others.

Only then, can a good balance be struck through compromise.