Confederate Flag

[Guest]

The Confederate battle flag is still flying at the grounds of the South Carolina statehouse. It is a symbol of racism. The Civil War was about slavery for a main part. Most Americans see it as racist and a sign that should be destroyed. The flag does have a place in history - in a museum case - but not flying on the Statehouse grounds.

[Guest]

Brave Americans fought and died for that flag's right to fly. It is meant as a sign of bravery and not racism.

[Guest]

I think the real question is "what is the intent"? While some people may display this flag for the purpose of their own personal show of racism (which, btw, is not the historical meaning of this flag at all!), I highly doubt that the state of SC flies it for that reason. It is a part of their history. Why must we constantly change our history because people choose to distort things?

[Guest]

I think the real question is "what is the intent"? While some people may display this flag for the purpose of their own personal show of racism (which, btw, is not the historical meaning of this flag at all!), I highly doubt that the state of SC flies it for that reason. It is a part of their history. Why must we constantly change our history because people choose to distort things?

The civil war was lost by the southern states. To hold onto the memory of a cause that has been proven to be unpopular to the vast majority should certainly be allowed on personal property but not in the public view of so many SC citizens that find it so upsetting. If you are proud of the KKK, you should have the right to fly their flag in your front yard, but again, I would find it inappropriate on a flag pole in my neighborhood park. Public places supported by tax dollars from everyone should not take a stand on issues like this. Remember a famous quote "United we stand, Divided we fall"

[Guest]

Mitt Romney Joins Call for Confederate Flag to Come Down After Shooting - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-shooting/romney-joins-call-confederate-flag-come-down-after-shooting-n379161?cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=c2416b393451c38c19e0a590bbcf5520)


Mitt Romney came out with a powerful statement yesterday saying take this flag down, it has no place on public grounds. Jeb Bush echoed his words and had the good sense to remove the flag from the Florida state house back in 2000.

People who want to remember and honor the war dead can do so at a museum or confederate cemetery.

A state legislator in SC will be introducing a bill to remove the flag from public buildings when the legislature reconvenes in January 2016.

[Guest]

Actually, most of the people fighting in the Confederate War had no ideal what they were fighting for. Many families had sons fighting for different sides. The Southern people didn't like the North telling them what to do. The confederate people were treated like dogs after the war. Texans were treated the worst. I visited the Vicksburg Battleground and there is a plaque there that states that President Lincoln would not allow any Confederate Soldiers to be buried in the cemeteries there. They were all buried in mass unmarked graves outside of town. The one that really confuses me is why do we have racial riots in the Northern states, the ones that fought to free the slaves? I'm from Michigan and I remember the Detroit riots very well. Detroit has never recovered from them.

[Guest]

The civil war was lost by the southern states. To hold onto the memory of a cause that has been proven to be unpopular to the vast majority should certainly be allowed on personal property but not in the public view of so many SC citizens that find it so upsetting. If you are proud of the KKK, you should have the right to fly their flag in your front yard, but again, I would find it inappropriate on a flag pole in my neighborhood park. Public places supported by tax dollars from everyone should not take a stand on issues like this. Remember a famous quote "United we stand, Divided we fall"

Really? The Confederate flag is the flag of the KKK? Seems to me I have seen such groups fly the American flag as well. Should we get rid of that too? That's precisely my point!

[Guest]

Really? The Confederate flag is the flag of the KKK? Seems to me I have seen such groups fly the American flag as well. Should we get rid of that too? That's precisely my point!

I love this kind of comparison......

[Guest]

The Confederate is the flag of a lost country, The Confederated States of America. It should be remembered, but not flown on public buildings. The KKK flag is no different than the ISIS flag.

[Guest]

I love this kind of comparison......

Listen, I have no dog in this fight. I just don't get racism at all. Did not grow up with it and don't understand it. I probably have more different cultures, skin colors, etc in my family than most of you, so again, I just don't get it! My point is that it is a flag - a thing - like any other thing that can be taken out of context. I go back to my question - "what is the intent" of flying it in SC? I think it should be up to the state of SC and the people of that state as to what is the proper thing to do. I just get tired of others dictating what someone else should do based on their own biased thinking.

[Guest]

Just FYI regarding the flag and the KKK -

The Real Flag Of The Ku Klux Klan - KKK (http://www.rulen.com/kkk/)

Don't know anything about this site or KKK for that matter, just googled "the flag of the KKK" and this is one of articles I found.

Just now found this - Ku Klux Klan (U.S. organization) (http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us%7Dkkk.html)

Once again, by no means am I a promoter of any kind for this organization, but I do hate disinformation!

[Guest]

There was no CSA flag flown at the state capital in SC until the civil rights act was passed in the 1960's. Then the segregationist leadership of that state, and others, responded by claiming that they could defy the federal government (just like they had 100 years earlier). And as part of this state's speech SC chose to begin to fly the stars and bars over their statehouse. It was a clear response to laws enacted to help black Americans achieve equality. That is not an accident of history. It is a clear message to black Americans. The CSA flag is no more a symbol that is legitimately used to honor the South's history of starting the most brutal war fought by the USA than flying the flag of Nazi Germany can be said to honor the German's who died for their country and fought out of German patriotism, perhaps not fully aware of the policies of their leadership.
The Nazi flag is of course still revered by some and its meaning is not German pride. The CSA flag is still revered by some, and its meaning is not Southern pride. It is not surprising that Mr. Roof on his personal website has photos of himself proudly holding the CSA flag while also burning and spitting on the American flag. You fly the CSA flag, you are speaking very clearly. You wish the CSA had won that war and that the darkies were still on the plantation.

[Guest]

Listen, I have no dog in this fight. I just don't get racism at all. Did not grow up with it and don't understand it. I probably have more different cultures, skin colors, etc in my family than most of you, so again, I just don't get it! My point is that it is a flag - a thing - like any other thing that can be taken out of context. I go back to my question - "what is the intent" of flying it in SC? I think it should be up to the state of SC and the people of that state as to what is the proper thing to do. I just get tired of others dictating what someone else should do based on their own biased thinking.


Only the people of South Carolina, through their elected state representatives, will make this decision, but that doesn't mean that others cannot make their opinions known especially the 2016 presidential hopefuls.

If any good is to come out of this heart-breaking, despicable act it will be to have this flag removed once and for all. God bless Charleston as they grieve.

[Guest]

There was no CSA flag flown at the state capital in SC until the civil rights act was passed in the 1960's. Then the segregationist leadership of that state, and others, responded by claiming that they could defy the federal government (just like they had 100 years earlier). And as part of this state's speech SC chose to begin to fly the stars and bars over their statehouse. It was a clear response to laws enacted to help black Americans achieve equality. That is not an accident of history. It is a clear message to black Americans. The CSA flag is no more a symbol that is legitimately used to honor the South's history of starting the most brutal war fought by the USA than flying the flag of Nazi Germany can be said to honor the German's who died for their country and fought out of German patriotism, perhaps not fully aware of the policies of their leadership.
The Nazi flag is of course still revered by some and its meaning is not German pride. The CSA flag is still revered by some, and its meaning is not Southern pride. It is not surprising that Mr. Roof on his personal website has photos of himself proudly holding the CSA flag while also burning and spitting on the American flag. You fly the CSA flag, you are speaking very clearly. You wish the CSA had won that war and that the darkies were still on the plantation.

And that being said, and if true (not saying it is not, I am just admitting I don't know), then you have answered my question about intent. So let's allow the people of SC to decide if that is so. To respond to the others on here, expressing one's opinion is one thing but knowing the true intent is clearly another.

[Guest]

There was no CSA flag flown at the state capital in SC until the civil rights act was passed in the 1960's. Then the segregationist leadership of that state, and others, responded by claiming that they could defy the federal government (just like they had 100 years earlier). And as part of this state's speech SC chose to begin to fly the stars and bars over their statehouse. It was a clear response to laws enacted to help black Americans achieve equality. That is not an accident of history. It is a clear message to black Americans. The CSA flag is no more a symbol that is legitimately used to honor the South's history of starting the most brutal war fought by the USA than flying the flag of Nazi Germany can be said to honor the German's who died for their country and fought out of German patriotism, perhaps not fully aware of the policies of their leadership.
The Nazi flag is of course still revered by some and its meaning is not German pride. The CSA flag is still revered by some, and its meaning is not Southern pride. It is not surprising that Mr. Roof on his personal website has photos of himself proudly holding the CSA flag while also burning and spitting on the American flag. You fly the CSA flag, you are speaking very clearly. You wish the CSA had won that war and that the darkies were still on the plantation.

Excellent post :bigbow:

[Guest]

Just FYI regarding the flag and the KKK -

The Real Flag Of The Ku Klux Klan - KKK (http://www.rulen.com/kkk/)

Don't know anything about this site or KKK for that matter, just googled "the flag of the KKK" and this is one of articles I found.

Just now found this - Ku Klux Klan (U.S. organization) (http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us%7Dkkk.html)

Once again, by no means am I a promoter of any kind for this organization, but I do hate disinformation!

Well, you are spreading disinformation.
If you use photos from the 1920's you will see American flags. If you look at Klan activities from the 1960's forward you will see CSA flags in far greater number. Even on the website you linked, look at only color photo which is the only one taken in the last 60 years. Proudly hanging next to the USA flag is the CSA flag. The B&W photo here is from a Klan march in the 1980's in NC. The other is from your linked website and undated.
And if you really don't understand the close connection of the KKK to the Confederate flag I offer a google image search for you using KKK rally
https://www.google.com/search?q=kkk+rally+2008&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=vcqGVYLGE4iDyQSmioLABw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1280&bih=585#tbm=isch&q=kkk+rally+

[Guest]

With some research we see that the flag of the CSA is not the same flag as is commonly associated with the Confederacy. The design used on the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia was never officially recognized as one of the national flags. It was rejected as a national flag in 1861.

[Guest]

It's a battle flag, not a national flag. It represents all who died in the civil war

[Guest]

With some research we see that the flag of the CSA is not the same flag as is commonly associated with the Confederacy. The design used on the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia was never officially recognized as one of the national flags. It was rejected as a national flag in 1861.

IF you go back and look at the first post, the OP states the flag is the confederate battle flag. Yes, it is a point that ALL the GOP candidates must address during this campaign. Yes, the KKK does use that sign of white supremacy along with the American flag.

Is the Nazi swastika allowed to fly anywhere in Germany? NO!

The confederate battle flag is comparable to the Nazi swastika. The KKK and the Nazis have much in common such as white supremacy.

[Guest]

It's a battle flag, not a national flag. It represents all who died in the civil war

The Nazi swastika flag represents those who died in WWII. It is outlawed in Germany.

[Guest]

how very amusing.....a minority (not race) special interest group attempting to take to task another minority (not race here either) special interest group.

And some so brazen as to claim they have the majority to back their position.

Let's just agree to disagree. The confederate flag was not designed or intended to represent racism. In recent years, once again, special interest groups have been continuing to categorize a subject to fit their cause.

Think about the future of the Americam flag. At what point will it be determined by the majority....that would no longer be US.....to represent a whiteness that prohibeted people of color from being Americans......or something like that.

No? I would not bet against it given the trend of changing and redefining going on in America today.

[Guest]

It is the flag adopted by the segregationist of the KKK and others to represent their beliefs. It doesn't matter one whit whether it was a flag of Northern Virginia or a squadron of dung beetles. It is now a very clear symbol of the desire to reassert white domination of this country and that blacks are an inferior species. I don't need history lessons, I am very well versed in history. Flags mean what the users of those flags represent. It is no accident that Roof had the Rhodesian flag on his clothes. He was not honoring the sacrifices of Mr Rhodes, he was honoring its modern association with the racist view of the world he shared. We don't represent the dead of Nazi Germany by flying the Nazi flag. We don't even represent the dead of the Union soldiers, or the WW I soldiers by displaying the flag under which they fought. We use the modern USA flag. So stop the excuse based on what the flag might have meant in 1862. It now means segregation, racism, bigotry to all those with any degree of decency. Even the very conservative state of Texas understood the meaning of that flag. And every time that CSA flag is held high above a white sheet, above a Nazi salute, its modern day meaning is made ever clearer

[Guest]

how very amusing.....a minority (not race) special interest group attempting to take to task another minority (not race here either) special interest group.

And some so brazen as to claim they have the majority to back their position.

Let's just agree to disagree. The confederate flag was not designed or intended to represent racism. In recent years, once again, special interest groups have been continuing to categorize a subject to fit their cause.

Think about the future of the Americam flag. At what point will it be determined by the majority....that would no longer be US.....to represent a whiteness that prohibeted people of color from being Americans......or something like that.

No? I would not bet against it given the trend of changing and redefining going on in America today.

No, I WILL NOT agree to disagree with you. You are WRONG. The confederate flag was part of the slaveholding South which is the epitomy of racism.

As for the second part of your statement - ignorant.

[Guest]

It is the flag adopted by the segregationist of the KKK and others to represent their beliefs. It doesn't matter one whit whether it was a flag of Northern Virginia or a squadron of dung beetles. It is now a very clear symbol of the desire to reassert white domination of this country and that blacks are an inferior species. I don't need history lessons, I am very well versed in history. Flags mean what the users of those flags represent. It is no accident that Roof had the Rhodesian flag on his clothes. He was not honoring the sacrifices of Mr Rhodes, he was honoring its modern association with the racist view of the world he shared. We don't represent the dead of Nazi Germany by flying the Nazi flag. We don't even represent the dead of the Union soldiers, or the WW I soldiers by displaying the flag under which they fought. We use the modern USA flag. So stop the excuse based on what the flag might have meant in 1862. It now means segregation, racism, bigotry to all those with any degree of decency. Even the very conservative state of Texas understood the meaning of that flag. And every time that CSA flag is held high above a white sheet, above a Nazi salute, its modern day meaning is made ever clearer



http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/20/us/outrage-vs-tradition-wrapped-in-a-confederate-flag.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share


So good and so true. South Carolinians love this flag so much that it will take a super-majority vote in both the house and senate to make any changes, unless of course they change the law requiring a super-majority. Changing the law would only require a simple majority.

The only optimistic caveat towards removing the flag is South Carolina's changing demographics and the business community.

[Guest]

Once again, the point is made that no back and forth dialogue can be had on some of these threads. You try to post links as simply examples and posters take them out of context. My point in posting was not to say that I know it all, or to prove this one or that wrong, but to just get people to think about intentions instead of assumptions. It was my mistaken notion that anyone here would want dialogue that may bring understanding. Apparently the only important thing to some is to push their agenda. So go at it - I've got better things to do.

[Guest]

How about a lol. I don't know how to do it, but I would bet the results of it would be to remove it.

[Guest]

Lol, that lol above was supposed to read poll.

[Guest]

I believe you will find that the Confederate Flag has different meanings to different people just as does the American Flag, the Christian Cross, a pro ball's team logo, etc. and this debate all ends up being someone's opinion.

The issue to me is First Amendment rights to free speech, etc. and I believe that it is important no matter how one feels to allow a person, a state to make that choice. We have groups like Freedom From Religion and the ACLU making a concerted effort to remove religion from America because they say it offends some people but the essence of free speech is that you are going to offend somebody but only when those offending move to the next levels does it matter.

A KKK member who verbally espouses his belief exercises his First Amendment rights and those who opposed that idea express their contempt to this KKKer beliefs. It is not a problem unless either of these groups carries this belief to a higher and more invasive level

I am not concerned that South Carolina chooses to fly the Confederate Flag because it is clear that black Americans are not interfered with in any respect in this state.

What gauls me most is that this issue is really being used as a political stunt for the politically ambitious

We have many problems to be resolved in this country and this dispute over a flag is just plain silly

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

I believe you will find that the Confederate Flag has different meanings to different people just as does the American Flag, the Christian Cross, a pro ball's team logo, etc. and this debate all ends up being someone's opinion.

The issue to me is First Amendment rights to free speech, etc. and I believe that it is important no matter how one feels to allow a person, a state to make that choice. We have groups like Freedom From Religion and the ACLU making a concerted effort to remove religion from America because they say it offends some people but the essence of free speech is that you are going to offend somebody but only when those offending move to the next levels does it matter.

A KKK member who verbally espouses his belief exercises his First Amendment rights and those who opposed that idea express their contempt to this KKKer beliefs. It is not a problem unless either of these groups carries this belief to a higher and more invasive level

I am not concerned that South Carolina chooses to fly the Confederate Flag because it is clear that black Americans are not interfered with in any respect in this state.

What gauls me most is that this issue is really being used as a political stunt for the politically ambitious

We have many problems to be resolved in this country and this dispute over a flag is just plain silly

Personal Best Regards:

you could not be more insensitive and more wrong if you tried. The ACLU of course has supported the first amendment more strongly than any right wing organization including HATE speech when that speech is made by private individuals. If you want to fly your CSA flag to proudly display your disdain for ongoing racism it is your 1st amendment right and the ACLU will come to your support.

As to your blatant ignorance of the ongoing racial issues in South Carolina I will only need to point out to you that the judge who has been handling this case for the government has been removed because in open court 10 years ago he referred to black Americans as *******. In open court on the record and he was allowed to continue to hear cases and judge black persons. Was that blind justice or blindingly racist beliefs being tolerated? And we may not have problem any greater than racism in this country. Keep your personal regards, they seem to be tainted and I don't need that stain on me.

[Guest]

I believe you will find that the Confederate Flag has different meanings to different people just as does the American Flag, the Christian Cross, a pro ball's team logo, etc. and this debate all ends up being someone's opinion.

The issue to me is First Amendment rights to free speech, etc. and I believe that it is important no matter how one feels to allow a person, a state to make that choice. We have groups like Freedom From Religion and the ACLU making a concerted effort to remove religion from America because they say it offends some people but the essence of free speech is that you are going to offend somebody but only when those offending move to the next levels does it matter.

A KKK member who verbally espouses his belief exercises his First Amendment rights and those who opposed that idea express their contempt to this KKKer beliefs. It is not a problem unless either of these groups carries this belief to a higher and more invasive level

I am not concerned that South Carolina chooses to fly the Confederate Flag because it is clear that black Americans are not interfered with in any respect in this state.

What gauls me most is that this issue is really being used as a political stunt for the politically ambitious

We have many problems to be resolved in this country and this dispute over a flag is just plain silly

Personal Best Regards:

I guess you throw in someone who is not running into the ambitious sector..... unless you consider Romney only a "stunt" man. His tweet speaks volumes. You should try Twitter sometime.

Mitt Romney*

✔@MittRomney

Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.

11:09 AM - 20 Jun 2015

[Guest]

I guess you throw in someone who is not running into the ambitious sector..... unless you consider Romney only a "stunt" man. His tweet speaks volumes. You should try Twitter sometime.

Mitt Romney*

✔@MittRomney

Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.

11:09 AM - 20 Jun 2015

Very clear to me, but it is like a sail full of holes. Your throwing your wind at a void. I know a man that uses the "n" word on a daily basis while watching the news, but will physically fight you if you dare say that he is Predudice. I try to take it all in stride. I am the bad guy if I suggest an alternative to words like that.

[Guest]

I guess you throw in someone who is not running into the ambitious sector..... unless you consider Romney only a "stunt" man. His tweet speaks volumes. You should try Twitter sometime.

Mitt Romney*

✔@MittRomney

Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims.

11:09 AM - 20 Jun 2015

I am not the poster to whom your post refers, but I am going to venture back into this conversation just to say the following -

This may be hard for some on here to believe, but there are many of us who could care less what any specific politician thinks or believes whether it be from the opposing party or our own. We can think for ourselves and do not feel obligated to tow a party line. Whether I, for example, like Romney or not (and I do actually), he does not necessarily speak for me. I have not even looked up what others have said about this topic because it really doesn't matter. I can formulate an opinion based on my own thoughts and understanding - I don't need to be told how to think.

[Guest]

No, I WILL NOT agree to disagree with you. You are WRONG. The confederate flag was part of the slaveholding South which is the epitomy of racism.

As for the second part of your statement - ignorant.

Oh I thought it was the flag of the South which happened to be slave holding.

As for the ignorent comment THAT is ignorant!

[Guest]

Well, thank you all for your input. I personally feel the flag could go away, but there have been several eye opening opinions to keep it. Great thread and mostly civil.

[Guest]

you could not be more insensitive and more wrong if you tried. The ACLU of course has supported the first amendment more strongly than any right wing organization including HATE speech when that speech is made by private individuals. If you want to fly your CSA flag to proudly display your disdain for ongoing racism it is your 1st amendment right and the ACLU will come to your support.

As to your blatant ignorance of the ongoing racial issues in South Carolina I will only need to point out to you that the judge who has been handling this case for the government has been removed because in open court 10 years ago he referred to black Americans as *******. In open court on the record and he was allowed to continue to hear cases and judge black persons. Was that blind justice or blindingly racist beliefs being tolerated? And we may not have problem any greater than racism in this country. Keep your personal regards, they seem to be tainted and I don't need that stain on me.

Excellent post and also excellent commentsry on the blemished and stained "personal regards".

[Guest]

Oh I thought it was the flag of the South which happened to be slave holding.

As for the ignorent comment THAT is ignorant!

Learn how to spell "ignorant" and then crawl back into your curmudgeon troll hole.

[Guest]

Learn how to spell "ignorant" and then crawl back into your curmudgeon troll hole.

Baited especially for U!
Curmudgeon troll? Where is the bite me emoticon?

[Guest]

Baited especially for U!
Curmudgeon troll?:shocked: Where is the bite me emoticon? :blahblahblah:


Baited especially for me?

How much more could one be a self-identified troll?

Now, get back down your troll hole and stay there.

[Guest]

Do The Villages Tea Party meeting start each meeting off with a salute to the Confederate flag and a cross burning in an ash tray?

[Guest]

you could not be more insensitive and more wrong if you tried. The ACLU of course has supported the first amendment more strongly than any right wing organization including HATE speech when that speech is made by private individuals. If you want to fly your CSA flag to proudly display your disdain for ongoing racism it is your 1st amendment right and the ACLU will come to your support.

As to your blatant ignorance of the ongoing racial issues in South Carolina I will only need to point out to you that the judge who has been handling this case for the government has been removed because in open court 10 years ago he referred to black Americans as *******. In open court on the record and he was allowed to continue to hear cases and judge black persons. Was that blind justice or blindingly racist beliefs being tolerated? And we may not have problem any greater than racism in this country. Keep your personal regards, they seem to be tainted and I don't need that stain on me.

Dear Guest: Your response was a personal attack on me because I chose to defend First Amendment rights explaining that by its nature someone will surely be offended. My response wasn't about me. This issue is bigger than all of us because it is about us or more specifically about free America. The ACLU is anything but civil and they operate to undermine American freedoms to a point of insanity. You speak to the judge's conduct but then conclude that he was removed. Wasn't this a good outcome?

Why is it people such as yourselves only see America in a negative light as racial charged, aggressors, colonialist?

People risk their lives to reach our borders and rightly so and AGAIN I SAY WHILE WE ARE NOT PERFECT WE ARE THE BEST THAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. some folks just do not understand the limits of nature and human nature. And I say again the Confederate flag means different things to different people and whether it flies over South Carolina or not it has no material sway on how those residents interact. The debate is a political one and a silly one at that, perhaps dangerous because some politicians are using it to garner black votes and the sharptonites are using it to justify their existence. You may choose to bite on that bait but I cannot and will not, my focus is always on what are our national priorities.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

This thread goes in the "pretend" ignore file......new lows of trash talk accomplished....congratulations....bye.

[Guest]

Dear Guest: Your response was a personal attack on me because I chose to defend First Amendment rights explaining that by its nature someone will surely be offended. My response wasn't about me. This issue is bigger than all of us because it is about us or more specifically about free America. The ACLU is anything but civil and they operate to undermine American freedoms to a point of insanity. You speak to the judge's conduct but then conclude that he was removed. Wasn't this a good outcome?

Why is it people such as yourselves only see America in a negative light as racial charged, aggressors, colonialist?

People risk their lives to reach our borders and rightly so and AGAIN I SAY WHILE WE ARE NOT PERFECT WE ARE THE BEST THAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. some folks just do not understand the limits of nature and human nature. And I say again the Confederate flag means different things to different people and whether it flies over South Carolina or not it has no material sway on how those residents interact. The debate is a political one and a silly one at that, perhaps dangerous because some politicians are using it to garner black votes and the sharptonites are using it to justify their existence. You may choose to bite on that bait but I cannot and will not, my focus is always on what are our national priorities.

Personal Best Regards:

You nailed it with the lines highlighted above! As mentioned previously, how ridiculous to have such commotion to the point of a national debate over a flag. The bottom line is that it is what it is - a flag - a thing! It cannot control someone's emotions or make someone commit an act. Unless we move on to more important issues and deal with the real sources of so many of these acts, which I call evil, our country is doomed to the likes of and the confusion of Babel.

[Guest]

Opinion: Confederate flag was the flag of traitors - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/opinion/obeidallah-confederate-flag/)

[Guest]

You nailed it with the lines highlighted above! As mentioned previously, how ridiculous to have such commotion to the point of a national debate over a flag. The bottom line is that it is what it is - a flag - a thing! It cannot control someone's emotions or make someone commit an act. Unless we move on to more important issues and deal with the real sources of so many of these acts, which I call evil, our country is doomed to the likes of and the confusion of Babel.

A flag is just a thing? Please tell me what YOUR response would be if your next door neighbor flew a large Nazi swastika on his flagpole? 99.9 percent of residents would have their emotions controoled by this flag flying next to them and some would feel compelled to commit the act of taking it down.

The US flag also is not just a thing. It definitely controls our emotions. If we see someone defacing it, some people commit the act of assault and rightfully so, in my viewpoint.

No, you are incorrect in this post. Many people compare the history of the confederate battle flag with the Nazi flag. Neither should be allowed to fly. Put the piece of Southern history in a museum.

[Guest]

Nikki Haley, Lindsey Graham Will Call for Removal of Confederate Flag, Sources Say - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-shooting/south-carolina-state-leaders-urge-lawmakers-vote-take-down-confederate-n379801)


South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are calling for the SC legislature to vote to remove the confederate flag when they meet on Tuesday (tomorrow). If this vote passes, it would come down before the body of the state senator who died last Wednesday lies in state in the state house.

In a separate article, SC businesses, such as Boeing, BMW and others, are also calling for this flag to come down.

Haley will be having a press briefing at 4:00pm today (Monday) to make this announcement. Good for her, now hopefully the legislature will do the right thing.

[Guest]

CNN? Really?

Opinion: Confederate flag was the flag of traitors - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/opinion/obeidallah-confederate-flag/)

[Guest]

The public display of this flag has no place in the USA. It symbolizes racism, hatred, and slavery and anyone (including our current Republican candidates for president) who fails to see it for what it is, becomes part of today's problems, not their solutions.

[Guest]

CNN? Really?

What's wrong with CNN? I don't watch it but curious

[Guest]

Mind your own business and stop passing judgement on others, who you don't know.

The public display of this flag has no place in the USA. It symbolizes racism, hatred, and slavery and anyone (including our current Republican candidates for president) who fails to see it for what it is, becomes part of today's problems, not their solutions.

[Guest]

Watch CNN and then you will know.

What's wrong with CNN? I don't watch it but curious

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Guest;1077632]Nikki Haley, Lindsey Graham Will Call for Removal of Confederate Flag, Sources Say - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-shooting/south-carolina-state-leaders-urge-lawmakers-vote-take-down-confederate-n379801)


South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are calling for the SC legislature to vote to remove the confederate flag when they meet on Tuesday (tomorrow). If this vote passes, it would come down before the body of the state senator who died last Wednesday lies in state in the state house.

In a separate article, SC businesses, such as Boeing, BMW and others, are also calling for this flag to come down.


Here is what is wrong with this whole debate ...spineless politicians who can't hold their ground. The only smart one of the lot was Mike Huckabee who refused to be pulled into the debate explaining it was a state issue and had nothing to do with the presidential campaign.

Some posters lumped the nazi flag with the confederate flag which in my view was at minimum a poor effort. One could take that analogy and add the American flag because some people find it offensive and even a few who live in America

Too many Americans have short attention spans or simply do not understand our system of democracy or are just plain lazy because this is not about a flag its about free speech which has been taking a terrible beating these last few years. political correctness = socialist restraints on individual freedoms

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Guest;1077632]Nikki Haley, Lindsey Graham Will Call for Removal of Confederate Flag, Sources Say - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/charleston-church-shooting/south-carolina-state-leaders-urge-lawmakers-vote-take-down-confederate-n379801)


South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are calling for the SC legislature to vote to remove the confederate flag when they meet on Tuesday (tomorrow). If this vote passes, it would come down before the body of the state senator who died last Wednesday lies in state in the state house.

In a separate article, SC businesses, such as Boeing, BMW and others, are also calling for this flag to come down.


Here is what is wrong with this whole debate ...spineless politicians who can't hold their ground. The only smart one of the lot was Mike Huckabee who refused to be pulled into the debate explaining it was a state issue and had nothing to do with the presidential campaign.

Some posters lumped the nazi flag with the confederate flag which in my view was at minimum a poor effort. One could take that analogy and add the American flag because some people find it offensive and even a few who live in America

Too many Americans have short attention spans or simply do not understand our system of democracy or are just plain lazy because this is not about a flag its about free speech which has been taking a terrible beating these last few years. political correctness = socialist restraints on individual freedoms

Personal Best Regards:

I believe the Supreme Court may have weighed in on this last week when it allowed Texas to ban Confederate Flag license plates. Seeing as the flag is flying on state government land it may fall this umbrella.

[Guest]

Watch CNN and then you will know.

Maybe to liberal? My cousin called them the Communist New Network...but everyone will be left of Fox News.

[Guest]

If not for the Confederate flag, would we still have slavery? The civil war ended slavery, which was a good thing, not something to forget. The flag never hurt anybody.

[Guest]

A flag is just a thing? Please tell me what YOUR response would be if your next door neighbor flew a large Nazi swastika on his flagpole? 99.9 percent of residents would have their emotions controoled by this flag flying next to them and some would feel compelled to commit the act of taking it down.

The US flag also is not just a thing. It definitely controls our emotions. If we see someone defacing it, some people commit the act of assault and rightfully so, in my viewpoint.

No, you are incorrect in this post. Many people compare the history of the confederate battle flag with the Nazi flag. Neither should be allowed to fly. Put the piece of Southern history in a museum.

After reading your post and then re-reading mine, I realize that what I was trying to convey may not have been clear. Here is my concern about all of this - what happened in SC was a terrible thing. By putting so darn much emphasis on this flag and what it does or does not mean, i think is a disgrace to the memory of those who were killed. That is just my very humble opinion. This was an act done by a person - whether he is mentally ill or evil or racist, this is where our anger should be placed, not at a flag. I just don't get it. We are in a national debate over a flag instead of dealing with how we get to the point that something so horrific as this can happen and continues to happen. Maybe this familiar line will be better understood, "What difference does it make"? Is taking that flag down (which by the way, I have no problem with if that's what the state decides and looks like it has) - but is that going to change any hearts? Because you know, that's the real problem.

[Guest]

That was an amazing speech today by Governor Nikki Haley. Anyone who missed it, should find it now and watch it. She was on stage with a bi-partisan group of people, mostly elected officials.

It was a little unclear when this vote will be taken, but Haley did say that she will call a special session of the legislature later this summer if needed.

On a related note, President Obama and Vice President Biden will both travel to Charleston to attend the funeral of the SC senate member who was killed last Wednesday at Mother Emmanuel church. Obama will deliver his eulogy.

[Guest]

Oh no. Mississippi is on th radar....52589

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Guest;1077632

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are calling for the SC legislature to vote to remove the confederate flag when they meet on Tuesday (tomorrow). If this vote passes, it would come down before the body of the state senator who died last Wednesday lies in state in the state house.

In a separate article, SC businesses, such as Boeing, BMW and others, are also calling for this flag to come down.


Here is what is wrong with this whole debate ...spineless politicians who can't hold their ground. The only smart one of the lot was Mike Huckabee who refused to be pulled into the debate explaining it was a state issue and had nothing to do with the presidential campaign.

Some posters lumped the nazi flag with the confederate flag which in my view was at minimum a poor effort. One could take that analogy and add the American flag because some people find it offensive and even a few who live in America

Too many Americans have short attention spans or simply do not understand our system of democracy or are just plain lazy because this is not about a flag its about free speech which has been taking a terrible beating these last few years. political correctness = socialist restraints on individual freedoms

Personal Best Regards:

Absolutely wrong! First, would YOU be okay with a next door neighbor flying a Nazi flag? I hope not! Is that a socialist restraint on individual freedom? No! Just try doing it.

Huckabee actually said the victims should have been carrying guns in church and was calling for MORE guns to stop crazies! He is the crazy! The other GOP hopefuls have tried to put this on attacking Christians and not about guns. More crazies!

If some major manufacturing moves out of SC, it will make them take action. Power of money!

Finally, as said before, keep your personal best regards to yourself. They are tarnished and do not show good judgement on the topic.

[Guest]

[quote=Guest;1077670]

Absolutely wrong! First, would YOU be okay with a next door neighbor flying a Nazi flag? I hope not! Is that a socialist restraint on individual freedom? No! Just try doing it.

Huckabee actually said the victims should have been carrying guns in church and was calling for MORE guns to stop crazies! He is the crazy! The other GOP hopefuls have tried to put this on attacking Christians and not about guns. More crazies!

If some major manufacturing moves out of SC, it will make them take action. Power of money!

Finally, as said before, keep your personal best regards to yourself. They are tarnished and do not show good judgement on the topic.

Dear Guest: Your attacks on me make this personal and once you cross that line you lose objectivity. Please stay with the essence of the topic and you may gain advantage.

The tragic event of 9 people killed and a picture of the Roof holding a confederate flag gave segue to opening this issue of the flag claiming it showed Roof as a race hater.

However in an Bill O'Rielly interview with a man who spoke with Roof one gets a clearer picture. According to this man his conversation caught the attention of Roof and Roof walked over to him and they had a conversation and during that conversation the man noted a gun tucked in Roof's trousers. the man said that the conversation quickly turned emotional and Roof began spouting about Hitler and Nazi's and the man quickly ended the conversation.

Its going to become clear that Roof has a mental disorder. So here is the main point of my re-telling this story. A person with a mental disorder can seize on any group and spew hatred it comes and goes. it just happen that he was focused on African=Americans at the time he was ready to take it to the next level but it could have been anyone or any group jews muslims american soldiers. So is the basis of his act was not race race per se but simply a derangement because of his cognitive confusion.

One poster point to the fact that the flag argument is a distraction and I agree not only concerning the 9 people whose lives were taken but to the bigger issue at hand which is when are we going to address the needs of the mentally ill. There is no difference from the stand point of care between a sick body and a sick mind but our nation has ignored the mentally ill because it not chic like other celebrity causes.

Again I say this is a state issue and the people of South Carolina should have the right to a referendum on the issue of the confederate flag's place.

I am a strong advocate of our U S Constitution, Bill of rights and Declaration of Independence (Three Charters of Freedom) and all we are getting here on this issue are noise and threats from organizations that want to curtail our individual freedoms. so you can continue the name calling but my focus and energies are on preservation of freedoms from organizations like the ACLU Freedom From Religion, etc. and again I end respectively with

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Of course Roof is a deranged person. No one could doubt that. There were some friends of his who heard him rant about African Americans and it was up to him to do something like shoot up a campus. WHY didn't they call authorities? The man O'Reily talked to - WHY didn't he call someone right away after hearing Nazi rants from someone with a gun? Those are prime questions.

As for the battle flag - it was not the cause, of course, but like the Nazi flag, it is a symbol of hate. Some see either flaf as a symbol or tribute to brave soldiers who died for the beliefs in those flags. You did not answer about your reaction if a neighbor flew a large Nazi flag on his flagpole.

I suspect the SC legislators will decide to remove the battle flag from the statehouse grounds.

The main problem remains mentally ill people owning guns. It is not about too few guns, too many guns, but mentally ill people having guns AND no one willing to call authorities when they encounter a mentally ill person with a gun.

Ask yourself, if you were at Codys and talking to someone at the bar and he showed you his gun and started racial hate talk, would YOU call 911 right away?

[Guest]

That was an amazing speech today by Governor Nikki Haley. Anyone who missed it, should find it now and watch it. She was on stage with a bi-partisan group of people, mostly elected officials.

It was a little unclear when this vote will be taken, but Haley did say that she will call a special session of the legislature later this summer if needed.

On a related note, President Obama and Vice President Biden will both travel to Charleston to attend the funeral of the SC senate member who was killed last Wednesday at Mother Emmanuel church. Obama will deliver his eulogy.
I have to say I'm not quite as impressed as you are the Governor of SC. Although the Confederate flag is understandly an emotional issue it doesn't even make it to the top 20 issues facing this country. There was talk this morning about her being a good VP pick. We love symbolism over substance. Imagine if she had taken on the NRA and insisted on tightening the ease in which anyone can obtain a handgun. That would be like bringing a skunk to the garden party would it not? There would be no VP talk that is for sure.

[Guest]

Of course Roof is a deranged person. No one could doubt that. There were some friends of his who heard him rant about African Americans and it was up to him to do something like shoot up a campus. WHY didn't they call authorities? The man O'Reily talked to - WHY didn't he call someone right away after hearing Nazi rants from someone with a gun? Those are prime questions.

As for the battle flag - it was not the cause, of course, but like the Nazi flag, it is a symbol of hate. Some see either flaf as a symbol or tribute to brave soldiers who died for the beliefs in those flags. You did not answer about your reaction if a neighbor flew a large Nazi flag on his flagpole.

I suspect the SC legislators will decide to remove the battle flag from the statehouse grounds.

The main problem remains mentally ill people owning guns. It is not about too few guns, too many guns, but mentally ill people having guns AND no one willing to call authorities when they encounter a mentally ill person with a gun.

Ask yourself, if you were at Codys and talking to someone at the bar and he showed you his gun and started racial hate talk, would YOU call 911 right away?

Dear guest: The man speaking to O"Reilly did say he felt responsible for 9 deaths because he did not act. However, it is still an unknown of what the authorities would have done with this information?

As to the mentally ill the issue is more a change of laws than anything.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Dear guest: The man speaking to O"Reilly did say he felt responsible for 9 deaths because he did not act. However, it is still an unknown of what the authorities would have done with this information?

As to the mentally ill the issue is more a change of laws than anything.

Personal Best Regards:


Once again, you did not answer the question regarding what your reaction would be if a next door neighbor flew a large Nazi flag on hisflagpole.

You also did not answer the question of what you would do if you encountered a person at Codys who talked the same hate as Roof and showed you his pistol.

Talk the talk or walk the walk?

[Guest]

Once again, you did not answer the question regarding what your reaction would be if a next door neighbor flew a large Nazi flag on hisflagpole.

You also did not answer the question of what you would do if you encountered a person at Codys who talked the same hate as Roof and showed you his pistol.

Talk the talk or walk the walk?

Hypothetical questions should at least have some context and make sense.

ANyway I would complain to the authorities as the Swastica was and is still the symbol of Hitler's intents and actions with no doubt about what it stood for and it's purpose.

At Cosy's I would dial 911 and have the police take action. The hypothetical can say what the want...the showing of the gun gets him arrested!

Now have the courtesy to respect an answer whether yo like it or agree with it or not. It is not submitted as targets to be torn apart by those we all know live to do....thank you.

[Guest]

Hypothetical questions should at least have some context and make sense.

ANyway I would complain to the authorities as the Swastica was and is still the symbol of Hitler's intents and actions with no doubt about what it stood for and it's purpose.

At Cosy's I would dial 911 and have the police take action. The hypothetical can say what the want...the showing of the gun gets him arrested!

Now have the courtesy to respect an answer whether yo like it or agree with it or not. It is not submitted as targets to be torn apart by those we all know live to do....thank you.

Thank you for the answers. The hypothetical questions were all relevant to the thread. Those are the same answers I would hope all would have.

[Guest]

Dear guest: The man speaking to O"Reilly did say he felt responsible for 9 deaths because he did not act. However, it is still an unknown of what the authorities would have done with this information?

As to the mentally ill the issue is more a change of laws than anything.

Personal Best Regards:

I would hope that all Villagers would call the authorities if they had a neighbor who espoused such hateful talk AND said they were going to kill someone or a group of people.

[Guest]

The swastica is actually a symbol of good luck and goes way back in time before the Nazis. You can see them on the sides of the stone elephants at the Carlsberg brewery. I don't think too many people complain about that.


Hypothetical questions should at least have some context and make sense.

ANyway I would complain to the authorities as the Swastica was and is still the symbol of Hitler's intents and actions with no doubt about what it stood for and it's purpose.

At Cosy's I would dial 911 and have the police take action. The hypothetical can say what the want...the showing of the gun gets him arrested!

Now have the courtesy to respect an answer whether yo like it or agree with it or not. It is not submitted as targets to be torn apart by those we all know live to do....thank you.

[Guest]

NASCAR endorses call for removal of Confederate Flag | NASCAR Talk (http://nascartalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/23/nascar-endorses-call-for-removal-of-confederate-flag-from-south-carolina-capitol/related/?cid=eref:nbcnews:text&cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=a1a41da5d1ad210d18d1b83353d277af)


NASCAR has endorsed the call to ban the confederate flag from public property that the SC legislature is considering today.

Wal-Mart, Sears, and E-Bay are all banning the sale of any confederate flag merchandise from their stores and web-sites everywhere in the country.

Governor Haley said yesterday that it is perfectly legal to fly the confederate flag on your private property, and that will not change.

[Guest]

The swastica is actually a symbol of good luck and goes way back in time before the Nazis. You can see them on the sides of the stone elephants at the Carlsberg brewery. I don't think too many people complain about that.

Alright, then, I pose the same question to you.

What would YOUR personal response be to your next door neighbor who was flying the Nazi swastika on his flag pole?

How you plan to explain that it is merely a good luck symbol to any of your Jewish friends - especially ones who lost a family member to the Nazis in Germany?

I await your answers to both questions.

[Guest]

I have to say I'm not quite as impressed as you are the Governor of SC. Although the Confederate flag is understandly an emotional issue it doesn't even make it to the top 20 issues facing this country. There was talk this morning about her being a good VP pick. We love symbolism over substance. Imagine if she had taken on the NRA and insisted on tightening the ease in which anyone can obtain a handgun. That would be like bringing a skunk to the garden party would it not? There would be no VP talk that is for sure.


Senators Manchin and Toomey are discussing bringing back the gun debate, it was disclosed today. The bill they proposed after the Sandy Hook shooting failed to pass. If not now, when?

[Guest]

Senators Manchin and Toomey are discussing bringing back the gun debate, it was disclosed today. The bill they proposed after the Sandy Hook shooting failed to pass. If not now, when?

Manchin, Toomey both interested in reviving gun control push - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/06/23/manchin-toomey-both-interested-in-reviving-gun-control-push/?postshare=4831435105750907)

[Guest]

Manchin, Toomey both interested in reviving gun control push - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/06/23/manchin-toomey-both-interested-in-reviving-gun-control-push/?postshare=4831435105750907)

Does anybody else get weary listening to the gun control jabbering......which only comes (or tries) after a shooting.
Why is it nothing gets proposed between shootings.
Are they depending ONLY on current emotions?
Doesn't say much about the commitment to get something done.
There has been nothing proposed by anybody that would prevent the wackos and murderers from getting a gun.
Nothing. I think the politicians raise the issue for future vote count!

[Guest]

You are apparently not much of a student of history so I was pointing out part of the history of the swastika. I don't feel obligated to answer your questions. By the way, my wife is Jewish so don't even pretend to think you can lecture me on anything Jewish related.

Alright, then, I pose the same question to you.

What would YOUR personal response be to your next door neighbor who was flying the Nazi swastika on his flag pole?

How you plan to explain that it is merely a good luck symbol to any of your Jewish friends - especially ones who lost a family member to the Nazis in Germany?

I await your answers to both questions.

[Guest]

Its ok for president Barry to have the rapper Common to the white house. His lyrics promote killing cops. The media loves these BS topics like the flag issue as its easy to sensationalize the generally stupid public into a frenzy. This brings ratings to the stations and diverts away from real issues.

[Guest]

Its ok for president Barry to have the rapper Common to the white house. His lyrics promote killing cops. The media loves these BS topics like the flag issue as its easy to sensationalize the generally stupid public into a frenzy. This brings ratings to the stations and diverts away from real issues.
Speaking of the generally stupid public this is priceless....52647

[Guest]

Alabama Guv Quietly Orders Confederate Flag Removed From Capitol (http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/alabama-guv-orders-confederate-flag-removed?utm_content=buffere2738&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer)


Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) quietly ordered the removal of the confederate flag from state grounds today (Wed). With little fanfare, state workers took down the flag at 8:25am today. Bentley will hold a press conference at 1:00pm today.

[Guest]

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Orders Confederate Flag Taken Down From Capitol - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/confederate-flag-furor/alabama-gov-robert-bentley-orders-confederate-flag-taken-down-capitol-n380946?cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=698c594546ee3b426de8045207b9acd6)

[Guest]

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Orders Confederate Flag Taken Down From Capitol - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/confederate-flag-furor/alabama-gov-robert-bentley-orders-confederate-flag-taken-down-capitol-n380946?cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=698c594546ee3b426de8045207b9acd6)

:a040::a040::a040::coolsmiley::coolsmiley::clap2:: clap2:

[Guest]

Once again, you did not answer the question regarding what your reaction would be if a next door neighbor flew a large Nazi flag on hisflagpole.

You also did not answer the question of what you would do if you encountered a person at Codys who talked the same hate as Roof and showed you his pistol.

Talk the talk or walk the walk?

Dear guest : someone answered on my behalf but I would prefer to respond myself.

If a neighbor chose to fly a Nazi flag on his property and on his pole while I would not like it I would not do a darn thing as long as my neighbor did not carry any of his belief to a level directly affecting others or myself.

Your Cody scenario reminds me of my duties in human resources where in fact I did on more than one ocassion have to deal with people heavily on drugs and/or in a very unstable mental state. I calmed them down until I could get help for them . I also had my life threatened. You do what is necessary and responsible for the safety of others as well as yourself.

But let's get to the crux of this whole Confederate Flag debate. We have among us Al Sharpton, Allen Byron Jesse jackson and other interested parties who are seizing on every tidbit to make a claim of prevalent racism covering America. Allen Byron had the audacity at a $25,000 plate black function to tell Obama to nick the AT&T merger because AT&T was racist.
The irony of the claims of racism are lost to these race baiters when a black president the most powerful position on this planet sits at the head of the table.

Let me be clear sharpton and company are pushing this agenda not because it is true but because it has political advantage for their making fame and fortunate. and this is one white guy who is sick and tired of hearing this nonsense. Race relations were better before the 1964 Civil rights Laws came into effect. Race relations began to hum again and America made great headway until sharpton and company recognized they becoming were obsolete

The Confederate Flag debate is just another pawn in their drama. Well perhaps its time the silent majority speaks up. Perhaps they can begin with No Justice, No Peace

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Dear guest : someone answered on my behalf but I would prefer to respond myself.

If a neighbor chose to fly a Nazi flag on his property and on his pole while I would not like it I would not do a darn thing as long as my neighbor did not carry any of his belief to a level directly affecting others or myself.

Your Cody scenario reminds me of my duties in human resources where in fact I did on more than one ocassion have to deal with people heavily on drugs and/or in a very unstable mental state. I calmed them down until I could get help for them . I also had my life threatened. You do what is necessary and responsible for the safety of others as well as yourself.

But let's get to the crux of this whole Confederate Flag debate. We have among us Al Sharpton, Allen Byron Jesse jackson and other interested parties who are seizing on every tidbit to make a claim of prevalent racism covering America. Allen Byron had the audacity at a $25,000 plate black function to tell Obama to nick the AT&T merger because AT&T was racist.
The irony of the claims of racism are lost to these race baiters when a black president the most powerful position on this planet sits at the head of the table.

Let me be clear sharpton and company are pushing this agenda not because it is true but because it has political advantage for their making fame and fortunate. and this is one white guy who is sick and tired of hearing this nonsense. Race relations were better before the 1964 Civil rights Laws came into effect. Race relations began to hum again and America made great headway until sharpton and company recognized they becoming were obsolete

The Confederate Flag debate is just another pawn in their drama. Well perhaps its time the silent majority speaks up. Perhaps they can begin with No Justice, No Peace

Personal Best Regards:
Race relations better before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, talking about the silent majority...... such nostalgia, huh?

[Guest]

Race relations better before the 1964 Civil Rights Act, talking about the silent majority...... such nostalgia, huh?


Personal best regards would probably like to go back to the early 1900's before women had the right to vote, just guessing.

[Guest]

Personal best regards would probably like to go back to the early 1900's before women had the right to vote, just guessing.

If these red necks were not so prolific, it r could be funny.

[Guest]

Dear guest : someone answered on my behalf but I would prefer to respond myself.

If a neighbor chose to fly a Nazi flag on his property and on his pole while I would not like it I would not do a darn thing as long as my neighbor did not carry any of his belief to a level directly affecting others or myself.

Your Cody scenario reminds me of my duties in human resources where in fact I did on more than one ocassion have to deal with people heavily on drugs and/or in a very unstable mental state. I calmed them down until I could get help for them . I also had my life threatened. You do what is necessary and responsible for the safety of others as well as yourself.

But let's get to the crux of this whole Confederate Flag debate. We have among us Al Sharpton, Allen Byron Jesse jackson and other interested parties who are seizing on every tidbit to make a claim of prevalent racism covering America. Allen Byron had the audacity at a $25,000 plate black function to tell Obama to nick the AT&T merger because AT&T was racist.
The irony of the claims of racism are lost to these race baiters when a black president the most powerful position on this planet sits at the head of the table.

Let me be clear sharpton and company are pushing this agenda not because it is true but because it has political advantage for their making fame and fortunate. and this is one white guy who is sick and tired of hearing this nonsense. Race relations were better before the 1964 Civil rights Laws came into effect. Race relations began to hum again and America made great headway until sharpton and company recognized they becoming were obsolete

The Confederate Flag debate is just another pawn in their drama. Well perhaps its time the silent majority speaks up. Perhaps they can begin with No Justice, No Peace

Personal Best Regards:


Would your Nazi flag flying neighbor say 'I respect the courage of my Nazi ancestors', as the confederate flag flyers are saying?

If Rev Sharpton is really behind this movement to take down the confederate flag, he must be more powerful than previously thought. In the past week the Govs of South Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, and North Carolina have removed some form of this flag. Senators from SC and MS have spoken out against it, along with many other members of congress.

Corporations such as Boeing, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Nascar all jumped on the ban the flag bandwagon. Retailers Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Sears, E-Bay, Amazon and others all pulled this merchandise from their stores and web-sites. The largest flag-maker, Valley Forge, will stop producing the flag.

[Guest]

Personal best regards would probably like to go back to the early 1900's before women had the right to vote, just guessing.

Dear Guest: No other than Thomas Sowell and Jason Riley both black both intellectuals addressed and expounded upon the gains being made by blacks following WWII. It was the intrusiveness of liberal policies that have placed many blacks in the situation they find themselves. As Jason Riley wrote "Liberals please stop helping us"

I find this race war being hoisted on America by liberals to be the epitome of hypocrisy and ironic in that we have a black president elected twice many blacks in positions of authority all across this nation and dominating in the entertainment and sports arena's . More blacks voted in the south then did whites. No other race or ethnic group makes demands or threats of riots but blacks. No other race or ethnic group has a History Month. Should I go on........? Again i think its time the rest of us white, asian etc push back and tell these liberal and /or black leaders to get over themselves

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

There is Asian/Pacific Islander month. There is Hispanic Heritage month.

[Guest]

There is Asian/Pacific Islander month. There is Hispanic Heritage month.

Dear Guest: Your right but my focus was on the black commotion going on in this country

And why do you think the politicians designated these special months ?

This nation was not founded upon gender or racial identity but an idea of freedom etc. Kowtowing to any group is a destructive force in the long run

By the way remember Asian Hispanics ,etc are marching in the streets are they?

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Personal best regards would probably like to go back to the early 1900's before women had the right to vote, just guessing.

Dear Guest: My past would clearly indicate that I advanced many women into prime jobs. I advanced and put into place women where once only men sat at the head of the table. I could go on and explain how in my first assignment in the south I defended more than one black based on simply fairness to people who hated me as much as the black guys I was defending.

You sir mistake what I have been saying on these pages. I believe in everyone having a fair opportunity and not a fair result. I will and have defended those who could not defend themselves. I hold Thomas Sowell and Jason Riley in high esteem because they did what many ethnic groups did when they arrived here they maintained their dignity and self reliance and self respect. so please knock off the sly remarks and have an unemotional debate so that we both may benefit

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

I never realized the Civil War was still going on until my first visit to the South forty years ago. The Confederate Battle Flag has just as much negativity associated with it as the flag displayed by the Nazi's during Hitler's reign. Each flag is revered by those who embrace it's ideology. "O say does that star spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

[Guest]

I believe citizens ought to reassess this faux notion about the Confederate Flag because it has not been any real threat to anyone. In South Carolina a governor of Indian Decent, a black senator and a black president were in the forefront of this debate.

Yet we had an American black leading an American Muslim organization agreeing that the Confderate Flag was not an issue, however, the American Flag was and it should come down. Now that's scary

We have so called liberal intellectuals who cast deep and hateful dispersions on America. Now that is scary.

We have Obama's top adviser Valerie Jarett whose grandparents and parents were Communists and who she herself is a devote Muslim advising a president on dealing with Muslim issues . And by America's counting Obama has not been very effective. Anyone care to venture a guess as to why? Now that is scary.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Ok...Amazon won't sell the flag, Walmart, etc, etc.

So i can buy the Isis flag of terror the flag of the people who behead Americans and laugh about it , but I cant buy a confederate flag or the General Lee with the flag on it??? YOU TELL ME WHATS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY ???

[Guest]

Why are we more concerned about somebody flying a Confederate flag than we are about others burning the US Flag? Have we just lost focus?

[Guest]

Why are we more concerned about somebody flying a Confederate flag than we are about others burning the US Flag? Have we just lost focus?


Are you speaking of the shooter Dylann Roof who walked into a church and killed nine innocent people because of the color of their skin, who were doing nothing more than studying the bible? Roof did both, flew the confederate flag and burned the US flag.

[Guest]

I believe we will find that Roof suffers from serious mental illness plus he may have also been self medicating. I wouldn't attempt to draw any conclusion other than mentally ill people need to be identified by family and friends and action taken.


Are you speaking of the shooter Dylann Roof who walked into a church and killed nine innocent people because of the color of their skin, who were doing nothing more than studying the bible? Roof did both, flew the confederate flag and burned the US flag.

[Guest]

What will you do when they (whom ever they my be) come after the American flag. Keep reciting the Allegiance to the American flag . My God help us all

[Guest]

Me thinks that many posters really do not understand the reason why this flag needs to be sent to sent into a museum.

Yes, during the Civil War this flag was the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia. But after the war these flags were put away. Even the Great Robert E Lee was against the flying of this flag.

These flags were not seen in public again until the day that the Gov of the State of Alabama George Wallace stood in the school house door to deny 2 black students entrance into the University of Alabama on June 11, 1963.

On that same day the confederate flag began to fly over the state capitol.

This flag is NOT about heritage but of hate….

No one is coming after the America flag it is ridiculous to think that…just a false comparison on some right wing website or news outlet.

[Guest]

How's this for a popular bumper sticker displayed south of the mason-dixon line.. "Forget, Hell!"
We have freedom of speech under the Constitution. It's OK to show your anger. If only life was like what it was in the fifties when everyone knew their place. Separate, but equal...almost.

[Guest]

Me thinks that many posters really do not understand the reason why this flag needs to be sent to sent into a museum.

Yes, during the Civil War this flag was the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia. But after the war these flags were put away. Even the Great Robert E Lee was against the flying of this flag.

These flags were not seen in public again until the day that the Gov of the State of Alabama George Wallace stood in the school house door to deny 2 black students entrance into the University of Alabama on June 11, 1963.

On that same day the confederate flag began to fly over the state capitol.

This flag is NOT about heritage but of hate….

No one is coming after the America flag it is ridiculous to think that…just a false comparison on some right wing website or news outlet.


BS! Farrakahn and Sharpton have already made overtures that there has been more suffering under the American flag than any other symbol.
You are entitled to your opinion but these slugs have now had a taste of success and they will come after the American flag.

I hope they do. Maybe that will be the trigger nedded to get the other 80% of us Americans who are ready to shut down and put the racists and special interest group in their place.....the minority.

Sick and tired of the new today BS being smoked by some.

[Guest]

BS! Farrakahn and Sharpton have already made overtures that there has been more suffering under the American flag than any other symbol.
You are entitled to your opinion but these slugs have now had a taste of success and they will come after the American flag.

I hope they do. Maybe that will be the trigger nedded to get the other 80% of us Americans who are ready to shut down and put the racists and special interest group in their place.....the minority.

Sick and tired of the new today BS being smoked by some.

I have more faith in the American system than you do so we shall see what we shall see. We'll talk again when the American flag is attacked by the left wing!

[Guest]

Obama has done more to divide the country than any other person. Why is he not saying anything about all the historical monuments being defaced with "Black lives matter".

[Guest]

Obama has done more to divide the country than any other person. Why is he not saying anything about all the historical monuments being defaced with "Black lives matter".

My guess is, you have to care first. This President seems not so much to care about our country as he does about designated special interest groups. It's kind of like having a boss who doesn't care about the company as a whole and chooses instead to spend his time stroking the likes of his "pet" employees. So much for a REAL leader. We can only hope that the majority has realized from all of this that what we need is someone who can lead and who loves this country when we go to vote the next time.

[Guest]

Speaking of flags.......

52703

[Guest]

Obama has done more to divide the country than any other person. Why is he not saying anything about all the historical monuments being defaced with "Black lives matter".

What monument? Got a link which shows this?

[Guest]

What monument? Got a link which shows this?


Don't bother.....the monuments were CONFEDERATE!!!! Nice try.....

[Guest]

In SC, there was a pro-confederate flag rally. Amazing looking people attended as shown in USA Today online. Potbellyed, snaggle toothed, and dribbles of chewing tobacco.

No doubt all were advocates of the Tea Party or KKK beliefs.

[Guest]

In SC, there was a pro-confederate flag rally. Amazing looking people attended as shown in USA Today online. Potbellyed, snaggle toothed, and dribbles of chewing tobacco.

No doubt all were advocates of the Tea Party or KKK beliefs.

Nasty, disrespectful, bigoted, prejudiced exclusive club of one.

[Guest]

Nasty, disrespectful, bigoted, prejudiced exclusive club of one.

No, I think The Villages Tea Bag Party is definitely a lot more than one person. From the comments from the online paper regarding the SCOTUS decision celebration, those nasty and bigoted remarks showed the true feelings of The Villages Tea Bag Group.

As for my comments being disrespectful. Thank you! They were supposed to do that. Bigoted and prejudiced, NO, that is left to Republicans.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

No, I think The Villages Tea Bag Party is definitely a lot more than one person. From the comments from the online paper regarding the SCOTUS decision celebration, those nasty and bigoted remarks showed the true feelings of The Villages Tea Bag Group.

As for my comments being disrespectful. Thank you! They were supposed to do that. Bigoted and prejudiced, NO, that is left to Republicans.

Personal Best Regards:


The comments in the on-line news regarding the SCOTUS decision are unbelievable. Any sane person reading them, who was thinking about moving to The Villages, probably quickly changed their mind.

[Guest]

The comments in the on-line news regarding the SCOTUS decision are unbelievable. Any sane person reading them, who was thinking about moving to The Villages, probably quickly changed their mind.


Those comments really show the narrow minded attitudes and hate some people have, don't they? The scary thing is that they most likely tried to pass this same thinking in to their children and grandkids.

[Guest]

My guess is, you have to care first. This President seems not so much to care about our country as he does about designated special interest groups. It's kind of like having a boss who doesn't care about the company as a whole and chooses instead to spend his time stroking the likes of his "pet" employees. So much for a REAL leader. We can only hope that the majority has realized from all of this that what we need is someone who can lead and who loves this country when we go to vote the next time.

Let's look at the "real leaders" in the Republican party (my lifetime)

Eisenhower --- Nope played more golf than Obama
Nixon ---- Seriously
Ford --- Nice guy pardoned Nixon
Reagan --- Voted for him once but he was a leader
Bush1 --- Not much to say
Bush2 ---- No comment

[Guest]

Those comments really show the narrow minded attitudes and hate some people have, don't they? The scary thing is that they most likely tried to pass this same thinking in to their children and grandkids.
Here's a photo from the USA Today story on the SC Confederate flag rally. Says it all.

52737

[Guest]

Wow! That picture really does show how hatred is being passed on down to future generations. Yes, the confederate (I will not capitalize that word) battle flag is a symbol of racial hate!

The Daily Sun editorial cartoon of the carton of milk stinking after it's 6 day expiration date and of the confederate battle flag stinking after 150 years of it's expiration was very good. I applaud The Daily Sun for printing that on their editorial page.

[Guest]

What will people do when obama wants to put his picture on our flag will you protest then. Good or bad you must protect what you deem needs protecting.

[Guest]

What will people do when obama wants to put his picture on our flag will you protest then. Good or bad you must protect what you deem needs protecting.

That is so inane. Time to clear the demons.

[Guest]

What will people do when obama wants to put his picture on our flag will you protest then. Good or bad you must protect what you deem needs protecting.

Inane post? No!

Insane post? Yes!

[Guest]

No, I think The Villages Tea Bag Party is definitely a lot more than one person. From the comments from the online paper regarding the SCOTUS decision celebration, those nasty and bigoted remarks showed the true feelings of The Villages Tea Bag Group.

As for my comments being disrespectful. Thank you! They were supposed to do that. Bigoted and prejudiced, NO, that is left to Republicans.

Personal Best Regards:

Dear Guest: I don't mind your using my "Personal Best Regards" but you seem to have missed the point of its civility. If you insist on continuing to use it then do so with some respect and maturity for the audience you are addressing.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Jeramiah Wright, Louis Farrakahn, Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Black Panthers what do they all have in common? What is their race? What country were they born in? What do they have to say about the American Flag? What positive contribution do they make to America and its people? And why has Obama extended a friendship to at least three of the aforementioned?

Why doesn't Obama acknowledge the good works of and their positive role models Thomas Sowell, Jason Riley, Condi Rice, Colin Powell ? Why does Obama castigate law enforcement officers, mock America and demonstrate irrelevance to our military?

The issue of the Confederate Flag is in the scheme of things a non-factor, when it comes to the race issue, an issue one might remember was not an issue until Obama entered upon the scene and then with his Alinsky acumen began his division by race, social class and geographical location like those people who cling to their guns and religion, a very telling phrase by the way since the left is bent on secularism. Why? for one reason the main thrust to counter the LGBT same sex marriage, etc agenda is religion and they know it and so they will do everything to destroy it.

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

Jeramiah Wright, Louis Farrakahn, Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Black Panthers what do they all have in common? What is their race? What country were they born in? What do they have to say about the American Flag? What positive contribution do they make to America and its people? And why has Obama extended a friendship to at least three of the aforementioned?

Why doesn't Obama acknowledge the good works of and their positive role models Thomas Sowell, Jason Riley, Condi Rice, Colin Powell ? Why does Obama castigate law enforcement officers, mock America and demonstrate irrelevance to our military?

The issue of the Confederate Flag is in the scheme of things a non-factor, when it comes to the race issue, an issue one might remember was not an issue until Obama entered upon the scene and then with his Alinsky acumen began his division by race, social class and geographical location like those people who cling to their guns and religion, a very telling phrase by the way since the left is bent on secularism. Why? for one reason the main thrust to counter the LGBT same sex marriage, etc agenda is religion and they know it and so they will do everything to destroy it.

Personal Best Regards:

Black Panthers? That was 50 years ago. Time to update your black Who's who list.

[Guest]

What will people do when obama wants to put his picture on our flag will you protest then. Good or bad you must protect what you deem needs protecting.

Like that's going to happen.....something the right wing is just silly!

[Guest]

Jeramiah Wright, Louis Farrakahn, Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Black Panthers what do they all have in common? What is their race? What country were they born in? What do they have to say about the American Flag? What positive contribution do they make to America and its people? And why has Obama extended a friendship to at least three of the aforementioned?

Why doesn't Obama acknowledge the good works of and their positive role models Thomas Sowell, Jason Riley, Condi Rice, Colin Powell ? Why does Obama castigate law enforcement officers, mock America and demonstrate irrelevance to our military?

The issue of the Confederate Flag is in the scheme of things a non-factor, when it comes to the race issue, an issue one might remember was not an issue until Obama entered upon the scene and then with his Alinsky acumen began his division by race, social class and geographical location like those people who cling to their guns and religion, a very telling phrase by the way since the left is bent on secularism. Why? for one reason the main thrust to counter the LGBT same sex marriage, etc agenda is religion and they know it and so they will do everything to destroy it.

Personal Best Regards:



Nine innocent people being slaughtered in their church while attending bible study for no other reason than the color of their skin is what started this latest movement to remove the confederate war flag.

Republican governors, senators, and other elected officials spoke up and began taking down this hideous display of bigotry and racism.

Only in the alternate universe does the removal of the flag have anything to do with the LGBT movement.

Are those black panthers still preventing you from voting over at Laurel Manor?

[Guest]

Black Panthers? That was 50 years ago. Time to update your black Who's who list.

You might want to do a little more reading in your spare time before responding to posts -

Problems, Black Panthers surface at Pa. polling places - Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/6/problems-black-panthers-surface-pa-polling-places/?page=all)

They're around and make themselves quite visible at least every 4 years.

[Guest]

You might want to do a little more reading in your spare time before responding to posts -

Problems, Black Panthers surface at Pa. polling places - Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/6/problems-black-panthers-surface-pa-polling-places/?page=all)

They're around and make themselves quite visible at least every 4 years.

Yep 2 people outside a polling place.....have ya seen them anywhere else?

[Guest]

There was no CSA flag flown at the state capital in SC until the civil rights act was passed in the 1960's. Then the segregationist leadership of that state, and others, responded by claiming that they could defy the federal government (just like they had 100 years earlier). And as part of this state's speech SC chose to begin to fly the stars and bars over their statehouse. It was a clear response to laws enacted to help black Americans achieve equality. That is not an accident of history. It is a clear message to black Americans. The CSA flag is no more a symbol that is legitimately used to honor the South's history of starting the most brutal war fought by the USA than flying the flag of Nazi Germany can be said to honor the German's who died for their country and fought out of German patriotism, perhaps not fully aware of the policies of their leadership.
The Nazi flag is of course still revered by some and its meaning is not German pride. The CSA flag is still revered by some, and its meaning is not Southern pride. It is not surprising that Mr. Roof on his personal website has photos of himself proudly holding the CSA flag while also burning and spitting on the American flag. You fly the CSA flag, you are speaking very clearly. You wish the CSA had won that war and that the darkies were still on the plantation.

Before you post get your facts together and get them correct! The Civil Rights Act was signed in 1964. The confederate battle flag was first flown at the South Carolina capital building in 1961. It was placed there to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

[Guest]

NASCAR endorses call for removal of Confederate Flag | NASCAR Talk (http://nascartalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/23/nascar-endorses-call-for-removal-of-confederate-flag-from-south-carolina-capitol/related/?cid=eref:nbcnews:text&cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=a1a41da5d1ad210d18d1b83353d277af)


NASCAR has endorsed the call to ban the confederate flag from public property that the SC legislature is considering today.

Wal-Mart, Sears, and E-Bay are all banning the sale of any confederate flag merchandise from their stores and web-sites everywhere in the country.

Governor Haley said yesterday that it is perfectly legal to fly the confederate flag on your private property, and that will not change.

When is everyone going to grow a pair. It's not about the flag...it's about Jackson and Sharpton using a crisis to shake down these companies for money and donations. It's always been about the money.

[Guest]

Its ok for president Barry to have the rapper Common to the white house. His lyrics promote killing cops. The media loves these BS topics like the flag issue as its easy to sensationalize the generally stupid public into a frenzy. This brings ratings to the stations and diverts away from real issues.

Great post! I guess the nail got hit on the head!

[Guest]

When is everyone going to grow a pair. It's not about the flag...it's about Jackson and Sharpton using a crisis to shake down these companies for money and donations. It's always been about the money.


So you are saying that Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC), Gov Terry McCullough (D-VA), Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott (R-SC), along with the senators from Mississippi, and governors from NC, GA, and AL are all working with Jackson and Sharpton to ban the flag from public areas to raise money for Jackson and Sharpton? Interesting!!!

[Guest]

I picked the wrong week to launch my new magazine "The Confederate Homophobe".

[Guest]

So you are saying that Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC), Gov Terry McCullough (D-VA), Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott (R-SC), along with the senators from Mississippi, and governors from NC, GA, and AL are all working with Jackson and Sharpton to ban the flag from public areas to raise money for Jackson and Sharpton? Interesting!!!

Good One!!!! :bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

[Guest]

So you are saying that Gov Nikki Haley (R-SC), Gov Terry McCullough (D-VA), Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott (R-SC), along with the senators from Mississippi, and governors from NC, GA, and AL are all working with Jackson and Sharpton to ban the flag from public areas to raise money for Jackson and Sharpton? Interesting!!!

Like I said it is all about the money. I notice everyone you mentioned is a politician. These people are just looking for votes. Take off your blinders. Give me a name of one of the politicians mentioned above who has led a concerted effort to take down the flag? Not until 9 innocent souls were gunned down by some racist maniac did they become concerned. Concerned about votes! Nothing more and nothing less.

[Guest]

According to today's news, the votes are there in the SC legislature to remove the confederate flag from the statehouse grounds in Columbia. It will take a two-thirds majority vote in both houses. It sounds like the earliest this will happen is July 6th.

[Guest]

Then they can begin the campaign against the American flag, Monticello and the Jefferson memorial.

[Guest]

Then they can begin the campaign against the American flag, Monticello and the Jefferson memorial.


I have my popcorn out waiting for that....you all keep saying this haven't seen anything yet!!!

Still waiting.....

[Guest]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the flag that is being referred to as the Confederate flag is actually identified as the Confederate Battle Flag. First used by the Army of Virginia during the ever popular Civil War. The battle flag was used because the Confederate States of America flag was often mistaken for the US flag during battle.
People have negative associations with the Confederate Battle Flag and the flag used by Nazi Germany during WW2. Here in the good old USA we have the freedom to display either flag to show our allegiances to the philosophy behind the display of each flag. Some agree and some disagree with what each flag represents.
The South still roils over the atrocities it suffered under the carpetbaggers and Union Army from the North. The Jews and Allies still have negative feelings over the atrocities committed during WW2.
"God Bless the USA"

[Guest]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but the flag that is being referred to as the Confederate flag is actually identified as the Confederate Battle Flag. First used by the Army of Virginia during the ever popular Civil War. The battle flag was used because the Confederate States of America flag was often mistaken for the US flag during battle.
People have negative associations with the Confederate Battle Flag and the flag used by Nazi Germany during WW2. Here in the good old USA we have the freedom to display either flag to show our allegiances to the philosophy behind the display of each flag. Some agree and some disagree with what each flag represents.
The South still roils over the atrocities it suffered under the carpetbaggers and Union Army from the North. The Jews and Allies still have negative feelings over the atrocities committed during WW2.
"God Bless the USA"

And just what do you believe each flag represents? No connotations of racism or hatred? Would you say nothing if your next door neighbor in The Villages flew the confederate battle flag and the Nazi flag on their flagpole or garage every day?

By the way, it is a crime in Germany to fly a Nazi flag.

[Guest]

:icon_bored:

[Guest]

It is interesting that in this discussion of "offensive flags", there is no mention of the "rainbow flag" being used in a simulation of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. This is surely not offensive.

There certainly are such similarities in the heroic efforts being memoralized


Google Image Result for https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/0d/65/3e0d651d2492ada89d2fb35a4726ca5e.jpg (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/0d/65/3e0d651d2492ada89d2fb35a4726ca5e.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/178595941444697968/&h=466&w=363&tbnid=DjPdmBdzf_G6KM:&zoom=1&docid=wLvFi6IdgNAm_M&ei=y5CUVeSMO8TlsAWGmIOoBQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CCIQMygCMAI)

[Guest]

Of course, Walmart did the right thing on this issue...

"In a now-removed YouTube video that gained almost half-a-million views in three days, a man named Chuck Netzhammer condemns Walmart for making a custom Islamic State battle flag cake for him the day after his request for a Confederate flag cake was denied."


Walmart sorry for making ISIS cake (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/06/30/confederate-flag-isis-walmart-cake/29495379/)

Gotta keep these things in the right context, right ?

[Guest]

ISIS flag is acceptable. They do not discriminate at all. Oh, wait, they kill only non Muslims.

[Guest]

Even though some are offended by this battle flag, not everyone is. History cannot be rewritten just because some don't agree with it. The Civil War was not about slavery, but taxation without representation which is why the US was born to escape that very thing. Slavery only became a part of the equation later and since then, many think that that is the only thing it was about. Someone else pointed out that the original Confederate Flag was often mistaken for the US Flag from a distance on the battlefields and many were killed/wounded by friendly fire before it was changed. All this is contained in history books related to the Civil War.

I have no feeling either way about it. To ban TV shows like Duke of Hazzard because of it is going way over the line. It was a comedy about a couple of 'good ole boys' and their shenanigans, not racism.

Those who say that taxpayer dollars should not support any display of the banner should also be raising holy-you-know-what about using tax dollars to change out the light bulbs shining on the White House celebrating Gay Pride. The Gay Pride movement should be condemning those who would vilify the raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima, as well. I would be willing to bet that those stunts were an embarrassment to many of their community.

I have no problem with gays, any race, or anyone else wanting to be treated equally and fairly. What I do have a problem with is any group wanting special treatment, and this is exactly what is happening.

The sooner we get rid of PC, the sooner we can find the tolerance this country was founded to become. You don't have to like me, you don't have to agree with me, nor I you; you do need to respect me and I you.

[Guest]

You might want to do a little more reading in your spare time before responding to posts -

Problems, Black Panthers surface at Pa. polling places - Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/6/problems-black-panthers-surface-pa-polling-places/?page=all)

They're around and make themselves quite visible at least every 4 years.
Here's a screenshot thst should drive you nuts52895...

[Guest]

Here's a screenshot thst should drive you nuts52895...

Fortunately for me, I do not have to vote in the city of Philadelphia, but I can tell you from people that I do know that live there that voter intimidation is a constant threat, especially around the Presidential elections. It may seem funny or insignificant to those of you who don't have to deal with these types of threats when you go to vote, but it is not to those who do. Of course, denying that anything like this exists is always another option....

[Guest]

I think that most people know the primary cause of the Civil War was over economic disparity between the North and South. As a poster pointed out, only around half the Southerners had a slave. They were an expensive commodity and the average family could not afford the cost.

Great movie to see is Shenandoah. Kind of brings this to life and how the war affected families.

[Guest]

I personally don't think the C.F. is relevant anymore. However, that being said, it was not a flag of a "slave nation". It was a battle flag of the Confederate Army. Not all southerners believed in slavery or felt the war was about slavery. To many it was about states' rights. Back at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there were many states that did not want to sign it. The fear was a centralized federal government would try and supersede the states' rights to set their own laws (which of course has now happened). Many felt Pres. Lincoln was over stepping the Constitution.
The C.F. represents a lot of different things to different people. It is probably not wise to hang it over any government building. It belongs more in a museum along with its true history.
The real issue here is 1st amendment liberty. I may not like you hanging your C.F. over your own home, but the constitution does not protect me from being offended by your 1st amendment rights.
Also, to blame the current racial discord on that flag is naive at best. The whole debate has been manufactured to stir up emotions and to divide our nation.

[Guest]

Anyhow, driving south on I-75 past Tampa yesterday I noticed a huge Confederate flag blowing in the wind. It is on the west side and right before the Martin Luther King Jr. exit. The humor did not escape me.

[Guest]

Even though some are offended by this battle flag, not everyone is. History cannot be rewritten just because some don't agree with it. The Civil War was not about slavery, but taxation without representation which is why the US was born to escape that very thing. Slavery only became a part of the equation later and since then, many think that that is the only thing it was about. You don't have to like me, you don't have to agree with me, nor I you; you do need to respect me and I you.

Sorry, but you need to get your history straight. The single issue that split this nation and caused the Southern states to mutiny and begin a war that killed and injured more Americans than all other wars was slavery.
Alexander Stephens, VP of the CSA said

The new constitution has put at rest, forever, all the agitating questions relating to our peculiar institution -- African slavery as it exists amongst us -- the proper status of the negro in our form of civilization. This was the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution. Jefferson in his forecast, had anticipated this, as the "rock upon which the old Union would split." He was right. What was conjecture with him, is now a realized fact. ..Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth.”


How many more quotes would you like from the people who created the CSA and the war, from their state constitutions and documents stating very clearly that the issue of slavery is what caused the south to revolt?

How about reading the Mississippi declaration of secession.
Avalon Project - Confederate States of America - Mississippi Secession (http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/csa_missec.asp)

Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.


The Civil War was about slavery, about the coming to power of men who supported abolition of slavery. There was not a whiff of concern about taxation without representation, and the issue of state's rights was about the right of the state to determine the ownership of the Negro.

Here is Jefferson Davis's farewell speech to the US Senate as he leaves to join the CSA
Farewell Speech | Teaching American History (http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/farewell-speech/)
Slavery again, slavery is the issue.

It was that issue, the God-given superiority of the White man and the proper place of the Negro as his slave, complete with the curse of Canaan on his head that sparked the Civil War, and that issue is represented by the flag so happily taken up as a symbol by the KKK today.

[Guest]

Stupidity is hard to overcome when you have right Wing mouthpieces everywhere you turn feeding lies and half truths to the sheep.

[Guest]

I personally don't think the C.F. is relevant anymore. However, that being said, it was not a flag of a "slave nation". It was a battle flag of the Confederate Army. Not all southerners believed in slavery or felt the war was about slavery. To many it was about states' rights. Back at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there were many states that did not want to sign it. The fear was a centralized federal government would try and supersede the states' rights to set their own laws (which of course has now happened). Many felt Pres. Lincoln was over stepping the Constitution.
The C.F. represents a lot of different things to different people. It is probably not wise to hang it over any government building. It belongs more in a museum along with its true history.
The real issue here is 1st amendment liberty. I may not like you hanging your C.F. over your own home, but the constitution does not protect me from being offended by your 1st amendment rights.
Also, to blame the current racial discord on that flag is naive at best. The whole debate has been manufactured to stir up emotions and to divide our nation.

Well articulated.
The writing will most certainly irk those who are for lack of a better term called the opposition.
They are very easy to spot and stop reading anything they post. They usually open or close and espouse nothing but name calling and disrespect for another opinion.
They pretend to represent "some" (using the term very loosely) who love our country and what it stands for as long as all others agree with their position.
They have little or no value to add to ANY conversation (again using a term loosely).

The only things reasonable folks have in our favor is they are in the minority and the delete key.