South wants to rise again

[SaadBell 0]

Rights to do what?

Rights to continue the trade of black people as if they were chattel.

In other words, the right to hate.

Those who wish to flaunt the Confederate flag in public are backward-looking, rejecting the diversity and dynamism of the “new South” that has developed since the civil rights era. By persistently promoting a divisive symbol, they undermine continuing efforts at integration and generate negative views of the South in the rest of the nation and internationally, reducing investment and prosperity. Do you think it is cool for your neighbor to put a swastika up on his front yard, are you fine with that with? It is a symbol that represents millions of life’s lost, yes the Confederate flag was not in the beginning to mean anything negative, but that has changed, and the KKK has taken it to a new level, sad but true. We should all stand under one flag of the United States? We are one nation not two nations; at least I hope we are. Yea I live in Hicksville, but I do love small town America, but it has it draw backs, like people riding big old Mac trucks with the rebel flag flying off their trucks and these dudes are not into any historical history they do it to piss people off. I think if you want that in your home, fine, but do use common sense, it does offend a lot of minorities. It represents a time in America that was hell for millions of souls.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I find it interesting to notice that Florida is the state that wants to raise the huge Confederate flag. Even though it was the 3rd state to succeed its role in the war itself was far less than the other Southern states. It had a few minor and one major skirmish and mainly acted as a provisioner for the Southern forces. Floridian soldiers fought for both the North and the South. Yes, an interesting choice to locate the flag.

http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/lessons/cvl_war/cvl_war1.htm

[MrsCat 6]

Rights to do what?

Rights to continue the trade of black people as if they were chattel.

In other words, the right to hate.

I think that people have a right to express themselves - and that includes in public. Now the right to treat someone as property - no, but if they hold that view, then they should be free to express it. If that belief happens to coincide with hatred, then so be it. If people want to be backward hillbillies, jig outside under the banner of an outdated racist flag, then have at it.

[Ban Hammer 13,358]

Rights to do what?

Rights to continue the trade of black people as if they were chattel.

In other words, the right to hate.

Those who wish to flaunt the Confederate flag in public are backward-looking, rejecting the diversity and dynamism of the “new South” that has developed since the civil rights era. By persistently promoting a divisive symbol, they undermine continuing efforts at integration and generate negative views of the South in the rest of the nation and internationally, reducing investment and prosperity. Do you think it is cool for your neighbor to put a swastika up on his front yard, are you fine with that with? It is a symbol that represents millions of life’s lost, yes the Confederate flag was not in the beginning to mean anything negative, but that has changed, and the KKK has taken it to a new level, sad but true. We should all stand under one flag of the United States? We are one nation not two nations; at least I hope we are. Yea I live in Hicksville, but I do love small town America, but it has it draw backs, like people riding big old Mac trucks with the rebel flag flying off their trucks and these dudes are not into any historical history they do it to piss people off. I think if you want that in your home, fine, but do use common sense, it does offend a lot of minorities. It represents a time in America that was hell for millions of souls.

stereotype much? it's only divisive if one chooses to view it as such.

and that swastika you cite could be flown by someone with absolutely no connection to nazi ideals btw.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If you took a look at the area where I-75 overpasses US 92, you would not be surprised. It's Redneckville. The flag is likely to be erected right out of the junkyard East of I-75 and south of US 92. That would be so fitting.

Hmm - if my memory serves me correctly this would be about around E. Hillsborough Ave & Mango. Just west of Seffner (or as its been newly appointed (methner). One block south of that is a street that I wouldnt necessarily think has the best demographic to apreciate such a "historical emblem". I could be wrong on the desired location though. Gosh I am so happy to be mostly out of FL.

You're right - just to the south and west of this particular spot, such symbol wouldn't last very long.

[Fuzzness 2]

I don't care either way. I have actually took the time to look and study the viewpoint of either side (most southern people will tell you that even though they fly the flag, they do not believe in slavery) and I can understand either side but I have to say that there are a few bad people who have made the flag much more than it was intended to be, so now the flag is this big evil symbol like the swastika (also not intended to be what it now is). On the other hand, why would you want to display a symbol knowing what kind of reaction it would cause?

[SaadBell 0]

Ann Coulter - she loves her rebel flag, so you got good company.

McCain - the flag a racist symbol

Interesting

When McCain ran in South Carolina in 2000 against George W. Bush, he, like Huckabee now, said the confederate flag issue is a matter of states' rights -- a laden term in these parts -- and should not fall under federal jurisdiction. Later in 2000, after losing the nomination, McCain renounced his states' rights position, acknowledging, "I chose to compromise my principles. I broke my promise to always tell the truth.... The Confederacy was "on the wrong side of American history. That, my friends, is how I personally feel about the Confederate battle flag. That is the honest answer I never gave to a fair question."

[Ban Hammer 13,358]

I don't care either way. I have actually took the time to look and study the viewpoint of either side (most southern people will tell you that even though they fly the flag, they do not believe in slavery) and I can understand either side but I have to say that there are a few bad people who have made the flag much more than it was intended to be, so now the flag is this big evil symbol like the swastika (also not intended to be what it now is). On the other hand, why would you want to display a symbol knowing what kind of reaction it would cause?

that would make you one of the few that cares to be educated about it, a rarity amongst the knee-jerk reactions normally associated with this topic.

[Cassie 8]

On the other hand, why would you want to display a symbol knowing what kind of reaction it would cause?

That, my friend, is the question. We know what the Confederate flag used to stand for, we know how it is viewed now, and why would you want to go down that road?

[jundp 191]

Civil War Confederate uniforms were once illegal to wear. Now there are thousands of reenacters all over the south.

There were many plantation owners who fought for the states' rights and agriculture as an export commodity who actually PAID their slaves. Many of these same plantation owners also helped their former slaves get reestablished when slavery was abolished (which btw, was not in 1863 but was later).

The KKK uses a variation of the Souther Cross on their flag.

Many people who see the flag as a heritage thing have no ties to slavery, and are well-educated men and women with no thoughts of hatred. Including many historians.

The swastika is a Hindi symbol which was taken and inverted by the Nazis and definitely did not stand for hatred.

Not everyone who is from the south or is proud of the contributions of men and women during and after the Civil War are racist, hating, pigs. Please don't stereotype them as such.

It's a flag. It's a symbol. It has become for many a symbol of hatred. That being said, it probably shouldn't be flown on the side of the road just for poops and giggles. But at the same time, people will see what they want to see in it. Just because you have anger in your heart doesn't mean that the person who has pride in their heritage also has that hatred.

And just because someone is from the south doesn't mean he or she is a racist.

And many Southern blacks have absolutely NO tie to slavery or segregation pre-Civil Rights era. Just as many Southern whites had nothing to do with the other side.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Joel and others who are interested in what the Confederate flag 'means' today might be interested in Tony Horowitz's excellent book "Confederate in the Attic". It explores many of the controversial issues surrounded 'political correctness', interpretation, original causes of the Civil War and modern beliefs about the causes, as well as what motivates Civil war reenactors. It is a thought-provoking, well-written and enjoyable read. it is readily available in most book stores and on Amazon.

[Cassie 8]

Joel and others who are interested in what the Confederate flag 'means' today might be interested in Tony Horowitz's excellent book "Confederate in the Attic". It explores many of the controversial issues surrounded 'political correctness', interpretation, original causes of the Civil War and modern beliefs about the causes, as well as what motivates Civil war reenactors. It is a thought-provoking, well-written and enjoyable read. it is readily available in most book stores and on Amazon.

sounds like a very interesting book -- thanks Kathryn!

[KarenCee 3]

On the other hand, why would you want to display a symbol knowing what kind of reaction it would cause?

That, my friend, is the question. We know what the Confederate flag used to stand for, we know how it is viewed now, and why would you want to go down that road?

Controversy...IMHO that's the reason. Some people just can't exist without stirring up trouble....kinda like an outboard motor in a cess pool...always stirring up "stuff".

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Raising a flag is the least of my worries! Someone needs to clean the sand from between their legs

[Dr. Obvious 49]

On the other hand, why would you want to display a symbol knowing what kind of reaction it would cause?

That, my friend, is the question. We know what the Confederate flag used to stand for, we know how it is viewed now, and why would you want to go down that road?

Controversy...IMHO that's the reason. Some people just can't exist without stirring up trouble....kinda like an outboard motor in a cess pool...always stirring up "stuff".

And when you realize that it is just an attempt to get attention, what else is there to do but just ignore it if you don´t agree with it? A reaction is what they want. Best not to give it to them.