January 15, 2006
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Confederate Flag
In the state of Illinois, a memorial is being built to honor confederate soldiers who were killed during the civil war. Initially the group was intending to fly a confederate flag at the memorial. The memorial was built using tax dollars. There has been protest of those in the local area that the confederate flag is a symbol of oppression of blacks.
Should a confederate flag be flown on government property?
Comments (184)
No.
No. Its a symbol of rebbellion
No. Wrong, Not that i’m polarly opposed to the confederate flag, it’s just that most people who want it are racists.
If there’s an American flag and it’s higher than the confederate flag it would be OK
Melissa
Just like I would no longer call a bundle of sticks a “faggot” (though that is indeed a correct term), the confederate flag has way too much “baggage” to be used as a publically sanctioned symbol.
No way, to much rascist history in that flag….
Candy
Definitely not.
No.
Tough question.. I say no but only because it is government property. Personal property is a different story, then I think it would fall under free speech or something to that effect.
i’d imagine the local gov’t there had a council meeting about building that memorial with tax dollars… so maybe apparently enough ppl there wanted it for their own lil’ local city…
No
only if the American Flag is there also, because some just view the confederate flag as southern pride, and then others as the black/white issue.
I don’t think it really matters. Top 20!
the confederate flag is part of history, but i would refuse for it to be shown like that. it could start a rebellion and then (i really doubt this would happen) history could repeat itself. to many scars have been carved into american soil during that war and nobody would like it for a confederate or even a union flag to be flashed around like that.
That’s definitely a good question … I don’t think I have an answer. But, your wife kissing a dummy … now, that’s funny!! BTW: You are certainly NOT a dummy … and I’m sure your wife doesn’t think you are.
On Government property – no.
No
I don’t think it should be shown because of the cognitions it brings to people’s minds but that’s not say that we can disregard it all together. It’s a part of history and whether we’re proud of it or not, it’s still there and should be acknowledged.
Pesky
First to answer this question you have to understand that the people who flew the confederate flag during the civil war were no more racist than people in the north. People in the north did not view blacks as equals they viewed them a second class citizens. Then we have to look at the actual causes of the civil war. Yes slavery was one of the reasons but so was states rights vs national rights and voter representation. Lincoln did not carry a single southern state so the people in the south believed they no longer had any say in national government. And before you are quick to label every member of the Confederacy a racist review your histroy on Stonewall Jackson. He taught one of his uncle’s slaves to read (against the law) and he also deplored the condition of blacks in the south the same was true of Robert E Lee. Many of the people who lead the south did not view slavery as a good thing but they saw that the North was interfering in the South while the South had no say what was happening. I do believe that since it is a historical site that yes the confederate flag should be flown but also this site needs to explain that the cause of the civil war was not just slavery and that the majority of people who fought for the South were to poor to own slaves and the some of the best leaders of the South deplored slavery and that the North was not holier than thou when dealing with blacks
In the south, where I am originaly from, you don’t really think twice about it when you see somebody flying it. However, on government property, you probably shouldn’t…
No it shouldn’t. We can’t just fly a flag like that on US government property. Not only does it represent racism, it also represents a time when we couldn’t even hold ourselves together as a nation, and while it’s important to remember that time, flying the flag would be a form of support.
-Jared
eh, i have no objections. but i don’t think it’s ‘right’
Not on Government property, no.
i think it should… the confederacy was just as much american as the so called “United” States were in the civil war… in other words yes it definetly should be flown. it isnt a symbol of oppression of blacks. learn some real history
No
yess,
goodness gracious
I would say no. It’s a memorial for the soliers, not the confederacy. There were a lot of soldiers kills on both sides of that war. I don’t even understand why they are still being seperated into confederate and union these days. Plus, it is on government property. The only flag on that property should be the american flag.
Yukon. I’m shocked someone else actually would put that on here. Very few I know seem to know those facts.
If it is a memorial to honor Confederate soldiers, then yes it is proper to fly the flag that they fought under…though that in itself is tricky. Many soldiers never fought under the Confederate Battle Flag as they fought under the First National Flag of the Confederacy (Stars & Bars) or the Stainless Banner….But I would say that even on Gov’t property, if the goal is to honor Confederate soldiers, then it would be okay to fly a Confederate flag.
*soldiers* “killed* Darn it. Sorry for the typos.
idk….. these politically correct questions are really bugging me. this country is so bias, i get confused. religion questions are more fun for me.
I do not want it to, but I can’t really think of a legal reason it shouldn’t go up. I agree with an earlier comment, it just has too much baggage. There’s got to be a way to honor confederate soldiers that others don’t find offensive.
No….that ship has sailed in my opinoin!
Of course if should be flown, it is part of HISTORY. That is one of the problems with this nation, special interest groups are trying to destroy or change the history of this nation.
Dan, what happened to the post you were going to do about the secrets to getting a ton of comments? What happened to the list you were putting people on who asked to be able to see this post?
they are trying to honor someone and showing the flag that they fought for is a good way to do that
Not on government property. If it were a private owned group, then let them fly it.
Erika
being from mississippi and flying our version of the confederate flag, i think its ok to fly the confederate flag…yea, it was wrong for the south to succede and all, but we did band together for a common cause…we were just as united as the united states, so its ok to fly it on govt. property in my opinion, especially since its a memeorial to the soldiers…i mean, granted these people arent alive anymore, but they did united for a cause…they would be just as proud to have that memorial as the veterans of world war 2 are to have their memorial
Should a Nazi Flag be flown on Italian or German property?
I say that if it is for the purpose of history, it should be allowed. Wouldn’t it be a little strange to fly the Union flag at a Confederate memorial?
However, it really irks me whenever I see the Confederate flag above or bigger than the US flag. “The South Will Rise Again” also disturbs me. Does anyone really think the South will rise again? Why can’t we leave that bloody civil war, which was a huge spot of tarnish on America, back in history where it was?
In the spirit of diplomacy, no. There are those who argue that it represents many things, but for that matter, the Nazi swastika represented economic resurgence for post-war Germany–that doesn’t justify waving it around. Personally, I don’t mind the Confederate flag, or most of the issues the Confederates fought for. However, there are plenty of people who do, and as long as it’s tax money and public property, it shouldn’t be flown.
I think that as long as the American flag is flown over it, it is ok. I know that there are a lot of people who think of racial discremination or whatever, but for me it is simply a matter of pride of being from the South. Just like I am proud that I am an AMERICAN, I am proud that I am from the South. So, for me, it’s just a symbol of where I’m from. However, at the same time, I do not think there needs to be a big controversy over it, so if it comes down to it, don’t fly it. We need to focus on other issues that are of more importance…
it is apart of history, it is flag that was flown over buildings during the war and for some time after that.
it is not a symbol of racism, people up north were often more racist than the people in the south.
texas flies it’s own flag at an equal level to the national flag because it was once our “national” flag.
the confederate flag was once a national flag.
i think it is appropriate.
tough one, it represents american history but its also the separation of this country, private property i would totally say yes because it is freedom of speech but on government property if its to teach american history such as museum display then i would also say yes, and in a sense that is what the memorial is doing but then the flag also serves as a symbol of oppression to a particular group of people (to which i am very sensitive towards) so i really don’t know
WHITE POWER
A confedrate flag in the Land of Lincoln? Is the point to stir up excitement? Seems like the confederate flag should have a place in American History – no doubt about that! But what cause or nation should it be raised above today?
How about right next to the two tablets containing the 10 commandments? Ok really, NO.
The flag we’ve come to know as the Confederate flag wasn’t even the flag of the Confederacy, it was merely a battle flag. It’s a shame that most of the people that claim that the flag has historical significance don’t know that fact. Most wouldn’t know the actual Confederate flag if they saw it. I generally disapprove of the “rebel” flag flying anywhere but the real confederate flag would be appropriate at a civil war memorial.
i think its great… i am a southerner myself so i like that flag neways. but since it is a memorial to the confederates… of course… if it didnt have it, it would be like a memorial to pizza hut with the memorial not having nething to do about pizza. and about the oppression of blacks, the war was not only about the black slaves… so its hard to put the two side by side.
no- if they want to do it it should be private property without the assistance of the tax dollars of unsuporters. sure it’s history, but i think for some people it’s just too painful of a reminder of the past.
It’s a symbol of state’s rights and the spirit of America’s Founding Fathers. Besides it’s a public area, free speech is the rule whether you like the speech or not. Fly the flag.
well it was part of “american heritage”, although the CSA wasn’t part of the union. but since blacks don’t buy that argument, i don’t think it should, since for many it contradicts the government’s support of the civil rights movement.
I agree with what Yukon 87 says about the attitudes of the North and the South regarding the black people at that time in history. However, I would still be opposed to the Stars and Bars being flown on federal property. It, unfortunately, has come to be associated with assholes in the KKK. For that reason alone, I would never fly it–even though I do love the design of it.
I’d have thought they’d have enough of their politically incorrect junk.
well, if you’re going to honor confederate casualties, you should probably include the flag they died for, government property or not. I understand the concerns about racism, but I think it’s pretty obvious that the Illinois state government is not intending to promote slavery or racism, but to remember these fallen soldiers. I think to bar it from the memorial would be overly sensitive.
Anna Lanche….I doubt the “Stars and Bars” will be flown….I think they mean the Confederate Battle Flag
Stars & Bars – http://www.proudrebel.com/rebel/Mvc-376f_flag_1st.jpg
Confederate Battle Flag – http://lashawnbarber.com/images/Confederate%20Flag%20Normal%20jpeg_02.jpg
The terms imply very different things
No.
I’d have to say NO because it would piss off and offend alot of ppl. If a confederate flag was up, it would be a reminder to those that those dead soldier had no problem with having slave workers for their plantations.
No, not on government property. Private property would be different, as much as I despise what the flag usually represents.
No.
I would like to point out to Wailenhalen18 that the majority of those soldiers where dirt poor farmers who could not afford slaves and owned little more than a shack. The idea that all Southeners lived in palatial mansions while the slaves lived in horrid conditions is false.
no
Generally I’d consider it inappropriate… but considering the nature of the memorial I don’t think it would be in this case.
Yes, It should be allowed to be flown on government property. The flag is a sign of how the government used to be and it is protected under freedom of speech to be able to fly the flag. I do think that it should be allowed to be flown. The memorial is for Confederate soliders and the Confederates fought under that flag, not the Union flag. The flag would be fitting in giving the soliders a memorial. The flag does not symbolize racism or another other negative ideas. It is a symbol of the people who were fighting for what they believe is right, not a best idea to be fighting for, but they thought that is was right. The flag was not meant to be a racist symbol, instead a symbol to be flown for those who agreed with the Confederates. The flag should be allowed.
i dont see the problem that every1 has w/ it being on government property
If you are honoring Confederarte soldiers I think it is only acceptible to fly the flag that the fell under
I think it would be okay if the American Flag was flown on top. IT’s a part of our history…..” Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”
If it was for the confederate memorial, then I don’t really have a problem with it. Any other place it would be improper and offensive.
yes. for many people, it is a symbol on heritage. Not racism.
i am from the south and proud of where i live. it, in my opinion, is not a symbol of the oppression of blacks. does the the cross symbol represent jesus’s martyrdom? no. it represents His love.
symbols can be misunderstood. there is nothing wrong with the confederate flag. if people cared to read their history books, they would realize that the union, used to own slaves back in that era as well as the confederacy.
i don’t know. it may seem that the government is supporting another government, but at the same time, many american families lost relatives in the war. the flag, over time, has come to represent racist ideals and anti-american feelings. i dont think those are things that the government should be promoting at the moment. it is a difficult situation and one that will not be resolved without anger from one party or another. personally i dont believe it should be flown, it would cause far too much drama.
No. Replace “Confederate flag” with “swastika” and it’s the same exact thing.
I’m not even going to read the other people’s comments, because they’ll make me mad.
Although I dislike the confederate flag. It did not start out as a symbol of racism. It was a symbol of the states that separated. Oh, and by the way slavery was not the issue of the civil war. However, when the issue of race/slavery came into play then and only then did that flag become a symbol of hate. I think it should be flown only out of historical respect. If anyone reads racism into it, it is because they read racism in a flag. Do your research people. It’s right up there with people thinking that because I was raised Catholic I wasn’t Christian until I became Methodist. Hello! Catholics are Chrisitan, too morons. Sorry, you got me in a pissy mood and this is what you get. My dad is a history professor and he likes us to check our facts before getting on our soap boxes. I’ve even done research papers on this very same subject in defending that stupid flag. I think I wrote a counter paper, too. Should anyone want to know more information before getting mad at my post, I think I can dig up the paper unless I threw it out with all the other papers I’ve written. What do I need them for? It’s not like I’m going to read them again. I’ve got my degree. Have a blessed day!
no
No, unless the government is the Confederacy. Lucky for us, it’s not.
No. It’s a symbol of rebellion against America. Why would you fly something like that on government property?
Question why do we need to replace swastika with the confederate battle flag? Lets see there are Nazi flags at the holocaust musuem in washington dc. When put in proper historical context yes it is ok to show a swastika. This whole idea that things are to offensive to be shown is part of the reason that are youth (which sadly to say i am a part of) believes that some subjects should not be discussed (ie affirmative action) becuase someone might get offended. Do you think this country would be here is George Washington was afraid that he might offend the English I think not. Let’s get over our PC selves and discuss the issue at hand. Should an offensive object be viewed when the federal government is paying for it? If your answer is not than those who find the Vietnam War offensive could move to have the Vietnam Memorial removed. It is a slippery slop to curb what people can view with regards to history. If you dont believe me about the history thing and how it effects the way we think read 1984 by George Orwell and tell me that all history (even that that you find offensive) is not important
I would say it would be okay.. I know someone who wears a Confederate Belt Buckle to school.
Also, I wanted to mention something about your older post about Rated-R movies… I actually had to write a three page essay about whether or not kids should be allowed to see Rated-R movies… In my research, I found that Rated-G movies can stimulate the same emotions that PG-13 and Rated-R movies do… so it’s pretty much like if a kid isn’t allowed to see Batman Begins because of the violence, and he watches Sky High, he’s getting the same type of message from both movies.
Yes. It’s a memorial to confederate soldiers. That’s what they believed in. We should honor that.
Just like we have the freedom due to men and women fighting for it..there is also the ability to have certain flags flown..our soldiers bought us that right through blood sweat and tears. I do not agree that it is a racist thing at all..and I lived in the south a good part of my life. I do believe that we still need to think on the past, and remember why it happened the way it did…so we do not do it again..so we learn from the mistakes that were made…so as to understand the price of freedom is extremely high…and not take it for granted. Let the flag fly.
when i see a rebel flag it just makes my blood boil…my dad lives in texas and he has that crap on his truck…we got into a very heated disscussion about it one time when he was up…to him it represents pride to me oppression…i hate seeing them anywhere…RACISM SUCKS!
Why the hell not? It’s heritage, it’s not a symbol of black oppression, and if you think it is, then you obviously either never have looked at a history book or didn’t bother to stay awake long enough during US History 101 to know that the South was about more than slavery. Many southerners were all about slavery and were too ignorant to understand the true fight the leaders preached of. It was all an inderlying fight that dated back to the formation of the Union, when a certain group, the Federalists won by a narrow margin on creating a nation of a union of states under one governemnt instead of a loose confederation of individual states with no common ground, no common ideals, and disputed lines, taxes, levies, etc. that didn’t allow for a cohesive and national being. If you think it’s about slavery and not the final defeat of Anti-Feds fighting for states’ rights and another Confederation like the one before the Constitution was creadted, then take this for thought: LEE WAS NOT A SLAVE-OWNER. He didn’t even believe in slavery, he only fought for the South because he was a Virginian and still a proud states’ rights supporter.
Many racists today fly the stars and bars of Dixie (a minstrel song of the North) to hide behind a movement they have no clue about. But I have seen blacks who bear the Confederate flag with pride, not because they support slavery, and not becuase they’re states-rights people born way too late, but they were born in the South and they recognize there is a pride and a spirit in our people embodied in that flag and what it once stood for. We may today disagree with what many a Southern man may have thought and done in the 1860′s and before, but we recognize his pride in his state, his conviction in his beliefs, and his courage to stad against a far superior foe.
If after this you still think the Confederate Flag is a symbol of racism and has no right to be flown, if you yell at every truck bearing said flag on their back window, or at every man with a dixie flg on his clothing, then you are the ignorant and racist one.
This perfectly represents what I hate about not just America, but the world in general today. Everyone takes offense over nothing without knowing the facts. I realize this is a human trait, but it’s gotten way out of hand. Stop and think about what you do, what you say, and learn something, research, analyze. For God’s sakes, pay the hell attention in history class, maybe you’ll learn something. And if you’re past the point of schooling, read your child’s book, go buy a history book. Do something to better yourself, because if you’re still stuck on this subject in 10 years, it is sure proof that America will never see another day where we can safely say we are at the top of the world. We are a morally and mentally degenerative society, and knowing that this subject is still a controversial issue in this day and time is a travesty and a testament to that fact.
I hope to God, Allah, Jhwh, Buddha, whoever it is, that one day the majority of this country might have a damn clue.
As the Eagles say, “Get over it.”
I knowwwww… maaaan, I cant believe he missed the field goal, he was perfect all season. Awwwww. Now, that is what I call tragic.
No, the flag shouldnt be hung.
No. This is an American memorial, and as such an American flag should be flown. The Confederate flag is a part of our country’s history but it is not something that should be flown anywhere in my opinion.
A lot of people on here have tried to argue that the flag is not a symbol of racism, and perhaps it wasn’t when it was first created. Maybe there are a few people who honestly do see it as a symbol of “states’ rights” and even freedom. The problem is, in today’s society, people do interpret it as a racist symbol. That is the meaning attached to the flag by the majority. It’s just like the word “gay.” Yes, it means “happy,” but it’s ignorant to think that you can use it in that way without any other connotations.
Not to mention the fact that the flag was a symbol of rebellion and secession from the Union– not really something we want to encourage, in my opinion.
So in short, no. But of course you have the right to free speech and can fly it on your own property anytime you want. I just won’t come over to your house if you do.
Just so everyone knows the whole it is a symbol of rebellion and secession from the Union needs to realize that the Declaration of Independence was a symbol of rebellion and secession from the British so that argument can not be applied. The only difference between a revolution and a civil war is who the winner is. In a revolution the rebels win in a civil war the government wins
Hell yes! I can’t believe all of these stupid, whiney, politically correct buffoons who are saying no. Dan, son, this country is going to Hell in a hand basket.
I think that it is perfectly fine to fly it at a memorial honoring confederate soldiers. It is, after all, their flag.
and on other goverment property I think it’s ok as long as 1) it’s lower than the american flag and 2) it’s flown for historical purposes and not to re-create the division between the North and South
RYC: Thanks for the vote! and I think I like YaYa…just trying to see what everyone else thinks is cool.
I think because there are soo many different interpretations of this flag, it shouldn’t be flown.
However, it is a confederate solider memorial, but I guess that’s where the conflicts come in.
i think its ok, it’s a matter of history, not offense. they wouldn’t use it to offend people, but honor what they faught for, why didn’t they get offended by a memorial to those people?
Absolutely not!
No
Would it be acceptable in Germany for a German memorial from WW2 to fly a swastika (spelling?)? Even though it was initially nothing more than the symbol for the Nationalist party in Germany, I’m sure that that wouldn’t be permitted. So what’s the difference between that and a confederate flag? Nothing that I can see. Both flags now symbolize racism and a low point of their respective countries in the minds of most people. Why would we want to glorify that by sticking the symbol on flags and monuments around the country?
I don’t even think the memorial should be built in Illinois, a free state. Aren’t there memorials to the Confederate dead in formerly Confederate states?
But no, the flag is offensive to too many Americans. If we want to preserve some sort of “tradition”, Confederate flags can be put in museums.
Yes, absolutely… Hundreds of thousands of AMERICANS
died under that flag, whether a sign of rebellion or not
the fact that Americans died for what they believed in,
under that flag should give us enough reason to honor their
memory.
People are ignorant. The REAL flag that actually represented the Confederacy during the Civil War was NOT the rebel flag that has come to be known as the confederate flag. The government of Illinois should do a freakin’ Google Image Search to find the real Confederate flag and use it for their memorial.
No it shouldn’t be flown on govt property. It has become a symbol of racism, just like the swastika has become a symbol of hatred even though its origins were different.
No it shouldn’t be flown on govt property. It has become a symbol of racism, just like the swastika has become a symbol of hatred even though its origins were different.
The flag is a symbol of the men the memorial is there to honor. It should be displayed as a historical artifact. It should not be “flown”.
Only those Ignorant of true history Truly believe That the confedorate flag is a symbol of racism. Don’t feel bad for being Ignorant, It’s not as Bad as it sounds. It simply means that one oes not possess the proper knowledge by which to judge a situation. I’m ignorant of lots of things.
no, they lost the war.. The south’s flag is the Stars and Stripes. Dixie is just another symbol of division.
NO, definately not.
Personally, I am against that flag. They lost….get over it. But if it is honoring the Confederates who fought in that war then….sure, why not?
The confederate flag is part of America; so it should most definitely be flown on government property.
It has nothing to do with blacks; it’s about this country — both black and white.
Nicholas
Yes… the Confederate flag is not a symbol of opression for blacks. Many people incorrectly associate it with slavery… and it stood for more than that… the American flag stood for slavery long before the Confederacy was even formed.
Anytime I ever see the confederate flag is in the form of a sticker on the back window of a junky 4X4 truck owned by some loser redneck, and is usually accompanied with a Bud Light sticker and a nascar sticker, usually a 3 or an 8. I think I see a connection there…
No. The end.
The important thing is not what it means to whites, but what it means to blacks. Even if all the whites in the town wanted it for nothing but southern pride (which I’d seriously doubt), it would be offensive to black americans. Fly the flag at home if you must, but not on government property.
Absolutely not. This is one country. Slavery is over. The Confederacy does not exist. Some people need to get with the past 165 years. Only one nation’s flag should be flown on gov’t property. The Civil War is WAY over. We are a union. Get over it.
its a symbol of heritage! we are having that same debate at my school. its not about opression its about states rights. we need to remember that these men died for what they believed in. is that not the american way?
It’s a symbol of southern pride. Living in Georgia, I honestly think that most people here don’t see it as an anti-black statement unless they’re crazy whacko rednecks or crazy supersensitive liberal people. Plus there are more important things to spend your time promoting/changing than a piece of cloth that represents something that happened 150 years ago.
In that context I see no problem. It is no more a symbol of the oppression of blacks than the 1776-1860 US flags are. The war between the states was fought over state rights; slavery was going to collapse on own.
There are so many conflicting feelings about the Confederate Flag. Here in Texas, while I was growing up, we didn’t see it as a symbol of slavery or the KKK, but just something to represent our southern heritage. We all had bumper stickers, flags in the back windows of trucks(mainly the boys). That’s all we saw when we looked at it!
No i don’t think so.
why not? im originally from mississippi and went to school at olemiss. i listened to a lot of people complain about the rebel flag within the ms flag. and also there was a time when we didnt have a mascot at our games because it was a confederate soldier. its a part of history. a part of this country. and its not all about slavery
I Think that it should be FINE! after all, we have racial flags at those memorials. I think that it would be a discredit to not have the glad that they fought for aboce their graves. They were fighting for what they believed in, to protect their homeland from the aggression. And not everyone who has a “rebel” flag is a rascist. Sadly, I find that those who make that accusation are rascist… The flag has nothing to do with rascism. TO say so would be saying that Texas was “rebelious” because they fly their flag on everything… get a grip people. Albeit on government property, if we can have special things for “minorities”, then I think that it is only fait to have the rest of our history on display as well….
I have a Confederate flag and it riles my Yankee neighbors when I fly it. To many people, it represents oppression of a particular race. To most Southerners it represents a pride in our heritage. As a Civil War memorial, wouldn’t it be appropriate to display the appropriate symbols such as uniforms, weapons, photo’s, currency and flags? Good Lord, people! Why the big deal? Fly the current U.S. flag in the center and highest. Fly both the Confederate and the U.S. flags that were current during the Civil War on each side but on a lower level. That appeases everyone. The current Americans. The Yankee’s and the Southerners. See how simple life is when everyone compromises?
You know why is it okay for us to offend whites. I mean seriously seriousbethy. Why do we change the majorities view so that we dont offend the minority. I am personally offended by the concept of black history month (not for the fact that its black history but for the fact that it segregates American History) and I dont see people saying that since it offends me we should do something about it. When people quit asking to be treated special because of thier race is the only way that racism will end. We must remember this country is a majority rules with minority rights not the other way around.
…perhaps if it’s part of that states heritage…. as long as Ole Glory hangs above it!
i guess, i understand why someone may think it’s alright… considering the flag isn’t meant for the purpose of reminding everyone of racism and the oppression of black people.
i say no, still.
I don’t understand why so many people like to take a symbol of the history of this country, and use it to symbolize hate.. it’s just as much a piece of our history as anything else.. just because our ancestors were ignorant to acceptance doesnt mean that it shouldnt be honored as a symbol of history.. maybe if people would see it as more of historical piece, and not use it for hate they’d see that what it used to stand for isnt what it stands for today
I never liked that flag. It seems rebellious to me.
((( GRANDMA HUGS )))
Lori
I think all flags should be burned.
There is no other country that immortalizes itself, in the whole world, like the united states does.
I think it should, as a piece of History. I always understood the flag to symbolise the war between the north and south nothing more. But, im no history buff either.
I like what Yukon87 said; actually bringing in some historical significance and relevance to the discussion, but the problem is that the majority of Americans are quite ignorant about the details surrounding the Civil War. So even though the Confederate States where no more or less racist than those in the North, the majority of Americans simply equate the Confederate flag with racisim (in the North) or as a symbol of Northern agression (in the South). Either way you’re going to tick somebody off. I guess in my mind, if you’re going to fly this under the idea of ‘free speech’ and being a part of our nation’s history, then you need to seriously re-evaluate the decision to remove the statue of the 10 Commandments from Federal Property. After all, our nation was founded, in part, for the purpose of oppression-free worship, specifically related to the Christian religion. The 10 Commandments, then, become an undeniable part of our nation’s history. Yet clearly historical significance is not the most important reason supporting the monument, since it was, in the end, ruled in violation of the seperation of church and state (which only proves those sitting on the bench don’t actually understand what was meant by that idea–in fact the phrase ‘seperation of church and state’ is never written or even alluded to by the founding fathers, but that’s a post for another time…). The place that leads us to, ipso facto, is that flying a confederate flag, while in no specific way being illegal, must be forbidden because it would start up a hornet’s nest other issues which would be horrendous to deal with. To say nothing of those from the conservative Christian side, you would also have to deal with KKK members wanting to honor their dead, or even worse, Nazi fascists wanting to fly their flag to honor those who died during World War II. Constitutionally, there would be nothing wrong with this, but can you imagine the uproar in the Jewish, Catholic, and Homosexual populations? It would probably be considered ‘Hate Speech’ and therefore forbidden.
So I would say no, the Confederate flag should not be flown because of the misrepresentation it would cause. There are plenty of ways to honor those who served without offending a large segment of the population.
But here’s my real question: why is all this attention being given to soldiers who fought and died 140 years ago? Why is money being spent in this way when there is no one left living from that group of veterns, yet so many from so many other recent conflicts who could benefit from aid? Honoring the dead is a commendable act, but when they, and all their immediate family has long died, what useful purpose does it serve? And how can you justify that purpose when it is easy to make an argument for more useful ways that those dollars could have been spent?
They lost didnt they. Should it be displayed as part of the historical value then ok. But to fly it as the government flag no. We have a government flag.
On Government property, I think not.
I live in the South and it still sickens me to this day that some people look up to that flag. It’s just so much tainted history behind it, let along racism.
Being born from the North, it was no better, but I remember my parents telling me of their outings when they went outside of the city and how close-minded some of the individuals were. It depends on the person you are, not what area of the United States it was more prevalent at.
How can you have a confiderate memoral and mot fly the coneiderate flag? It is heratige, not hate, and I think that this is somethiong that is alittle over due.
I don’t think they should “fly” it… for historical reasons, and because those soldiers died supporting it, maybe they could just display is somehow less respectful… like in a small case or something.. I don’t know, I used to love the flag, when I was smaller, its just beautiful… not to mention how cool it looks on the top of the General Lee (big fan when I was little) but now that I know what it stood/stands for, I just can’t hardly stomach looking at it.
YES.
YES.
*************************************************************
2. Think of something you wanna accomplish
within the next week and say it to your self 6
times!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
3. If you had 1 wish what would it be? say it to
yourself 9 times!!!
———————————————————————–
4. Think of something that you want to happen
between you and that 1special person and say
it to your self 12 times!!!
——————————————————————–
5. Now, heres the hard part! Pick only 1 of these
wishes and as
you scroll down focus and
concentrate on it and think on nothing
else but that wish.
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
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* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
Now make one last &final wish about that one wish
that you picked.
After reading this, you have 1 hour to send it out to
15 people, and what
you wished for will come true within in one week!
u only get one chance!!!!! Now scroll down and think
of your
crush!!!
Keep going down
Keep going
Keep going
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you think of your crush? I hope so, that was
your last chance. Now pay very close attention this
important message!
Sorry but once read, must be sent. Yes, this is one
of those kinda chain
letters that everyone hates. This one has been going
since 1863 and if you
break this chain, you will pay!!!!!! Remember that
after hearing these
stories.
First Example:
Take Barbra Wallace.. She was a pretty lucky girl,
up till she got this same chain letter. She had a
crush on the same kid
since kindergarden. when she got this mail she didn’t
pay any attention to
it. She just thought, no big deal. And deleted it.
The next day her dad
got fired and her mom dies in a car crash. If she
would have sent the
letter none of that would have happened and her mom
would be alive.
Second Example:
Try Freddie D. Now Freddie D. was your average
nerd. Had glasses, was short and chubby, was in
gifted. All the signs of
your total dork. He also received this letter and
sent it to 51 people in
the hour. Now, like Barbra, he had a crush on a girl
since 3rd grade. The
next day after sending the chain the girl confessed
her love for him ever
since 3rd grade. Freddie D. finally had the courage
to ask her out, and of
course, she had been waiting to yes to that for
years. They grew up and
married each other to live happily forever.
Third Example:
Now if you couldn’t relate to the others, this’ll
get ya hooked. Listen to this. A kid named Jordan
Johnson was just
getting on AOL to check his mail. He was a quiet kid,
not that popular but
not a geek either. he was just normal. He saw he had
mail from his
friend. It was this exact letter. Now Jordan Johnsen
was a smart kid and
he knew what could happen if he didnt pass it on. He
simply pulled a few
friends from his buddy list and sent it along. The
next day, about that
same time, he got a phone call. It said he had won
the lottery! then his
dad came home and bought him a new bike! His mom
bought him Nintendo64 and
play station! His grandmother sent him a new
computer, and his best friend
gave him tickets to the concert he wanted to go to,
Kid Rock and Limp
Bizkit! Then he inherited a brand-new tv from his
aunt! He was goin’ wild!
the next day his secret crush asked him out, and they
have been going out
ever since.
Now, you heard the stories. I know which person i’d
rather
be, but thats up to you. I wouldn’t wanna end up like
Barbra but thats
only me. We all want what we cant have but now’s ur
chance to go out with
that special somebody ur waiting for. Take it or
leave it. If you send
this to-
1 person- you will lose all luck in ur love
life…..forever!!!!!
10 people- your crush will say they like you as a
friend……ONLY!!!!!
15 people- your crush will say they like you
20 people- your crush will ask you out!
25 people- your crush will kiss you!!
30 people – Your crush will have sex with you
35 people or more- All of the above!!
Don’t blow it, it’s ur chance to shine! Have
everything u wanted, and more! Now, complaining cus u
dont have any
friends. Well theres an answer 4 everything. It’s
simple, just go in a
chat room, pick some names and send away! but here’s
the catch…..you only
have one hour to send it after being read. Please
pass this to everyone
No, partway because of the “new meaning” the flag has taken on in the past years…
The confederate flag isn’t racist, it’s southern pride
Just a little note.
Maybe we’ve forgotten that the real issue wasn’t slave ownership-it was an issue of state’s rights. The South felt that slave ownership should be a matter for each state to decide rather than accept Federal mandate to abolish slavery. Was Lincoln correct to oppose slavery? Of course because it is wrong but the kernel of the argument has been forgotten. The Confederate flag? No, it should be the flag of the Republic, the Stars and Stripes.
Your post made me take a survey of people I associate with on a regular basis out in the “real world”. I’ll break it down in a racial manner. Out of 8 whites/latinos, only one objected. The other 7 felt since it was a historical site, the flag is part of that history. Out of the 8 blacks, only one felt it was racist. The others felt the same as the whites. One went into a long monologue on the Civil War being about so much more than slavery. How can you have a memorial honoring a segment of history without presenting the while picture?
while I don’t agree with the possible meanings behind the flag, the men being remembered there did, and they were Americans. Fly it and if sombody ges offended they can stay home. beacuse in this instance I don’t belive there is anything racist going on.
illinois was never a part of the confederacy so why they would even build a monument up here strikes me as silly. maybe if they build it somewhere in jefferson davis land, it might be ok b/c the civil war was a part of our nation’s history.
I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND ANY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
people just need to lighten up. really
The Civil War was about States’ rights. The South had just cause to rebel. The Confederate flag was not meant to be a symbol of slavery. Society has made it become that, and in light of most people taking everything possible out of context and proportion and being ignorant and all that, the flag shouldn’t be flown. Not because it wouldn’t be right, but because people refuse to understand. This is the society they’ve (we’ve…) made.. let them (us) lie in it.
I guess it is all in the way you look at it. I always took it to be a racist thing but, I had a friend who had one so I asked him why and he said that it was a symbol of all of Americas freedoms. The freedom of speach and to gather together and of all that America has given us. So to him it would be an honor to have it flown. Also if there was a memorial to German soldiers would you fly a German flag yes, so I say why not?
My great great grandfather fought on the confederate side, I think that there should be a monument honoring him and others but i agree there should be no flag.
It seems that people want to forget the past beacuse of things that happend bad things but there is an old saying by the poet and philosopher George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Negative.
I suppose it could be flown. It was their symbol, yet at the same time it is a symbol of hate. It really just depends on who’s perspective you’re looking at it from. It could go both ways. Then again, is it not the flag for South Carolina? I guess it really depends on what people think is socially acceptable. That’s probably what really matters. Personally, I couldn’t care less if it is flown or not. People just need to look the other way and not see it as a symbol of hate, and instead see it as what it is- A memorial for the human beings that died for… their half of the country. I’m going to have to sit and think about that one.
No.
To build such a memorial honoring one side over the other is a divisive act.
Now if Illinois had wanted to commemorate all soldiers who died in the civil war, then that would have been an honorable thing to do.
Wonder if the Nazis are behind it?
L,r
no.
moo cow moo
The Confederate flag was the flag of the farmers, of the agriculturists, of the people of the south who were being oppressed by the industrialization of the north. Slavery was one of just many issues involved in the split between the two halves of our country and it’s not those Confederate soldier’s fault that there is baggage or extra history that is now associated with the flag that they carried to their death, that they fought for til their death. They fought for freedoms and for a country where different occupations still means equal rights and there should be memorials for them representing what they fought for just like there are memorials for all of the soldiers in wars that fought for our country and our freedoms.
If, as I suspect, the banner being disputed is the St. Andrew’s Cross — the battle flag of the valiant Army of Northern Virginia — there are few other symbols of heroism and valiance in the face of overwhelminmg odds. The Confederate national flag (the stars and bars) is a symbol of rebellion. Neither is a symbol of racism, as the war was over states’ rights until 1863.
no most definitely not. the confederates faught 2 keep slavery so of course their flag would show “a symbol of oppression of blacks”. the only flag which should flown on government property is the american flag or state flag,etc
huh?
People argue that these flags should be flown because it is part of their heritage – does that mean that people who were from Nazi Germany should be allowed to paint shwastikas on the side of their house?
NONONONONONONONONONO
And this comes from the mouth of a Southerner!
“Should a Nazi Flag be flown on Italian or German property?”
^ I think that says a lot. On the other hand , it is to honor Confederate soliders, which would make flying that flag appropriate. I kind of disagree with it being publicly funded to begin with.
The Nazi flag and the Stars and Bars stand for two totally different things and as such are not comparable. The Nazi party was founded on the belief that Jews were the problem. The belief that blacks were less than human was prevelant in the North as well as the South but that is not the reason the Confederacy was founded. The Confederacy was founded becasue Lincoln was elected president while not carrying a southern state which lead the south to believe they no longer had any say in national politics. Slavery was a secondary issue when compared to things such as state’s right vs national rights. If you read some of Sen Calhoun’s of South Carolina beliefs on the idea of state nullification you can see where the big issue of the civil war lies. Yes slavery was a big deal and it was wrong but to say the the Stars and Bars is equal to the Nazi flag of Germany is idiotic. Oh and by the way Italy never was under the rule of the Nazi flag the Nazi Flag was Germany’s national flag not the flag of the axis powers
the flag has gained a connotation of being the “rebel flag” so i dont think that it should be on government property even if it doesnt specifically mean oppression or things of that nature. its not the actual meaning of the flag that is the problem, it is what people associate it with that is the problem, besides the confederates lost and the flag does not suit any real purpose, if it were the flag of an actual country maybe, but being that they lost and no longer exist the flag has no purpose. Another issue is the mere fact that it would bring up too much controversy and offend too many people that it really wouldnt be worth the time.
Yes, but the american flag should be flown with it. Like it or not, the civil war was fought in America and the Confederate flag is part of the American history. It may not have been the best time, but it is American just like every other US and state flag. You can’t just get rid of history because people don’t know the history.
the confederate is not a recognized symbol of the black’s oppression. It is mearly thought to be by those who are bitter against the old confederate states. My high school, Robert E. Lee, used to be the reblels, and our school flag was the confederate flag. our flag was not ment to stand for black oppression. it was flown to honor the southern states and the men who died to protect it! Yes
that flag is a symbol of the heritage of america. the civil war was the last major stand that the american people took against their government until a certain martin luther king jr. came along. i believe that it should be allowed to be flown, and it should be flown proudly.
I don’t think it really matters, except for thost to whom it really matters. So, since this is a republic, the majority rules – do what the majority feels is best.
No. Should we fly a Nazi flag over German soldiers? Of course the example isn’t perfect, but the idea is what I am refering to. It was a group that went to war with the United States (granted, they were also a part of the United States). The Confederate flag stood in contrast to the US flag.
I think that it all depends on the reason the gov wants to put it up. If they want to put it up, just because they admire it’s historical value or they are proud of ancestors fighting in the war, then everyone needs to get a life. Not everyone who likes that flag is racist.BUT, if their intentions ARE rascist, then screw them. that’s MY opinion.
~Ashley
No. Should we fly a Nazi flag over German soldiers? Of course the example isn’t perfect, but the idea is what I am refering to. It was a group that went to war with the United States (granted, they were also a part of the United States). The Confederate flag stood in contrast to the US flag.
The Confederacy was the last stand of Federalism against the centrist and socialist forces of the left. The Confederate flag is a symbol of freedom and bravery.
Also, the US attacked the Confederacy (Lncoln declared war by sending ships into Charleston harbour).
the confederate flag is a part of our heritage, of our nation’s history. i mean, it’s a part of the state flags of several southern states… so in a way, wherever those flags fly the confederate flag is flying. so it would seem that as part of a memorial honoring those soldiers, it would be ok…
Of course if should be flown, it is part of HISTORY. That is one of the problems with this nation, special interest groups are trying to destroy or change the history of this nation.
Posted 1/15/2006 at 2:01 PM by lead_mare
I don’t think they are trying to change history. They are trying to stop people from glorifying an EVIL part of history–and to keep history from repeating itself–or continuing to oppress people who’ve suffered long enough.
Yukon 87 is the only one on this site that actually has any real understanding of the civil war. For people to think that the conferate flag represents the oppression of blacks only shows how many people have been educationally oppressed. For that reason (the ignorance of the american people) I wouldn’t fly the flag for the sake of peace.
The Confederacy was the last stand of Federalism against the centrist and socialist forces of the left. The Confederate flag is a symbol of freedom and bravery.
Also, the US attacked the Confederacy (Lncoln declared war by sending ships into Charleston harbour).
Posted 1/16/2006 at 6:29 PM by Paleocon_Libertarian
You are scary.
Do not breed.
I would say that they should (and do, as far as I know) have the _right_ to fly the confederate flag…however, I think that morally, they shouldn’t, as, like the swastika, it is a symbol of racism and oppression.
So, legally, yes, the should be allowed to, but morally, no, they shouldn’t.
{pax discordia}
The confederate flag was a symbol of oppression, but now the confederate flag is part of the south’s heritage.
lol a 15 yera old is about to make all of you feel stupid. it symolyses freedom and rebellion lincol didnt care about the slaves he freed them to gain more support from northerners and the american flag symbolyses slavery. notice he 13 stripes….. they reprisent the 13 original colonies so stfu calling it racist when the national flag is more racist 10 fold
DO THIS ITS SOO FREAKY
thursday october 6, 2005
here just do it
Body: most people aren’t sure of what they really want in life. I
received this
letter from a friend on the computer, did what it told me to, and
within a
week, everything I had wished came true!! Here’s an exact copy,
this
really
works!!!!
*************************************************************
1. To yourself, say the name of the only
guy or girl you wanna be with 3
times!
*************************************************************
2. Think of something you wanna accomplish
within the next week and say it to your self
6
times!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3. If you had 1 wish what would it be? say it to
yourself 9 times!!!
———————————————————————–
4. Think of something that you want to happen
between you and that 1special person and say
it to your self 12
times!!!
——————————————————————–
5. Now, heres the hard part! Pick only 1 of these wishes and as
you scroll down focus and
concentrate on it and think on nothing
else but that wish.
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
*
*
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
Now make one last &final wish about that one wish
that you picked.
After reading this, you have 1 hour to send it out to 15 people,
and what
you wished for will come true within in one week!
u only get one chance!!!!! Now scroll down and think of your
crush!!!
Keep going
down
Keep going
Keep
going
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you think of your crush? I hope so, that was
your last chance. Now pay very close attention this important
message!
Sorry but once read, must be sent. Yes, this is one of those kinda
chain
letters that everyone hates. This one has been going since 1863
and
if you
break this chain, you will pay!!!!!! Remember that after hearing
these
stories.
First Example:
Take Barbra Wallace.. She was a pretty lucky girl,
up till she got this same chain letter. She had a crush on the same
kid
since kindergarden. when she got this mail she didn’t pay any
attention to
it. She just thought, no big deal. And deleted it. The next day her
dad
got fired and her mom dies in a car crash. If she would have sent
the
letter none of that would have happened and her mom
would be alive.
Second Example:
Try Freddie D. Now Freddie D. was your average
nerd. Had glasses, was short and chubby, was in gifted. All the
signs of
your total dork. He also received this letter and sent it to 51
people in
the hour. Now, like Barbra, he had a crush on a girl since 3rd
grade. The
next day after sending the chain the girl confessed her love for
him ever
since 3rd grade. Freddie D. finally had the courage to ask her out,
and of
course, she had been waiting to yes to that for years. They grew
up
and
married each other to live happily forever.
Third Example:
Now if you couldn’t relate to the others, this’ll
get ya hooked. Listen to this. A kid named Jordan Johnson was just
getting on AOL to check his mail. He was a quiet kid, not that
popular but
not a geek either. he was just normal. He saw he had mail from his
friend. It was this exact letter. Now Jordan Johnsen was a smart
kid and
he knew what could happen if he didnt pass it on. He simply pulled
a few
friends from his buddy list and sent it along. The next day,
about
that
same time, he got a phone call. It said he had won the lottery!
then his
dad came home and bought him a new bike! His mom bought him
Nintendo64 and
play station! His grandmother sent him a new computer, and his best
friend
gave him tickets to the concert he wanted to go to, Kid Rock and
Limp
Bizkit! Then he inherited a brand-new tv from his aunt! He was
goin’ wild!
the next day his secret crush asked him out, and they have been
going out
ever since.
Now, you heard the stories. I know
which person i’d rather
be, but thats up to you. I wouldn’t wanna end up like Barbra but
thats
only me. We all want what we cant have but now’s ur chance to go
out with
that special somebody ur waiting for. Take it or leave it. If you
send
this to-
1 person- you will lose all luck in ur love
life…..forever!!!!!
10 people- your crush will say they like you as a
friend……ONLY!!!!!
15 people- your crush will say they like you
20 people- your crush will ask you out!
25 people- your crush will kiss you!!
30 people – Your crush
will have sex with you
35 people or more- All of the above!!
Don’t blow it, it’s ur chance to shine! Have
everything u wanted, and more! Now, complaining cus u dont have any
friends. Well theres an answer 4 everything. It’s simple, just go
in a
chat room, pick some names and send away! but here’s the
catch…..you only
have one hour to send it after being read. Please pass this to
everyone you.. know
THE LOVE/BOYFRIENDS & GIRLFRIENDTEST
Only if an American flag was there too.
No.
No, when I think of the confederate flag I think of rebellion and white trash people who hate blacks.
alright, this to my oppinion is what i have collected from some of the comments left by others
1-no, because i don’t like it
2-no, because i believe it was an oppression for the minorities of a certain time
3-no, because it involves racism
4-no, because it involves rebellion
5-no, because it’s government funded (having to do with the rebellion of states)
6-no, because it would be as if we flew the swasticka in front of the Jews, or any other country, race, nationality, heritage, e.t.c. (rather because of the genocide performed by Hitler, and many others)
now I don’t believe that i’ve heard many say yes, but i’ve heard ones that don’t speak of whether or not they think its right, they speak of whether the facts that others use to say no are correct, these are very intelligent answers, and actually go with history, such as yukon87 states that there are more facts to the civil war than just the opression and slavery of african americans, such as states rights, and that Lincoln came to office, the south said if a republican came in to office they would succeed. now i think there are certain answers to what others have said to make what they said not disregarded but considered to not have as much meaning as they did before.
1. this does not present any facts to the issue, but I respect your oppinion.
2. it was not the only issue of the time, and saying this may hurt, but it wasn’t considered the most important, no matter how inhumane it was, (disclaimer, i’m not saying that the opression of any human being, or likeness, or genocides are in any way right.)
3. both the north and the south dealt with racism, and still do to this day, it has been a thing of history, so i’m sure it will always be, we all have our faults, if you can’t realize you are imperfect you will never grow
4. The U.S. flag deals a great bit of rebellion, does that mean the U.K. shouldn’t talk to the U.S.
5.are we not willing to learn as much as we can about our mistakes? if its government funded then i’m sure they’ll do what is just (disclaimer, i’m not saying that the government is perfect, or imperfect)
6. although this could be true, slavery was not the only issue addressed by the confederates (i.e. yukon87′s statements)
With all this being said I don’t believe any of the no’s truely answer the question of why it shouldn’t be. (even though there wasn’t a question of that, it was a simple, do you believe that a confederate flag should be flown on government property?) I think that
a. it is a part of our history we should learn from it
b. we are honoring those who fought for what they believed in just like we honor those who fought during the revolutionary war.
c. government funding (i don’t know enough about to make any statements, but i would suppose out of logic that it should fund us for general education, for past and future.)
d. I think the real reason it shouldn’t be flown is because it is on government property and it represents something other than the american flag, it would be to look as if we still supported the rebellion, yet the north won so therefore we should fly the american flag also, i believe that it could/should be flown on american soil if it was in a re-inactment.
I’m sorry if I offended anyone by anything I said or if my beliefs are not founded upon facts.
(disclaimer, I’m not saying i tried to offend anyone)
haha
I feel as though in this case, it is all right to fly the confederate flag. To honor those brave confederate soldiers who died in the civil war. I think that they would want the confederate flag to fly there.
Tom
Why are they building a memorial to honor a bunch of traitors? If you’re going to build a memorial to honor traitors you might as well commemorate the fact that they were racist and inhumane as well. It sounds to me like the whole project is a chasing after the wind. Truly it must be a fallen world.
Well when talking about traitors one must realise that this country would not be here if it were not for one Bennedict Arnold. He is seen as the ultimate tratitor to people in the US but if he wouldnt have won in Saratoga the US would not be a nation. So remember Washington and Jefferson were traitors to the British Gandi was a traitor to the Brittish. Martin Luther was a traitor to the Catholic church. These so called traitors brought about change in the establishment that was necessary. One persons traitor is another persons truth seeker or freedom fighter.
Well the people in the North weren’t exactly rooting for little mixed babies to come waddling down their street. The confederate flag was more Southern Pride then a racist symbol. But I agree that a lot of baggage has been thrown together with it. I believe that if the community voted however, they should be allowed to put up the flag if they voted to do so as long as there was proper advertisement of the meeting.
If they wish to live in the past. Who are we to stop them?
I think I feel kind of jaded on this subject though. The only racism people in this country seem to focus on is whites against blacks. Having some Middle Eastern decent I tend to feel the brunt of a lot of hostility these days.
I do believe remembering is quite different then practicing though.
As for this whole “But it’s rebellion” thing.
Um… The entire United States is based on people rebelling on an idea they disagreed with.
I think that the people who created this country would be sad to think that people of today would go with whatever the government said no matter what their personal beliefs.
If men fought and died for what the flag stood for,
then let them be burried under its shaddow.
It is the Dead-mans choosing.
What is the symbol that you want for your life?
-Brent
i guess it can
It is a symbol and part of American history, it should not be suppressed, rather, understood, fully, by ALL. Some would say Northern states are a great deal MORE racist than southern states, because in the south racial slurs are used openly, as is hostility displayed, but again, we only notice the exception. In the north, such behavior is suppressed, and festers, more like an infection in my opinion. Try bringing an upper east sider to the south bronx in NYC! Or more thought provoking, as I somewhat remember Malcom X talking about, “do gooding whites”! Could be wrong about the source of that name. I know a woman who runs a homeless shelter for battered women, ALL minorities. She is white. In exchange for housing, they are told what they can and cannot wear inside the shelter amongst MANY other personal freedoms given up in exchange for housing and support. To keep the peace, to create patterns of positive behavior or to satisfy one woman’s obsessive need for absolute control over others? I often wonder… Hows THAT for philanthropy?