For starters, the flag I see flying over the capital grounds of South Carolina isn’t THE Confederate flag. Having said that, it doesn’t really matter.
I have not one problem with any southern state incorporating its history during the Civil War within its current state flag. That part of history clearly impacted that state. What most of us do object to is flying the lone flag thought of as the “Rebel Flag,” standing beside the state flag and the United States flag. I simply do not see why it is necessary. It just looks redneck.
What I did not realize is that flag wasn’t flown in South Carolina until the 60’s as a symbol against integration and the Civil Rights movement. This display of the “Rebel Flag” is not time-honored tradition. It appears to be an open “in-your-face” display of defiance and intolerance.
I don’t think this is the time to make any changes, however. The “Rebel Flag” was no more cause of the Charleston Massacre than the Rising Sun was the cause of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Change needs to come to South Carolina because it is time. That flag has been hi-jacked and used outside its historical context. It has been to reinforce and prop up the notion of racial superiority and power. I would have no problem if the flag was in some way supporting history and used in that context. It is not. The history and culture excuse is pure bull crap.
The change needs to come from the South Carolina General Assembly. They need to retire that display once and for all and get on with life.
