World's biggest Confederate flag

[30A Skunkape]

Nope, it will not be found at a flea market in Georgia:roll:
Say hello to the biggest eyesore on one of the tackiest stretches of Interstate out there. http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article551722.ece?75

[jdarg]

:floor::floor:

[greenroomsurfer]

Can Ya Say Palatka? Husker du Husker don't. May be we can truck all the abandoned beach crap an dump it there!!

[Bob]

that would be the perfect spot to sell fireworks....Southerners like things blowed up!

[Gypsea]

:floor:Good idea Bob!

[Tootsie]

:yikes:

that's all I'm saying about that.

[30A Skunkape]

Here is a story that isn't surprising per se except for the location. See if you can figure out where these kids go to school (it isn't anywhere near the Mason Dixon Line)http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513203

[Bob]

the young'en holding the flag had a great amount of skin on his head.....skinhayd!

[sowalgayboi]

Here is a story that isn't surprising per se except for the location. See if you can figure out where these kids go to school (it isn't anywhere near the Mason Dixon Line)http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513203

Unfortunately bigots and racists don't have specific geographic locations. They are in the midwest and lord knows where there's meth there's skinheads.

[30ABandMan]

You don't have to travel that far to see the same kind of display. There is one on I-65 South of Birmingham sponsored by a similar group.

[InletBchDweller]

Unfortunately bigots and racists don't have specific geographic locations. They are in the midwest and lord knows where there's meth there's skinheads.
so are you saying that anyone who displays the Confederate flag is a bigot or is racist???
You don't have to travel that far to see the same kind of display. There is one on I-65 South of Birmingham sponsored by a similar group.
There is also a large one just west of Mobile

[Tootsie]

You don't have to travel that far to see the same kind of display. There is one on I-65 South of Birmingham sponsored by a similar group.

yes, I have passed by it many times. I thought it was an alabama thing, but I guess not anymore. perhaps I am a yankee at heart. but I just don't know what to say or do about such symbolic things in the south so I just pretend I don't see them. no need for comment. just "hey, did you see that big ole cow patty?".

[cp]

Here is a story that isn't surprising per se except for the location. See if you can figure out where these kids go to school (it isn't anywhere near the Mason Dixon Line)http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513203
dang, I bet half or more of the senior class of Florence High School would have not gotten to march!:floor:As ya'll know we had a huge deal on our hands back in 2000 when they were trying to decide whether to redesign our state flag (it has a confederate flag as part of the design) .At the end of the day,the flag was not changed. I've never seen so many state flags flying. My ex (the goat man) had one.He's gone now and so is the flag...
this probably should go on another thread,but why is that meth stuff such a redneck drug of choice.?

[cp]

But to me the flag has nothing to do with race!! Hail around here we still relic hunt for mini balls,belt buckels etc and probe for bottles etc.The confederate ones have 10 times more value than yankee onesbecause of the fact the south had so few of everything.

[sowalgayboi]

so are you saying that anyone who displays the Confederate flag is a bigot or is racist???

No, but Minnesota isn't exactly dixie either. I was just saying that if your flying it that far north your probably not doing it for heritage reasons.

[jdarg]

yes, I have passed by it many times. I thought it was an alabama thing, but I guess not anymore. perhaps I am a yankee at heart. but I just don't know what to say or do about such symbolic things in the south so I just pretend I don't see them. no need for comment. just "hey, did you see that big ole cow patty?".

COW PATTY!!!

[Tootsie]

COW PATTY!!!

yep. its the new slang. lots of meanings. actually it means whatever you want it to mean.

"oh, you are such a cow patty!"
"her hair looks like a cow patty!"

"that flag is flying over about 450 fresh cow patties".

"let's put a cowpatty on skunky's doorstep tonight...":funn:

[seagrovegirl]

You don't have to travel that far to see the same kind of display. There is one on I-65 South of Birmingham sponsored by a similar group.

That would be the Sons of the Confederacy.........BIG flag flying next to I65.

[seagrovegirl]

Not into the flag...but don't tell my hubby or his family...them is fighten' words.............

[Bob]

when you lose..you stay pissed off, ask the Irish....or anyone in my family!

[seagrovegirl]

Did I mention he is full blown Irish too!!!

[ameliaj]

Here is a story that isn't surprising per se except for the location. See if you can figure out where these kids go to school (it isn't anywhere near the Mason Dixon Line)http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513203

I guessed right:lolabove:. Mr. A and I saw an almost identical truck complete with flag flying from the bed and a big old Minnesota tag during 2007 spring break. They were pulling into Sharky'sin PCB. We sure did a double-take.

[scooterbug44]

so are you saying that anyone who displays the Confederate flag is a bigot or is racist???


No, but there are MANY who unfortunately choose to display it for those reasons, so my first thought when I see that flag isn't that someone is full of pride, but hatred.

[jdarg]

Ans thank you Skunky for causing trouble- you knew exactly what you were doing when you started this thread!

I guess grossing me out entertains you!;-)

[Tootsie]

have we not discussed this before. like just recently? I mean, Miss Kitty told a story about her highschool being the rebels and carrying a huge conf. flag down the football field, etc. BR had a confederate flag beach towel (who didn't?). and Beauregard (bios) has a confederate flag bedspread with matching curtains.

[aleonard]

have we not discussed this before. like just recently? I mean, Miss Kitty told a story about her highschool being the rebels and carrying a huge conf. flag down the football field, etc. BR had a confederate flag beach towel (who didn't?). and Beauregard (bios) has a confederate flag bedspread with matching curtains.


That was the Confederate car tag thread.:blink:

[Tootsie]

That was the Confederate car tag thread.:blink:

yes it was! order yours now! :lol:

[aleonard]

yes it was! order yours now! :lol:

No thanks. I took the test in the lounge and just discovered I'm not white:cool:

[30A Skunkape]

Ans thank you Skunky for causing trouble- you knew exactly what you were doing when you started this thread!

I guess grossing me out entertains you!;-)

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/innocent/innocent0007.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net)

[BeachSiO2]

have we not discussed this before. like just recently? I mean, Miss Kitty told a story about her highschool being the rebels and carrying a huge conf. flag down the football field, etc. BR had a confederate flag beach towel (who didn't?). and Beauregard (bios) has a confederate flag bedspread with matching curtains.


Shhhhhhhhhhhhh :biggrin:

[rapunzel]

this probably should go on another thread,but why is that meth stuff such a redneck drug of choice.?

Because they're too prejudiced to use good old fashioned crack...

[organicmama]

The biggest rebel flag I've ever seen used to hang from a frat house at UGA. It was flat out obnoxious. Of course, the greeks are very segregated at UGA and it started a whole diversity peer education program, which I got to be a part of and it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life, besides being a parent.

Back to the flag.... It used to piss me off. We all had the rebel flag floats as kids. I didn't know the difference. All I knew was Bo & Luke Duke regarding the flag. When I started "changing" & having multicultural friends, my dad got very angry. Long story short, the rebel flag crap my brother had was cool in our home & my yin-yang t-shirts about multiculturalism weren't. Nor was the fact that I was a vegetarian, hippie, promoting diversity on a predominately white campus....:idontno::biggrin:

Today, the flag doesn't really bother me. I can take it with a grain of salt. The attitudes behind the flag, be them just normal people or people that hate others, makes all the difference. You don't have to carry a rebel flag to have a closed mind, nor do all those that have the flag have a closed mind, either.

The only bumper sticker that blew me away a couple of weeks ago was one that said in red, white and blue:
WORK
A white man's value

That one got me. I wanted to pull over and slap the dude driving the truck that had it in it's back window. But then I saw he was a little old guy and I think his buddy sitting next to him in his little truck wasn't white. If he was, he was the tannest white guy I've ever seen in my life. It ended up cracking me up at the same time.

Honestly, to me, making a big deal about the flag only gives the drama behind it some steam. Live & let live is my motto, which is why I have bumper stickers but not ones that deal with religion, politics or race issues on our cars. I don't want some road raged idiot to shoot my butt because I posted those opinions on the outside of my vehicles.

[Tootsie]

Today, the flag doesn't really bother me. I can take it with a grain of salt. The attitudes behind the flag, be them just normal people or people that hate others, makes all the difference. You don't have to carry a rebel flag to have a closed mind, nor do all those that have the flag have a closed mind, either.

Honestly, to me, making a big deal about the flag only gives the drama behind it some steam. Live & let live is my motto,...


OM - as usual, you have put my exact feelings on the issue into perfect words. thanks.

I do not like the flag hanging publicly as big as you please, but if it makes people happy, well then, fine. I realize it has historical meaning but it has other meanings and uses as well that have nothing to do with anything good, imo. also I know for a fact that at least half the southern rednecks who put in on their trucks have not one clue about what it means. its just a good ole boy symbol for them. and I really do not like what my mind automatically thinks about a person when they do fly it.. my own pre-conceived notions about that person are not right. in fact, they are very specific and narrow. so, I am the one who needs to do better, not them.

bottom line. fly it if you like it.

[cp]

I pretty much agree with the last 2 post. Most of the kids that ride around with it on the back window probably couldn't tell you 2 correct points about the flag. This flag only flew 4 or 5 years out of our 225+years as a young nation.
It is a part of the southern states' (that succeeded from the union )history .But that's exactly what it is history!
One reason so many people hang on to cival war history here in ms is we have so many battle grounds and they aren't all parks so the history is there for the digging (with landowners permission)I personally have sold a CSA belt buckel that was off a dress uniform for quite a bit,but I wish I hadn't let it go.It was dug in the median of theI 20 on a Sunday picnic and diggging adventure.
just my 2 cents

[jdarg]

OM - as usual, you have put my exact feelings on the issue into perfect words. thanks.

I do not like the flag hanging publicly as big as you please, but if it makes people happy, well then, fine. I realize it has historical meaning but it has other meanings and uses as well that have nothing to do with anything good, imo. also I know for a fact that at least half the southern rednecks who put in on their trucks have not one clue about what it means. its just a good ole boy symbol for them. and I really do not like what my mind automatically thinks about a person when they do fly it.. my own pre-conceived notions about that person are not right. in fact, they are very specific and narrow. so, I am the one who needs to do better, not them.

bottom line. fly it if you like it.

And this last line says everything about the person that does fly it.

[Tootsie]

And this last line says everything about the person that does fly it.

well, maybe. I'm trying not to make that judgement, remember? I really don't know what it says about a person. I may think I know. the word racist may flicker across my brain in big bold letters - all caps. I would be wrong in making that assumption, at least in many cases. I would be just as narrow in my thinking as I say they are, or worse... confederate flag flyers have many reasons, including the fact that it represents pride in their southern heritage. it may mean something very good to them. In fact, my thinking, after hearing from so many on this board, is that it is rarely used to symbolize anything else.. I am glad to come to understand this subject better.:wave: not that I am ordering a flag anytime soon. what would be cool to see is an obama08 sticker on a truck with the conf flag. I would have to take a picture and post it here.

[InletBchDweller]

No, but Minnesota isn't exactly dixie either. I was just saying that if your flying it that far north your probably not doing it for heritage reasons. ok, thanks

No, but there are MANY who unfortunately choose to display it for those reasons, so my first thought when I see that flag isn't that someone is full of pride, but hatred.
well dont judge a book by its cover.

I have seen some bumper stickers lately that dont have the "flag" on it but they make me think "dumb @ss" or something else. From reading the last few posts on this board I now know that I need to just get over it and let them stick what they want- be it rebel flag, a peace sign, W sticker, a village in Texas is missing their idiot, and so on and so forth. :wave:

[Bob]

i'm thinking all our postings and rantings are cyber-bumper stickers....dude!

[InletBchDweller]

i'm thinking all our postings and rantings are cyber-bumper stickers....dude!:biggrin:

[Johnrudy]

So there are those who still equate the Confederate flag with bigotry, prejudice, & hatred? I thought that mindset was long gone. Seriously.
.

[InletBchDweller]

So there are those who still equate the Confederate flag with bigotry, prejudice, & hatred? I thought that mindset was long gone. Seriously.
.

:lol: that is why my confederate flag sticker says "I'm offended that your offended" I had to get it at the peanut festival with some other good stuff...:biggrin:

[Johnrudy]

:lol: that is why my confederate flag sticker says "I'm offended that your offended" I had to get it at the peanut festival with some other good stuff...:biggrin:
I have been to that very same peanut festival many times, hundred's of years ago! :clap:

[Tootsie]

So there are those who still equate the Confederate flag with bigotry, prejudice, & hatred? I thought that mindset was long gone. Seriously.
.

hey JR - I hear ya, but yes, the flag is symbolic of many things in southern history and culture (some of it ain't pretty since the flag itself was used in protests and demonstrations by the klan, etc). you've seen other threads on this subject and people feel very strongly on all sides. it is what it is.

I still say that the flag is offensive to some minorities who have suffered racism in this country. the flag DOES represent hate and bigotry and always will, imo. but, the flag was never intended to represent racism so it isn't a FAIR association (though the flag was used by racists in their demonstrations for years. also, some still embrace it for racist reasons no doubt). Maybe the hate and racism associated with the flag will fade away. I do hope so.

I would not be caught dead with any symbol on my car that could and would insult a minority who has suffered racism in this country. I could not do it. but, that's my feeling and my choice. its important to me just as its important to those who feel that the confederate flag must be preserved in all its glory.

[Minnie]

i'm thinking all our postings and rantings are cyber-bumper stickers....dude!

speaking of bumper stickers, I saw a funny t-shirt on a biker dude, on the back of his shirt it said, "if you can read this, I guess the biotch fell off" :floor:

I have no idea why, but it just really made me laugh.

[Tootsie]

speaking of bumper stickers, I saw a funny t-shirt on a biker dude, on the back of his shirt it said, "if you can read this, I guess the biotch fell off" :floor:

I have no idea why, but it just really made me laugh.


because that is funny as hail!!!!!!! :lolabove: I would have screamed laughing!!! heck, I am screaming my head off right now!!! :clap:

[InletBchDweller]

speaking of bumper stickers, I saw a funny t-shirt on a biker dude, on the back of his shirt it said, "if you can read this, I guess the biotch fell off" :floor:

I have no idea why, but it just really made me laugh.

:lol: good one Minnie, I bet he makes many people laugh when he rides and wears that one.

[sowalgayboi]

well dont judge a book by its cover.

I have seen some bumper stickers lately that dont have the "flag" on it but they make me think "dumb @ss" or something else. From reading the last few posts on this board I now know that I need to just get over it and let them stick what they want- be it rebel flag, a peace sign, W sticker, a village in Texas is missing their idiot, and so on and so forth. :wave:

None of those are nearly as bad as "Hillary '08" :floor::funn::biggrin:

speaking of bumper stickers, I saw a funny t-shirt on a biker dude, on the back of his shirt it said, "if you can read this, I guess the biotch fell off" :floor:

I have no idea why, but it just really made me laugh.

There's another shirt too, it says "This biotch doesn't fall off".

[rapunzel]

Does live and let live, don't judge the symbol go for swastikas as well? A noose?


My question is this -- what are you saying with the use of the Confederate flag as a symbol? If I'm judging you for not respecting what that flag represents for some people, and choosing to stick it in their face as though your opinions are more important than theirs -- what is it I'm missing? Please someone, teach me what is so important and so sacred about this symbol and the people who love it so much they must risk hurting others to display it.

[scooterbug44]

So there are those who still equate the Confederate flag with bigotry, prejudice, & hatred? I thought that mindset was long gone. Seriously.

Seriously, that "mindset" is NOT long gone. Probably because there are a lot of racist and hate filled vermin waving that flag!

[TooFarTampa]

So there are those who still equate the Confederate flag with bigotry, prejudice, & hatred? I thought that mindset was long gone. Seriously.
.

Hello from the land of the giant Rebel flag. :wave: (or is it battle flag? I'm not sure even the flyer of the flag knows which is the "right" Confederate flag to fly, as there appears to be some controversy about this among the amateur historians and prideful Southerners. Don't ask me. I am related to Stonewall Jackson, but my ancestors fought on both sides.)

Not to single out your post, JR, but it got me to thinking for a couple of days. And I'm pretty sure that unless I'm out of touch, the answer is no. The mindset is not gone, not even close.

I am not accusing any particular flag flyer of any particular racist or bigoted views, but I do know a couple of guy friends about my age who, as teenagers and young college students, had so-called Rebel flags up in their dorm room. They pretty much grew up in a mildly racist, generally Southern environment, where black people were maids and lawn people and any black person who got on TV and comported himself (or herself) well was marveled at for being "articulate." The Rebel flag was a symbol of something probably very unpleasant, though a love for Bo and Luke Duke probably had a little bit to do with it too. Anyway, it was hung proudly.

So now these guys are grown up. The flag is long gone and they are well acquainted with diversity, and in their minds, the flying of this giant flag is ... disgusting. Embarrassing. You name it.

It is obvious to me that not everyone is flying this flag is doing it for purely historic reasons. So no, the mindset is not gone.

Here's what I think is reasonable if the daughters and sons of the Confederacy want to take back the flag that has been clearly misappropriated. They ought to wait about 10 years, until MLK has been gone for about 50 -- because you know it takes at least two generations to "get over" things like lynchings, mobs and assassinations -- then mount a massive, honest PR campaign in hopes of restoring whatever the original meaning of the flag was. (Again, what it is I'm not exactly sure, but there are a lot of people really passionate about it so there must be something to it.)

By honest I mean admit that the flag has been compromised, denounce these alternate meanings, and then let everyone know why they think it is so important. Then ... maybe ... MAYBE ... the mindset referred to by JR will slowly disappear.

I just don't see this happening, however. It is known as the "Rebel" flag you know. I don't know that its supporters would be up for a PR campaign. But it might be the only thing that works, IMO.

[LuciferSam]

Does live and let live, don't judge the symbol go for swastikas as well? A noose?


My question is this -- what are you saying with the use of the Confederate flag as a symbol? If I'm judging you for not respecting what that flag represents for some people, and choosing to stick it in their face as though your opinions are more important than theirs -- what is it I'm missing? Please someone, teach me what is so important and so sacred about this symbol and the people who love it so much they must risk hurting others to display it.

Apparently there are a few early 20th century buildings in the U.S. where the swastika remains for historical purposes. There are also efforts to remove them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_use_of_the_Swastika_in_the_early_20th_cent ury

[sowalgayboi]

Does live and let live, don't judge the symbol go for swastikas as well? A noose?


My question is this -- what are you saying with the use of the Confederate flag as a symbol? If I'm judging you for not respecting what that flag represents for some people, and choosing to stick it in their face as though your opinions are more important than theirs -- what is it I'm missing? Please someone, teach me what is so important and so sacred about this symbol and the people who love it so much they must risk hurting others to display it.

Apparently there are a few early 20th century buildings in the U.S. where the swastika remains for historical purposes. There are also efforts to remove them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_use_of_the_Swastika_in_the_early_20th_cent ury

I don't think that the swastika is a fair comparison here. The swastika existed prior to the Nazi's turning it into the universal hate symbol it is today. So there is some historical context for using it. The confederate flag was created as a symbol by the southern states. There may be a small group in Germany that feel the swastika has some historical/heritage like symbolism, but they are skinheads. Most Germans would gladly never see one again. The swastika during the Nazi era was a very clear symbol against anyone that didn't fit into the Nazi definition of worth while human being. The confederate flag was used to diferentiate the southern states from the northern states and as we all know the civil war was not just about slavery, but in fact a very small part of the overall issues.

[scooterbug44]

I think the swastika is a great comparison - it had a historic/cultural meaning, then was adopted as a symbol of hatred, so people don't want it displayed because it is offensive.

[JustaLocal]

I'm just glad that people can display things others find offensive without somebody feeling they need to attack Embassies in protest.

[Tootsie]

justalocal - your above post is the most wonderful post I have seen all day long. flying a flag of any kind is our right here in usa. we may not like seeing some of those signs and symbols on houses, cars, tshirts, and some of them may offend or hurt us, but. that person has a right to expression of heritage and/or culture.

but, as I keep saying, I would never fly a confederate flag because I would never want to hurt another by doing so.. and it certainly would offend and hurt others. (just want to make sure you all don't get the wrong idea when I say people should wave their confederate flags all day long).

[sowalgayboi]

justalocal - your above post is the most wonderful post I have seen all day long. flying a flag of any kind is our right here in usa. we may not like seeing signs and symbols on houses, cars, tshirts, and some of it may even be very hurtful to us, but. that person has a right to expression of heritage and/or culture.

Just so long as it doesn't disrupt flight paths. ;-)

[LuciferSam]

I don't think that the swastika is a fair comparison here. The swastika existed prior to the Nazi's turning it into the universal hate symbol it is today. So there is some historical context for using it. The confederate flag was created as a symbol by the southern states. There may be a small group in Germany that feel the swastika has some historical/heritage like symbolism, but they are skinheads. Most Germans would gladly never see one again. The swastika during the Nazi era was a very clear symbol against anyone that didn't fit into the Nazi definition of worth while human being. The confederate flag was used to diferentiate the southern states from the northern states and as we all know the civil war was not just about slavery, but in fact a very small part of the overall issues.

Then it sounds to me like the origins of the confederate flag are based on promoting divisions among people.

[JustaLocal]

as I keep saying, I would never fly a confederate flag because I would never want to hurt another by doing so.. and it certainly would offend and hurt others. (just want to make sure you all don't get the wrong idea when I say people should wave their confederate flags all day long).

I wouldn't either, and for the same reason.

[jdarg]

I wouldn't either, and for the same reason.

Me three.

[rapunzel]

Granted, people can wave the flag all day long. It's their choice and their right.

When I see a Confederate flag on a car, I get the same feeling I get when I glance over and see someone picking their nose and eating the nugget. Revulsion.

As for the mindset, I've known a few people who showed a passion for that flag, and they were the same people I had to have that awkward "please don't use the n-word around me" conversation with...

[Minnie]

Then it sounds to me like the origins of the confederate flag are based on promoting divisions among people.

Much like the American flag was. :idontno:

[rapunzel]

Much like the American flag was. :idontno:

How so?

[Johnrudy]

Wow, I just glanced back to this thread after a day or 2. All these posts makes me think I should seriously reconsider sending my son south to college.

Nah, I won't do that. Because he's been taught differently. I will have to "warn" him on just a few points made in this thread, but certainly not all of it (mainly to be respectful of anyone's choice to fly the Confederate flag or not).

As toofartampa stated, it will take another generation and we're almost there.



And as far as the n-word? I swear to God I haven't heard that used in YEARS and Years!! I'll admit, I'm way off the mark then, as far as this thread goes. I'm just not around it, thankfully. It would be hard to take on an regular basis.
.

[Minnie]

I respect the fact that the Confederate flag offends some and for that reason as Tootsie stated, I also would never publically display one, unless participating in a historical event.

However the flag itself is not the problem, the problem is the use of it for self serving purposes.

It can be used in a non racist, historical aspect. And those that respect that usage, despise the abuse of it for hate filled activities as much as anyone, probably more. Nothing is more upsetting to me than anything associated with the KKK, but they also hid behind white sheets and burned crosses which to me, both were more traumatic that the use of the flag.

No one would ever say that crosses and white sheets only represent racism, therefore the flag should not be seen only in that aspect either.

It offends me when it used to promote hatred, fear or racism. Just as the American flag offends many in this day and time, I would not want anyone to judge all of us based on those feelings.

The American flag represented this nation when this nation seperated itself for many reasons from England. The American flag also flew over every slave ship that sailed, and all were owned by rich Northern business men. Only a very small percentage of Southerners owned slaves, less than 10%, but yet many fought for the Confederacy during the War. So there is much more to the War than slavery and the flag. Which actually is a Battle flag and not a official flag of the Confederate states.

There is a tremendous history to the Confederate flag and sadly only the assocation of it in a horrible way is remembered by most.

I sure many racist skinheads drive trucks but none of us would label all truck drivers racist, or hate mongers.

I am sure somewhere there are racists that wear Prada.

I do agree that making it larger than some buildings is just making the situation worse and most Southern historians will agree.

[scooterbug44]

JR - The South doesn't have the monopoly on racism. I had experiences w/ active KKK, confederate flags, and excessive use of the "n" word far North of the Mason-Dixon line!

[Johnrudy]

JR - The South doesn't have the monopoly on racism. I had experiences w/ active KKK, confederate flags, and excessive use of the "n" word far North of the Mason-Dixon line!
well, it sure appears to be much more so from what I've read here on this thread, no?

[LuciferSam]

Much like the American flag was. :idontno:

I agree to some extent. In order to define yourself as a country, you have to set yourself apart from other nations. I think our forefathers did this very intelligently, but not without making some mistakes.

[Minnie]

I agree to some extent. In order to define yourself as a country, you have to set yourself apart from other nations. I think our forefathers did this very intelligently, but not without making some mistakes.

Totally agree.

[30A Skunkape]

Wow, I just glanced back to this thread after a day or 2. All these posts makes me think I should seriously reconsider sending my son south to college.

Nah, I won't do that. Because he's been taught differently. I will have to "warn" him on just a few points made in this thread, but certainly not all of it (mainly to be respectful of anyone's choice to fly the Confederate flag or not).

As toofartampa stated, it will take another generation and we're almost there.

And as far as the n-word? I swear to God I haven't heard that used in YEARS and Years!! I'll admit, I'm way off the mark then, as far as this thread goes. I'm just not around it, thankfully. It would be hard to take on an regular basis.
.

Relax, New Orleans isn't 'the south';hats off to Louisiana for never feeling the need to incorporate the battle flag into the state flag!

[Miss Kitty]

Relax, New Orleans isn't 'the south';hats off to Louisiana for never feeling the need to incorporate the battle flag into the state flag!

:floor: check, please!

That pelican always cracks me up.

[30A Skunkape]

:floor: check, please!

That pelican always cracks me up.

When you see it flying you know you are that much closer to Watercolor (or dread Dallas).

[sowalgayboi]

I think the swastika is a great comparison - it had a historic/cultural meaning, then was adopted as a symbol of hatred, so people don't want it displayed because it is offensive.

Let me clarify my previous statement.

swastika = turned into symbol to wipe certain groups off the face of the earth thru mass genocide (a term that didn't exist prior to the holocaust)

confederate flag = symbol used to show a difference in policy and represent a seperatist state

Once again I am not endorsing the confederate flag. I will admit whole heartedly that when I see it my mind tends to go towards slavery. However this was based on my lovely middle school history classes that taught us civil war=fight over continuation of slavery.

[scooterbug44]

swastika = turned into symbol to wipe certain groups off the face of the earth thru mass genocide (a term that didn't exist prior to the holocaust)

confederate flag = symbol used to show a difference in policy and represent a seperatist state

This is how the meaning has changed:

Confederate flag = symbol used to intimidate certain groups with threats of violence and property damage and symbolize the quest for racial purity

[sowalgayboi]

This is how the meaning has changed:

Confederate flag = symbol used to intimidate certain groups with threats of violence and property damage and symbolize the quest for racial purity

By certain groups, not just anyone who is in possesion of the flag. Otherwise the Jewish community in the U.S. has a big problem with certain Native Americans.

[cp]

I respect the fact that the Confederate flag offends some and for that reason as Tootsie stated, I also would never publically display one, unless participating in a historical event.

However the flag itself is not the problem, the problem is the use of it for self serving purposes.

It can be used in a non racist, historical aspect. And those that respect that usage, despise the abuse of it for hate filled activities as much as anyone, probably more. Nothing is more upsetting to me than anything associated with the KKK, but they also hid behind white sheets and burned crosses which to me, both were more traumatic that the use of the flag.

No one would ever say that crosses and white sheets only represent racism, therefore the flag should not be seen only in that aspect either.

It offends me when it used to promote hatred, fear or racism. Just as the American flag offends many in this day and time, I would not want anyone to judge all of us based on those feelings.

The American flag represented this nation when this nation seperated itself for many reasons from England. The American flag also flew over every slave ship that sailed, and all were owned by rich Northern business men. Only a very small percentage of Southerners owned slaves, less than 10%, but yet many fought for the Confederacy during the War. So there is much more to the War than slavery and the flag. Which actually is a Battle flag and not a official flag of the Confederate states.

There is a tremendous history to the Confederate flag and sadly only the assocation of it in a horrible way is remembered by most.

I sure many racist skinheads drive trucks but none of us would label all truck drivers racist, or hate mongers.

I am sure somewhere there are racists that wear Prada.

I do agree that making it larger than some buildings is just making the situation worse and most Southern historians will agree.
The civil was was fought over money,plain and simple!!I don't have any bumper stickers,I need a new American Flag for holidays,and have never used the n word.
Johnrudy, that is crazy to not send you son to the best college that is right for him regardless of where it is..

[Johnrudy]

The civil was was fought over money,plain and simple!!I don't have any bumper stickers,I need a new American Flag for holidays,and have never used the n word.
Johnrudy, that is crazy to not send you son to the best college that is right for him regardless of where it is..

CP, it was more of a personal statement of how I see this thread going. We, as a family, don't have any problems sending him south. I was born and raised a Southerner.
.