Question Of The Week, 10/9/05
Good Morning. I figured out what this week's question would be as soon as I saw this article in the Saint Joseph News-Press. The Confederate Battle Flag has been the subject of many debates (arguments) over the years. It doesn't mean the same thing to everyone that sees it. This weeks Question Of The Week is (2 parts), What does the Confederate Battle Flag represent? Should it be allowed to fly on government property such as state parks and historic sites? I'll post my answer in the comment section Monday night.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
posted by David Schantz | 12:33 AM
9 Comments:
I think the Confederate flag represents states rights and a smaller federal government not slavery.
When colored people talk about the dream of Lincoln they often don't realize that Lincoln wanted the slaves to go back to Africa and the Civil War was not so much about slavery as our federal government wants us to think it was.
I have no problem with the Confederate flag being displayed anywhere. I don't know why people are so offended by a flag which is a hisoric symbol.
What does the Confederate Battle Flag represent? I agree with Jake's comment about symbolism. I would add that, for me, the Confederate flag represents those brave to take a stand for a limited interpretation of the Constitution. From the outset, the militarily knowledgeable in the South knew the outcome would likely be defeat, but they chose to fight for an American ideal, that of states' rights and freedom from too much regulation by the federal government. The war was more about economic oppression (i.e., tariffs) than about slavery, though slavery was essential to the Southern economy at the time.
Should it be allowed to fly on government property such as state parks and historic sites? Yes, as historical and conceptual tribute. The CSA flag should definitely be on display at every Civil War battlefield. But I prefer to see the Stars and Stripes alongside in most cases. We are, after all, one nation today. African Americans need to get over themselves on this one. I have black clients; their African decor doesn't bother me in the least because it reflects their heritage.
Note 1: One of my white clients recently didn't name his Dachshund puppy "Dixie" because his dinner guests "might not approve." Sheesh!
Note 2: When I was growing up, we had a Dachshund named "Dixie" and a cat named "Rebel." Yes, we are from the South. Nobody, absolutely nobody, ever voiced any objection to our pets' names--and we had "Yankee" friends too. But what would happen today if I named my pets such CSA names? I hate to think what I'd be accused of in some circles.
Note 3: Have you heard that some Muslims in the UK are objecting to the Union Jack because the flag reminds them of the "atrocities of the Crusades." Mark my words...One day Muslims will object to our flying our own flag here in our own land. Inch by inch we creep over the edge whose platform of political correctness leads to the plunge.
It's an obscene parody of the flag of the United States of America, as well as a symbol of the organization responsible for the worst terrorist attack in the history of our nation: "The Confederate States of America". More organized, better financed, and already on our shores, this group of viscious thugs were responsible for the deaths of 250,000, billions of dollars in materical destruction, and the murder of an American president.
Indeed, because we enjoy the right of free speech, the so-called "Confederate" flag should be displayed. But the context should be remembered: something of historical significance in the manner of the banners of Germany or Japan during World War II. They are trophies, captured from an enemy of freedom and justice.
The Confederate flag represents the flag of a short-lived break-away country, which severed its ties to the United States. It should be allowed anywhere, it depends on how people view it.
The flag itself is only the battle flag and not the flag of the Confederacy. The flag represented their battle, their fight.
But I will have to disagree with some of the readers about the Civil War not being about slavery, because it very much was. Lincoln didn't get a single vote in the South because they were afraid he would end slavery. Even though Lincoln said he would never end slavery if elected, the South still felt it was their right to have slaves. Lincoln agreed with them and always maintained that slavery was upheld by the Constitution.
The state right that the South was fighting over was their Constitutional right of slavery, which they felt was threatened by the presence of Lincoln. Of course other state matters were involved in their decision to leave the Union, but slavery was indeed one of them. Now, was the Civil War only about slavery? Nope.
Good question Dave.
Told you this one could start arguments, good answers by all agree or not. Yes slavery was one of the things that started the war. States Rights (slavery would have come under states rights) and an run-away federal government were the bigger issues. I can't help but think people from that time are just like people you meet today. A lot of us today see a right taken away and say if they can get away with that what will it be tomorrow?At the time of the Civil War there were southern business owners that didn't own slaves or condone slavery. They still supported the Confederate cause. They were afraid the next power grab by the pro-northern business federal government might put them out of business. I'm afraid We The People lost the Civil War. The Confederate Flag should be flown with pride over every Civil War Battle site (historic sites) and at every cemetery that is the last resting place of a Confederate Soldier.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic
The confederate flag is not a symbol of black oppression. Yes, terrible events occured while the flag was flow, but the war was more about federal powers than slavery.
I appreciate a conservative blogger from JoeTown.
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God Bless America, God Save The Republic
Confederate flag it was an explicitly secular flag and its colors represented republican virtues. Check out http://assistedlivinglittlerockarkansas.com
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