Yeah, this is dumb.

I get in arguments about this with those more radically left than I all the time: it’s not illegal to BE racist. That basically equates to passing laws about thinking. Just as you can’t murder someone with a gun, but you can own and operate one (in designated areas), you can’t beat someone up because you hate black people, but assault is a crime.

It’s amazing how many people can’t grasp this really simple fact.

That being said, I don’t think owning a confederate flag automatically designates you as a racist: lots of people display them as symbols of southern pride (which does NOT equate to white supremacy thank you very much), or just to wig out way-too-touchy PC idiots (like my old roommate).

Left by John Jarzemsky on October 30th, 2007 at 2:26 pm

Henh.
At least it’s not dog pooh!
As for the matter of the confederate flag itself, I assume it must have been the flag known as the “Battle Flag,” as the CSA used a number of different flags throughout it’s existence, as described in this link.
As a Son of a Confederate Veteran, the legacy passed down has been one of freedom, not hate or slavery. My ancestors were farmers and pulp wooders, and never owned slaves, and didn’t want to. When the Federal Government refused to observe state rights, blockaded southern ports, and held the money of the south in the banks of the north, it was too much. They fought for freedom and states rights, and even Abe Lincoln said he would tolerate slavery if he could keep the nation united. Because of the myths and legends surrounding that era, and only the worst aspects of the turmoil taught or espoused, it’s not difficult to understand why so many view the “Battle Flag” as a symbol of hate, and I might agree that it is, but we would most likely disagree on who the haters actually are. That slavery is and was a despicable practice, cannot be denied, but I don’t feel any guilt for the behavior of the people who actually practiced it…I wasn’t there. If I had been, I would have most likely behaved as my ancestors did. I believe in freedom…the natural yearning of man.

Left by no2liberals on October 30th, 2007 at 8:16 pm

So you feel pride in the Confederate cause from 150 years ago, but no guilt. Must be nice to be able to pick and choose what parts of your ancestry you wish to embrace and what parts you get to just sluff off.

Left by No2ConfederateApologists on October 31st, 2007 at 9:57 am

slavery was only one part of the civil war…it was mainly about states rights. and the right of a state to determine its own destiny and to limit the size of the federal governement…it was also about the north not wanting the south to become an ecomonic power. but people only ever want to bring up slavery..damn shame we are still talking about that. also damn shame we see states TODAY still being continuously strong armed by the fed to do it’s bidding or no highway funds..blah blah..seems like to me that part of it the south had right. we need more states rights and a very small federal government. but alas the world seems to be lurching to more and more of a nanny state..and the fed keeps growing and growing like cancer. and now has turned into a jobs program for bone heads that can’t get a job in the private sector. not even the current crop of republicans are doing anything about it..bush has spent more than any democrate ever dreamed of spending, look at how many federal programs have bloated under his rule…what a lame excuse for a conservative.

Left by Marc on October 31st, 2007 at 9:19 pm

To commentator #3, I’m pleased to know that my refusal to feel guilt for something I was never involved in, displeases you.
As for me feeling pride in the Confederate cause, absolutely!
Since you obviously didn’t click on the SCV link, here’s a brief quote from Abe Lincoln.

“Any people, anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable and most sacred right - a right which we hope and believe is to liberate the world. Nor is this right confined to cases in which the whole people of an existing government may choose to exercise it. Any portion of such people, that can may revolutionize and make their own of so many of the territory as they inhabit.

Abraham Lincoln
January 12, 1848.

Good luck with finding someone to feel guilty for things you want them to, or that some reason, you feel guilty about.
Maybe one day you can be just like me, and sleep soundly and peacefully, at night.

Left by no2liberals on October 31st, 2007 at 11:51 pm