It will never, ever make up for the deaths of the 9 people, but perhaps some small consolation (eventually) that their massacre was a wake-up call to many Americans.
While I don’t think the flag should be flying…
this entire situation has turned to focus on the flag. The flag did not cause this incident and taking it down will not change anything for the future.
People are going to take credit and pat themselves on the back for taking down the flag, when in fact it has changed nothing.
It changes a lot. It removes the official imprimatur of the highest elected officials of the state for a retrograde symbol of racism and secessionist sentiments. Yes, some people will cling to it tighter than ever but it will not longer be afforded the dignity of an honored position. And then there’s the idea that if it’s too tacky and lowdown for Walmart, then as Walmart takes over the world at least there will be one less major source of “Souther Pride” gear. Some factory in China will have to retool.
You can still have one tomorrow on Amazon Prime, though.
Here’s a great one!
“People are going to take credit and pat themselves on the back for taking down the flag, when in fact it has changed nothing.”
No. Removing it will be very significant.
Such action by the legislature and governor will demonstrate to the bigots that their racist views will have no sanction and even less support among the American public.
I’m in the middle between soccerguy and saintfan. I can’t say that it changes nothing. But I don’t believe it changes a lot.
Walmart announce any policy changes for their gun or ammunition sales too since the church shooting? Walmart is the largest seller of firearms and ammunition in the United States. They can squeeze more guns and ammo to sell on their stores’ empty shelves after removing all Confederate flags and gear.
I agree, @LakeWashington. It’s a change in the right direction for this country. I think many white people may have learned something about how, just because the elected president is black, racism isn’t over.
I’m frankly very surprised (in a good way) that South Carolina’s politicos are calling to take down the Confederate flag. Didn’t see that one coming. A tiny step, but an important one.
Until about 30 years ago nobody considered the Confederate flag a racist symbol. Then a bunch of left-wing liberals decided Southerners needed to do a Cersei Lannister shame walk which many of us don’t want to do. I find many of the comments against the flag posted here to be nothing less than hate speech and anti-Southern bigotry.
@EarlVanDorn You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Apparently 2 southern senators and a southern governor no longer share it, though.
Gosh I’d love to read some evidence of that.
Good gosh, I love when people white-wash history. Certainly makes for a more enjoyable story, no? 8-|
@EarlVanDorn - lol.
Know what? They still have those flags. On their bumpers. In their front yards, even. Especially if they live on the highway. Maryland was a union state. What the heck do you think they intend those flags to mean? Gosh I love gumbo?
Taking down the flag will be a positive symbolic gesture. But the flag didn’t cause the deaths of nine good people. Ignorance, prejudice, and evil - the real culprits - will, sadly, still be around when the flag comes down. So I doubt much will change. After all, these bad things exist in places without Confederate flags on their statehouse grounds.
Frankly, I wish the media would focus less on the flag and more on the love, unity, and healing taking place in my city in the aftermath of this tragedy. The grace and faith exhibited by the members of the Emanuel AME Church has truly overwhelmed me. I was unable to join the bridge march last night due to a torn meniscus, but many of my friends and family participated. All said it was an emotional outpouring of love and support.
Yeah, I forgot, those Duke boys on the Dukes of Hazard were really racist. That’s why they had a Confederate flag on the roof of their car. I’m sure there were racists who used the Confederate flag, just as the Klan used the American flag for many, many years. But the Confederate flag was also seen as just a symbol of the South. Again, these attacks are just anti-Southern bigotry and hate speech.
The Duke boys aren’t actually real.
Why yes, according to @EarlVanDorn .
@Overtheedge - You’re right that taking down the flag won’t even come close to solving the problem. But it does serve notice, first, to politicians that they can no longer get away with pandering to the worst instincts among their constituents. And second, it serves notice to those who harbor the instincts that the pandering politicians will no longer provide cover for their dog-whistle racism. And that is a sea change.