Yeah you weren’t a total jerk or anything but you were definitely less kind in the private messages and I recall something about me “being the one with the problem”. Civil is a subjective term. I’m not sure why you even felt the need to privately message me. I’m totally comfortable with discussing my opinions on racism, conservatism, etc. on this forum, even though arguing is getting old. 
I didn’t say anything about al.com. To be honest I wasn’t even aware what website the article was on. All I was saying was that the people who commented on that article were overwhelmingly racist, which is true, and didn’t exactly help your case. I’m sure Alabama does not fit ALL of the stereotypes people try to associate with it, and that for many it is a wonderful place to live. Have a great day.