BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 09:49 PM

My point, GregF, is that it doesn't really have the historical significance that it's cracked up to have--it was one of many flags used by state units in the Civil War, and was relatively unimportant. It's real historical significance is actually is from it's use, in the 20th Century, by segregationists, white supremecists, and such folks.

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: Greg F.
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 09:14 AM

It's real historical significance is actually is from it's use, in the 20th Century, by segregationists, white supremecists, and such folks.

Not quite. It is significant because it WAS flown by Confederate units fighting to mantain and expand chattel slavery during the Civil War. It is significant because it was used to terrify southern Blacks both during Reconstruction and "Redemption". It is significant because it has been for the last 140 years or so employed by the KKK and other white supremecist groups, was so employed in the 20th Century, as you say, and is still, currently, so employed.

It may not have much "historical significance" to you, Stim, but it sure as hell does to Black folks.

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: Greg F.
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 02:05 PM

Thank you for contacting the office of Governor Haley

Monday, July 6, 2015 1:12 PM
From:
To:         GregF [e-mail]


Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.    These have been very difficult times for South Carolina, but our hearts and minds remain fixed on the nine families and the communities shaken by this tragedy. Their grace and strength set a powerful example for us all.

Even in the midst of our grief, South Carolina set about the process of healing – not by talking about issues that divide us – but by hugging our neighbors, holding vigils, honoring those we lost, and falling to our knees in prayer. We came together as a state, as a unified people, to remember those we lost and to begin this healing process.

We've also come together in acknowledging that certain symbols and events of our past resonate differently among us.    For some, the Confederate flag represents a history of their ancestry and heritage.   For others, the flag is a deeply painful reminder of a brutally oppressive past.   

Inspired by the victims' families and the re-opening of Emanuel A.M.E. church, I felt compelled to make a statement about moving the flag from the Statehouse grounds.    This is a moment in which we can say that the flag, while an integral part of our past, does not represent the future of our great state, and that by removing a symbol that divides us, we can move forward as a state in harmony.

The time has come for us to set the flag among the other markers of our history so we can set our eyes on the great promise of a united South Carolina.    God bless.

My very best,

Nikki R. Haley

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: Greg F.
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 10:59 AM

Finally, that emblem of treason, slavery and white supremacy has been consigned to the dustbin, where it belongs. Now, on to Mississippi - last in war, last inpeace, and last in the hearts of its countrymen.


==============

South Carolina Lowers Confederate Flag, and an Era Ends

By RICHARD FAUSSET and ALAN BLINDER
10:30 AM, JULY 10, 2015
NY TIMES

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Closing a chapter on a symbol of the Deep South and its history of resistance and racial animus, South Carolina on Friday lowered the Confederate battle flag from outside its State House, where it had flown for more than 50 years.

The flag came down amid heavy security and loud cheers at a Friday morning event that followed days of emotional debate in the State Legislature and, on Thursday, the final approval of Gov. Nikki R. Haley, who had pledged that the symbol would be lowered "with dignity."

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: OldPossum
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 07:30 AM

Apparently they are going to build a "multimillion-dollar shrine" to house the recently lowered flag. Is that really an improvement?

News article: Confederate Flag Taken Down in South Carolina

Subject: RE: BS: Charleston - dare we talk about it
From: Greg F.
Date: 11 Jul 15 - 08:34 AM

Yes. It is a great improvement. If the taxpayers of South Carolina want to foot the bill for yet another idiotic shrine to treason, slavery and white supremacy, that's on them. At least folks will have to pay museum admission to see it. I doubt there will be many takers in the long run.