Posted by swhfd28 on July 15, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think there are more important issues to be dealing with than the Confederate Flag. NAACP needs to get a life and stop trying to mess up the history of the past. Lets worry about todays issues....price of gas, election, etc.

Posted by robeweise on July 15, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ZZZZzzzzzz......

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 15, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Who they gonna call? Obama? lol

Posted by Rocks66 on July 15, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like Jesse Jackson, the NAACP continues to become more and more irrelevant, and non-issues such as this one are part of the reason. Note to the membership: The Hispanics and LULAC are coming, and they don't really care too much about what's bothering you these days. If I were you, I'd get out of the way, 'cause they've already passed you in terms of population. In another few years, the voice of your organization will seem like a whisper in the wind compared to theirs.

By the way, your ill-conceived boycott hurts most those of your constituencies, the folks who can least afford the (minimal, according to state revenue studies) loss of tourist dollars.

Posted by bobcallaway81 on July 15, 2008 at 2:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that both sides should look back at their HISTORY! People where not enslaved under this flag. They where enslaved under the stars and stripes. The confederates did not adopt this flag until they realized they need a standard that was different from the union. Both sides where shooting their own solders. It needs to be at the Confederate Solders Monument or on the battery where the civil war started. The Sons of the Confederates and the NAACP needs to understand that this is a BATTLE FLAG, that’s it. Only people make it personal. This is not the Swastika or a symbol of hate. Millions did not die in concentration camps under this flag. This is part of the US history. I think that both sides need to understand the transition on people of other countries, no matter what color, was a big commodity back then and I'm sure still today. Both sides are making complete fools of something that happened over 200 years ago. You need to focus on today's issues and forget about something that did not involve you. The people that use this Navel Battle Flag as a symbol of hate or the people that believes it represents hate are stupid and have nothing better to do. I am ashamed of this for both sides, white and black. You want to empress me, lower the gas prices and cut taxes and you both will be national heroes. Get a Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by ForPnC on July 15, 2008 at 3:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

awwww........ poor wittle naacp....

Do you have anything REAL to do? I've got an idea - read a history book.

Posted by watchdog on July 15, 2008 at 4:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The flag is a symbol of pride to me, men that wouldn't give up, fighting for freedom in their own right," Burbage said. "Our state was being invaded. They were trying to save their homes, not preserve slavery.
Burbage, could not be more wrong. You where not invaded, our state broke the law.
Now this guy needs to read a book. How can you say that they were fighting for freedom, when they were denying an entire people of their freedom. The issue is that the flag is on state property, a building that is suppose to represent all its people, not a part of her people. For the people,buy the people.

Posted by NativeSon on July 15, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a great example of a few MENTALLY ILL people running a small organization for a minority group!

While some of their people are responsible for a considerable amount of crime against each other and society as well as being dirt poor and somewhat illiterate, this silly bunch finds nothing better to do?

If they do not like the history of this great state, there are 49 other states where they can demonstrate their ignorance and mental short comings!

Posted by watchdog on July 15, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW !! Native Son, your a real winner.

Posted by CedarPosts on July 15, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always been a fan of the battle flag.

But the time has come to accept that while the flag stands for heritage to educated people and has never stood for hate, some hate groups have hijacked the flag for their own use.

Much like the rainbow has been hijacked by gay and lesbian groups, the battle flag has fallen into the wrong hands.

Son's of Confederate Veterans need to accept this fact, and change direction. I suggest they lobby congress to give the 1st stainless aka the "stars and bars" protection as the official flag of the South and give the SCV the right to trademark the flag and thereby the right to legally pursue anyone in the courts, who uses the trademark in an unfit manner.

More about the battle flag at: http://cedarposts.blogspot.com/2008/01/c...

Posted by Drubaby on July 15, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

naacp,enuff said. keep the flag flying find something better to waste your time on like finding a real job...

Posted by grannyofsix on July 15, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The last time the flag was taken down, all I saw was a bunch of rednecks with the flag on their cars, homes, boats wherever they could fly it.
I feel the NAACP can find something more important to boycott the state for. It didn't hurt the state before and it wont hurt it now.Gas prices are doing that very well

Posted by eatmorecollards on July 15, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP should stop trying to bury the Confederate Battle Flag. That flag today is more of a symbol used by southeners to honor ancestors who were fighting to preserve a way of life. A way of life that just happened to include the institution of slavery. Slavery at the time was a necessary evil for various reasons in the south. Mainly it had to do with the southern economy. A economy based on agriculture. The institution of slavery passed down through the generations since before biblical times but becoming less popular through the ages. Even free blacks at the time owned slaves in the south.
Today the NAACP should concentrate on burying the things that still have thier people enslaved, ignorance and poverty.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 15, 2008 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They would be more accurate to protest the flying of the Stars and Stripes. Long after the south made the international slave trade illegal, union ships flying the American flag were still engaging in the slave trade by taking slaves from Africa to other places in the world (even during the civil war, and even after the emmancipation proclaimation!).
These commies in the NAACP are irrelevant anyway. . .

Posted by moonpie on July 15, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Symbols are very important," Scott said. "It denotes a mind-set."
EXACTLY RIGHT DOT! LIKE RAP, 1 IN 10 BLACK MEN ARE IN PRISON, 7 - 10 BLACK WOMEN HAVE BABIES OUT OF WEDLOCK AND THEN THERE'S THE WELFARE LIFE AND THE ENTITLEMENT ATTITUDE.... YOU HAVE YOUR PLATE FULL. WHY DON'T YOU CLEAN AROUND YOUR OWN HOUSE FOR A CHANGE.
I for one could care less if the flag stays or goes and I'm born and bred here BUT the NAACP has plenty other issues to tackle. By the way who participated in the prior boycott?

Posted by btelfare on July 15, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When children think a looped rope is something to bring fear to African American children, I think of the flag.

The flag may bring memories of summer's of mint juleps to some but pain to the children of the people who made them. The flag brings a visual picture of a strange fruit of lynched bodies not mint juleps to many African Americans. Is it a remember of a world lost for the mint julep crowd? The state of South Carolina will pay a price for this flag. It may be a price that can not be avoided.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 15, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

moonpie:
Apparently nobody participated in their boycott, it was a non-issue anyway. I think that everybody already knows that the NAACP is a racist, leftist organization just as bad or worse than the Klan.

Posted by btelfare on July 15, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When looped ropes are showed to African American children to bring fear, I think of the Flag.

The Flag may bring memories of summer mint julep to some but pain to the children of the people who made them.

The Flag brings visual memories of lynched bodies to African Americans. We can not forgive the past and move on. This flag will cost South Carolina dearly.

Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on July 15, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

moonpie:
Apparently nobody participated in their boycott, it was a non-issue anyway. I think that everybody already knows that the NAACP is a racist, leftist organization just as bad or worse than the Klan.

Posted by Nonsense on July 15, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anybody ever been to Austin, Texas and seen the huge confederate monument on the grounds of their capitol building? It makes the one in Columbia look tiny. Why isn't any other state chastised like South Carolina? Why are we always the scapegoat? I see more confederate flags for sale in the state of Tennessee than anywhere in South Carolina.....like one other comment says - the NAACP has a lot bigger fish to fry than a battle flag. And for sure, they have a lot of bigger problems in the African American community. The Piggie Park restaurant in Cayce flies this flag every day and night - and I see many, many African Americans eating there - the flag doesn't stop people from eating good barbecue!!!!

Posted by seneca264 on July 15, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish the blacks would stop being so racist. Can't we just get along. How about a big group hug.....would that help?

Posted by wpc3iop on July 15, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP is such a joke! If they would put as much effort into encouraging young black people to get an education and stay away from drugs, their community would be much better off. But then the NAACP has no reason to exist and raise money if there is no tension between the races...

Posted by Marylandguineapigguy on July 15, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not a native Southerner but I have visited Charleston every April for a week of vacation for the past 13 years and I have grown to love the city and the Low Country as a whole. Anyone who spends any amount of time there will come to learn the Confederate flag is not at all a symbol of hate but rather a piece of history and a source of much pride to those whose forebears fought and died for it, right or wrong. It represents history the way the "Don't Tread On Me" flag or the "Join or Die" flags represented something in Colonial America. Likewise, songs such as "Dixie," "Suwannee River" and "Maryland, My Maryland" also represent a piece of history too and should be viewed with honor and respect.

Those who don't like the Confederate flag are, in my opinion, reading way too much into it. The truth is it has indeed often been used for malicious puproses by certain misguided people but the bottom line is, it represents a proud piece of your history and who you are as a people. The rest of America should take such pride in its past and in its heritage, wherever we may come from.

By the way, if you want to talk about things that are "offensive," there's nothing more offensive to me than the likes of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright or his cohort Michael Pfleger and some of the filth and vulgarity we have heard come out of their so-called "church" in Chicago these past few months - a "church" which Senator Obama belonged to for better than 20 years and only now all of a sudden out of the clear blue has come to find offensive himself. Could it be that running for president has opened his eyes to the reality of what that "church" was really all about or could it just be because it's a smart political move on his part to quit that "church"?

The people I have met in Charleston over the years have been kind, gracious and friendly, no matter what their race or background. Some of my happiest times away from home over the years have been spent in your lovely city and I can honestly say it is one of the most wonderful places I have ever visited anywhere over the years.

I would never dream of boycotting South Carolina or Charleston. In fact, I may just stay an extra few days next time I come for a visit, just to spite those who are too closed-minded to understand the truth of what that flag symbolizes.

Posted by USC_Alumni on July 15, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I always hear the arguement that the flag represents heritage not hate; well the heritage of that flag is slavery, burtality, and the oppression of an entire race of people.

And if it's a heritage not hate situation why did SC start to fly the flag over the capitol when the Civil Rights Act was passed.

Up until then it wasn't flown over the capitol, but as soon as the federal government say you have to give black people equal access to show defiance to federal law the flag is hoisted.

Posted by errickjbrown on July 15, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I did not want to address the comment made about African Americans on welfare but I have to set the record straight. White America receives a greater percent of public aid than african americans and latinos. And Black America actually leaves public assistance at a greater rate. But that is not the issue at hand. I really get frustrated at the ignorance. If you don't have the facts then save yourself the embarrassment and keep quite.

As far as the flag; I totally agree with the majority of the comments on this page. I do not think the flag issue is the most important topic facing the NAACP. Helping inner-city youth obtain collegiate dreams would be a great avenue for this organization, especially at a local level. As an African American man, the flag is a symbol of southern history. It really is. But, unfortunatley a small "terriorist group" that bares the name of "The Ku Klux Klan" took this flag as a symbol that was utilized during the Post-Slavery and Civil Rights Era. The flag being on the state ground, does not bother me. Many of the states in america already see us as "backwards in many of our dealings" and for the NAACP to engage in such conversations does not help their reputation.

Posted by CMLMADDOG on July 15, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WAAAAAAAHHHH!

Posted by Tammie on July 15, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seneca, I will tell you like I tell anyone else, the NAACP does NOT represent this black woman. Their views and my views are completely different. To me, the flag is a freakin cloth. There are a whole lot of other things that they should be focusing on. Job losses, education, etc. Focus on that instead this non-issue. And for those of you with you wonderful "beam of light" comments this morning (if you get offended, I'm probably talking about you), here's a quarter, buy a damn clue.

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a bunch of outdated relics, and an obsolete group. Start to help the people you say you want to help or go away. Losers and clowns.

Posted by halfsheli on July 15, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"After Obama is elected the Red Crescent Flag of Islam will be mandated to fly over all State Federal buildings anyway."

gadsden --

I almost always disagree with your viewpoint. But, I actually agree (or at least concede some validity) in many of your arguments today. That is until you ended your post with the above statement. I get the exaggeration, but it really weakens your credibility with many people who are "gray area folk".

By the way -- this is not an attack (I know you are ready to jump on anyone who attacks your ideas); this is an observation.

Posted by Palmnut on July 15, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's great to see how funny this issue is to some of you it simply shows just how ignorant you really are but as it was mentioned, that flag will only hurt South Carolina in the long run.

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

errickjbrown--Your facts are misleading. The "per capita" ratio of welfare recipients in this country is almost 2-to-1 in favor of blacks!

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

since sheli brought Obama up, we all know how much the leftist media love that 1rst amd.

Have you seen this?

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=...

IMHO I am not sure this was the right thing to do.

But then again...freedom of the press is a basic right

Posted by halfsheli on July 15, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I did NOT bring Obama up. Gadsden did.

Posted by halfsheli on July 15, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

But if you need an excuse to begin your propaganda campaign against anything non-ultraconservative...

Posted by Early on July 15, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, I am southern born and breed and I never, ever associated that flag with hate, never. I did not look at that flag and say, that represents hatred toward black people. I don't get it. Fact: Abraham Lincoln owned slaves up to just two weeks before the civil war.
Slavery was NOT an issue with the civil war, tax money was.
Fact: less than 3% of southern people owned slaves. The other 97% had nothing to do with it, nothing.
Where the issue lies is in later years when blacks were targeted by white hate groups and lynchings and burning crosses were prominent which was done by a minority of white people in the days. This did not represent the thinking of the majority. Was this wrong, hell yes but to tie this to the flag is wrong.

Posted by halfsheli on July 15, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By all means. Go to it.

Posted by USC_Alumni on July 15, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gadsden:

What does any of what you said have to do with the TRUE heritage that flag represents? Hate, oppression, slavery, brutality, lynchings, segregation, and no protection under the law for a certain race of people.

2 wrongs don't make it right. Just because someone else does something morally wrong it doesn't mean you get to do the same. We are talking about South Carolina not LBJ, Lincoln, or Sherman.

Everyone knows that South Carolina is a racist place. I was born and grew up in Charleston. I love my state but I experienced more racism and hate there than I did when I lived in the mountains of Tennesee or the clay hills of Georgia.

And I don't need to learn in school was is blatantly obvious. Besides, last time I look at school rankings South Carolina was ranked at the bottom so they aren't teaching much anyway.

Posted by stephaniem on July 15, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Although I am not black, I despise this flag and feel uncomfortable around it if I see it on someone's truck or t-shirt. Most people who know history know that in 1776 Thomas Jefferson tried to illegalize slavery by allowing them the same rights as men and John Rutledge told Jefferson that he would refuse to sign the declaration of independence if he didn't get to keep slaves. All colonies had to sign the declaration or they stay with England so slavery stayed legal.

The northern states pressured the South to stop slavery and tried to coerce them by raising taxes etc and South Carolina committed treason. South Carolina is still the one state that never surrendered or admitted to being wrong in the matter. Virginia, where I grew up, acts completely different. They act like they never was part of the south on this matter

Posted by coastiegirl on July 15, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Blacks have it better in the USA than anywhere else on God's green earth, especially their ANCESTORS native land of Africa. I have two children in the military over there now trying to keep them from murdering each other, so STOP with the nonsense about the battle flag flying over the statehouse! Worry about the complete demolition of the African nations by their own! Better yet, join the army and go do it yourselves, NAACP!!

Posted by watchdog on July 15, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gadsden, You are an idiot. Obama is not a Muslim. Another moron from the great state of screw ups....

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stephaniem--You must be from the Norfolk (I.E. southern DC suberb) area of Virginia. The people in the middle areas of the state (I.E. Lynchburg) are extremely proud of their southern heritage (and don't mind saying so!).

Posted by eatmorecollards on July 15, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The main symbol of hate and opression for the KKK was a burning cross. I don't see the NAACP trying to ban crosses. That makes the confederate flag issue as a hate symbol mute.

Posted by grannyofsix on July 15, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Morning All. Tammie you are so right on with your post.
People need to get a clue. There is so much more important things the NAACP can put there efforts to.
Like education, how to apply for a job, how to act at an interview what to wear that’s not important to some but, being in the business it is important to get a job.
And I know there isn’t much out there. But, what is there with education they can be filled. The NAACP needs to focus on this and getting people off welfare and food stamps. This is whets important .Not focusing on a stupid piece of cloth Like Tammie said.

Posted by Missthang on July 15, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coastiegirl is also a moron

Posted by stephaniem on July 15, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

btw... the flag was flown on the capital to protest federal school intergration....it wasn't up there all those years...at least from what I am told by people who hate the flag

why it took years to take it off is bizarre to me

Posted by remmiesmom on July 15, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Hail-yeah-Bubba"

Let the NAACP get ALL the "true Southners" (not just in SC) in a tiff over this flag issue again..

to quote Napoleon Bonaparte:

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry sheli, it was that evil mr Gadsden. Thanks Gads!

USC_Alumni
"Gadsden:

What does any of what you said have to do with the TRUE heritage that flag represents? - Hate, oppression, slavery, brutality, lynchings, segregation, and no protection under the law for a certain race of people.-"

USC_Alumni, arnt all those things taking place in the majority of sup-Sarahn Africa?

http://www.freedomsenemies.com/_Obama/Ob...

U. S. Senator Barack Obama is a citizen of Kenya and became a citizen of Kenya under the Independence Constitution of Kenya in 1963. Obama has never renounced his Kenyan citizenship. He is also a U. S. Citizen.

Obama’s 1st cousin, Raula Odinga, has promised to convert Kenya into a Muslim state when he wins the Kenyan presidency.

Posted by jcncamscott on July 15, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People that have JOBS don't have the time to boycott. They are busy working and focusing on more important things than WHINING about what wasn't given to them - FO' FREE!

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does that mean the "boycot" will include Black Bike Week at Myrtle Beach?

Posted by CaptPete on July 15, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The boycott was a big boost before. Please boycott again the state could use the extra tourist.

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Boycott? Is that thing still going on?? LOL

Dot Scott said, "Every now and then we need to be reminded … that bigotry is alive and well." REALLY??? I thought we wanted to end bigotry. Dot is one of the biggest racists in SC and she continues to stir the pot.

As for the Emancipation Proclamation...I was taught that it freed ALL slaves. It did not. Abraham Lincoln's Eman. Proc. only freed those slaves in states who had seceeded from the Union and were fighting against the Union. A way of punishing those states. The others were still enslaved until the passing of the 13th amendment. Lincoln viewed slavery as a "necessary evil" or sorts.

As a teacher I am very careful how I tread on this subject. I do include REAL facts that are not necessarily in the book or in the curriculum.

I also think it is interesting that while the northern states disapproved of slavery in the south they continued to buy the products these slaves helped plant, cultivate, and harvest....hmmmm....double standard????

As for the Confederate flag....I would think the blacks would try to embrace this part of their heritage as well. After all didn't slaves build the south? Shouldn't we honor their contributions in helping build this country?

The NAACP should focus on more important issues like pushing for black families to educate and raise their children up to a higher standard. Maybe they should take an extended trip to some of the African countries and see what kinds of slavery exists there today.

Posted by jeannie on July 15, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is pretty sad that with eveything going on in the state, country, and world, the NAACP still has to make everything a race issue. This is CRAZY!!!!! My feelings on the Confederate flag are this, the NAACP raised hell until it came off of the state capitol and now that it is in a proper place (being a confederate flag and being on a confederate memorial) they still have issues. I will purpose that if you don't like it and that is the only thing you have to worry about get the he** out of the state and stop being an freakin cry baby about everything!!

Posted by berthelot on July 15, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do we really care if the people that allow the NAACP to tell them where to go and what to do visit our state or not? I won't miss them.

Posted by AndyT on July 15, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Boycotting South Carolina again! I seem to remember back when the flag was still above the capital. The NAACP wanted it down but said that it could be placed at a memorial on the grounds. Now, that is not good enough. There is a flag on the capital grounds. Who cares? What about real issues facing blacks. (Notice I didn't use the African Americans, because then I would have to say Scotch/English American) There are numerous medical issues facing young blacks, crime rates. That list could go on and on. But instead they want to use the reverse discrimination and blame everyone else. The issues that are brought up time and time again are brought up by useless organizations like the NAACP and the Rainbow Push. I feel that Dr. Martin Luther King would be very disappointed that the energy and the focus of these organizations is so misdirected and wasted on issues like a stupid flag.

Posted by belovedbliff on July 15, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP should definitely come out against the Jul 21, 2008 cover of the New Yorker. Anybody see it yet? Everybody should be offended!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/13...

Posted by geekboy on July 15, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone wrote: "but as it was mentioned, that flag will only hurt South Carolina in the long run."

Yeah? So tell me... how long do we have to prepare for it? It's been 8 years, and their boycott has had such an insignificant impact that they feel they have to remind people they are still boycotting our state.

Their 8 year boycott has amounted to squat, and clearly reveals how irrelevant the NAACP has become.

Posted by RTC on July 15, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

number1volsfan1, you are so right. I have never seen so many people into reenactments and collection of Civil War paraphanalia as those in VA. As a matter of fact, Gettysburg, PA has shops that sell more Confederate stuff than Charleston does. It is not just a Southern thing.
As far as the NAACP goes, all of their arguments are so old that they came out of Methuselah's behind using a cane.
Why do they insist on beating a dead horse? That flag is just hanging there and is not jumping out and attacking anyone.

Posted by drp7773 on July 15, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now according to the article the Ncaa still avoids SC because of the flag issue. Lets see a bunch of thugs with quite a few having criminal records not coming to the state wow that is a bummer. Maybe we will be safe awhile longer huh. Like one already said in here with gas prices , my guess quite a few wont be traveling here anyway and as bad as traffic is here now according to previous P&C articles who needs more cars. Miss Dot and her loser cronies need to get a life and let the past go like one important Muslim has said we (which includes people) need (to) change.

Posted by Larz13 on July 15, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stephaniem--

You probably are from Northern VA where I lived for 10+ years before coming here and as you should know it a much different place than say, Fredricksburg which is a good 30 miles from the Beltway. I have heard northern VA called "New York without the accent". Much of the rest of the state is just like the rest of the south in its ways. I would disagree with your arguement that it is "completely different". Perhaps your parents never let out out of the car when you drove south or west.

Posted by nikkiP on July 15, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mmm that's alot of replies by 8:30 in the morning.

I remember vacationing in Asheville once when I was in high school, prob 8 or so years ago. It was around memorial day, and my family and I had stopped in some grassy area to watch the festivities. There were some elementary school choirs there, veterans giving speeches, etc. But something happened that really stuck in my mind.

Around the corner, I see a man dressed in a grey, wool uniform like those worn by the confederate soldiers. He was holding the confederate flag, and had a sign on his chest that said "heritage, not hate." It was touching, and something I'll never forget. Now before you go off screaming racist (because I'm sure some of you are angrily typing away a reply already) I say it was so moving, because it was a black man. An older gentleman, who looked like he was the kind of man that had never asked for a handout in his life, no matter how much he needed it.

You'll probably throw around slurs like "uncle tom." but seriously, think about it. No one is saying slavery was a good thing, at all. It was a necessary evil, yes. The southern economy was completely dependent on it, as shameful as it was. But once again, the flag or the war wasn't about slavery. It was about the southern states wanting to maintain more power for their governments, really very similar to the revolutionary war.

Besides, there's all this 'reparations' talk but most people still saying make it right are well aware that there is nothing that will ever make them put it in the past. But frankly, i don't think we need to. No one here was a slave, and no one owned slaves.

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The New Yorker" being criticized by the left-wing socialist publication "Huffington Post"! I love it when liberals attack each other.

Grab the popcorn, sit back and watch the show!

Posted by grannyofsix on July 15, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you know that some northern were taking pictures of the few people boycotting. And, they were joking about it. Coming back from Va. last year we stopped at the rest area. While in the ladies room. These two ladies were laughing about how they wouldn’t waste their time on such stupidity their words not mime, and yes they were African American women they had a lot more they laughed about with the men that were there too. They had New York Plates.

Posted by MsPiggy on July 15, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know I just find it really ironic that:

If white people (which in all reality, we really aren't "WHITE". What is white anyway? My skin looks pretty tan to me! Everybody in America is a transplant, we all have ansestors from other countries. OH and by the way, I don't want to be called WHITE I deserve to be called a EUROPEAN AMERICAN!) had a college where no black people were allowed to attend to there would be an UPROAR. And if we had scholarships that black people weren't allowed to have access to HOLY CRAP!! That is a lawsuit waiting to happen!!!

So why in the hell do we have black biker week? Why can't we just have ONE biker week that everybody can attend?? If the NAACP is screaming equality and unity, then why are many things seperate?

As far as the flag goes, what's next? The NAACP boycotting Middleton Place because slaves worked the land there long ago? Or maybe boycotting the Market, telling people to no longer shop there because that is once where slaves were sold? If you don't like the way our state is run, and you don't like the history of our state,(which by the way, WE CAN'T CHANGE) then there is only one option:

Take the underground railroad and head UP NORTH.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 15, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am so sorry that some people are so misinformed about this flag. Sad..

For those of you who cringe at the sight of the battle flag, I hear that it is almost nonexistant up north.

Perhaps you would feel more appreciated and equal up there.

I will admit that some white land owners were horrible "slave owners". However, my ancestors kept a journal as to the people they "employed". Their employees loved them. The children were educated alongside their own children. They were like family.
The blacks that were employed decided to fight in the civil war. Why? Not to keep slavery legal...but to change it. They wanted all blacks to be employed and allowed to receive education.

They were freed and the government segregated them. Most white farmers would no longer employ them for fear of retaliation by the governement. Therefore we started a generation of uneducated blacks. They were turned loose and forgotten. There should have never been slave owners, there should have been employees.

Now, while this whole civil war thing was happening...do you think the president and high powered white northerners weren't getting their fields plowed and tea brought to them by blacks?

The only time the word racism ever comes to mind is when it comes from the NAACP. I also believe that the only reason "Bubba" feels the need to have this flag planted on his truck bumper is because he feels a need to fight back againt the suppression of his race. Sound familiar?

Posted by zekemire on July 15, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How ridiculous! These radical idiots agreed to the "comprimise" to bring the flag down from the top of the capitol! Screw them! Let them boycott! The state should sue them in state and federal court for an illegal action! Take all their funds, bankrupt them, get a list of donars and in turn sue and bankrupt them! If our state or federal government gives them money, sue them in state and federal court to stop the illegal use of taxpayer money! If they are tax exempt, take away that foolish item and tax them into oblivion! Same for the aclu, the sierra club, world wildlife fund, southern poverty law center, souther environmental law center, jesse's group, greenpeace,and, all other agenda driven groups that are only radical anarchist anti American nuts!! And, if preachers, pastors, fathers or reverends give any kind of political speech from the pulpit, strip the churches of their tax exempt status! That would close a large majority of majority black churches, which would be a fitting thing to happen because of this illegal naacp action!

Posted by nikkiP on July 15, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Um, actually you're more than welcome to attend one of the HBCUs. In fact, a white student was recently honored as the valedictorian of such a school.

Black people have jobs, not quite sure why they're all pegged as being unemployed. Personally, I'd find that more offensive. White people do that too, you know.

Tammie, I think you're my hero for the day.

stephasomethingwhocares- Um, please check facts. What the southern states did is no more illegal than what the colonies did. Jefferson was the ONLY one who wanted to abolish slavery. Even northern generals owned slaves. meanwhile, the majority of confederate soldiers were too poor to even own land. Read a few other fact-based replies here, there's alot of learn.

But ever notice how any minority group only cares about themselves? Well, the minority within the minority that is a little too loud. Ever hear gay people try and stand up for equal rights for the black community? Or a member of that community decry what happened to the native americans? Native americans try and help hispanics? Or heaven forbid, feminists try and stand up for anyone? No, as much as anyone claims to want equality, it's all for themselves.

Posted by lakegirl on July 15, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If they really wanted to boycott SC, why not boycott Myrtle Beach BikeFest?

Posted by Lois_Lane on July 15, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do we NEED a White College? NO. Do we NEED a White History Month? NO. If we did NEED those things we'd be called racists! The NAACP just needs to get a life. Like Chris Rock says, "the most racist man you'll ever meet is an old black man!" Find something else to bi**h about. Leave our flag alone. If you don't like our flag, move.

Posted by USC_Alumni on July 15, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think those who use the heritage not hate arguement and my family was so good to there slaves are misguided.

A slave is a slave, what can be or is good about being in bondage and not having any control over your very own life. Having your family members sold, or being forced to have sexual relations with your owner.

As for the heritage not hate idea personally you lose that argument when you allow hate groups such as the Klan and Neo-Nazis to use your symbol of heritage as their symbol of hate. If you loved your heritage so much and wanted to preserve the beacon of good hope it is; you would have stood up and say to these groups that's not what we stand for.

Your heritage have been hijacked, you allowed it, and to people around the world the symbol of your heritage is a symbol of hate.

Posted by grannyofsix on July 15, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does the feel it need to put this story in. it breed racism for their post? Is this what they want all this controversy? Racism breeds so much hate. I know I have been there. Because of my grandson in-law I have seen there is only one difference the color of our skin not what is in our hearts or what we want for ourselves we ALL want the same. Some black and white are to f***ing lazy to do it for themselves. They want handouts give it for free. It’s not that piece of cloth flying its people.
Yes, people I once hung the flag in my front yard. But once my grandson in-law came into my life and his family I don’t use it I hang the American Flag and the Marine flag. We are American after all OF US ARE I do hope.

Posted by OverHere on July 15, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The worst part is that the boycott adversly affects all South Carolinians - which include blacks.

I'm sure more jobs and more money in the state are more of a benefit to the black community than quibbling over a hard fought compromise on the flag issue.

Not to mention that they are not nearly as concerned about Georgia or Mississippi incorporating the confederate flag into their state flag.

Must be an election year. Wonder how much they'll push Obama to show that he's on "their side" and how much Barack will try and distance himself from the NAACP with America on the verge of electing the first black president.

Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on July 15, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ms. Piggy, name me one historically black college ANYWHERE where whites/tans/vanillas/ pinks/mauves/European Americans are not allowed to attend. If you want to be factual in your mentioning of separate colleges, then perhaps you should mention that the state’s founding fathers, perhaps some of your ancestors, created those schools.

The SC NAACP has long served its purpose. The issues that the SC NAACP supports make it a polarizing and ineffective organization; on a national scale it does not appear that the organization takes up frivolous causes…in fact they are mute.

The flag issue goes back to what I teach my son…don’t put thorns in your own side. It is a flag for Heaven’s sake…Every black family should be sure to buy and fly one; you’re southern too. Black soldiers fought and died in the Confederate Army. Get some decals for your car, bike or whatever mode of transportation you use these days, buy a t-shirt or two, a ball cap and call it a life. That flag never harmed anyone…and it does not stir up a mentality; the mentality exists long before-and with or without the flag.

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on July 15, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not surprised. The NAACP looks like a bunch of asses once again! Do any of you remember when they complained that it was made of cotton? This was after it came down from the top of the state house. ha ha ha Always something!

They call it racism ... We call it GET OVER IT!

Posted by Lois_Lane on July 15, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and by the way, It's my flag and I'll fly it right under the American Flag. If you have a problem with it, then it's your problem, not mine. I'm proud of my heritage, of the fact I have relatives who fought in the battles, one lost his life to typhoid fever, the other was wounded but not bad enough to bring home. Some even fought in the Revolutionary War. But I don't rub the flag in nobody's face. I'm Southern by the Grace of God, Confederate by history. I know that when my great great grandmother's mom died after my gggrandmother was born, my ggggrandfather remarried a woman who, unfortunately, was evil and hated the baby so much she wouldn't feed her. But thank God a slave with a heart of gold stepped up to the plate and fed my gggrandmother and kept her alive. For that I am forever grateful. If you treat someone with respect, you get respect. But for God's sake, the NAACP needs to let this one go. There's more battles out there to fight for than complaining about a flag flying at a monument. Go fight to get the young men to step up and raise the children they are producing at an alarming rate who grow up not knowing who their father is. Go fight to get the out-of-wedlock births down some. Go fight for the education everyone needs. Go fight a good fight, for a change.

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings (my words - a bastion of liberal leftist policies);

"Governor of South Carolina
During his governorship (1959-1963), he signed legislation ordering the Confederate Flag to be raised over the state capital to commemorate the 100th anniversary of South Carolina's secession from the union, and to protest the growing civil rights movement."

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MsPiggy.....Take the underground railroad and head UP NORTH.

LOL!!!!!!

Beware to any politician who tries to do away with the Confederate flag. Remember that Beasley guy???? No? Didn't think so.

If the NAACP wants MORE flag waving they should keep up this argument. As for me, I fly my flag twice a year. Robert E. Lee's birthday and Confederate Memorial Day.

The white race is under attack every which way you turn. Why is it that a group of people with slave ancestry hasn't been able to pull themselves up after 200 years??? Even with all the help the government has given them?

I am really sick of the black/white thing. If you don't like what's happening to you then shut up, get an education, don't get pregnant by 15 and make a good life for yourself and be an example to your race.

I will get my hardhat on for the onslaught :)

Posted by remmiesmom on July 15, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I love it when they don't even know what NAACP stands for. So why do they not change it to NAABP?....oh, a little so on some things---sorry

Posted by MichaelRodgers on July 15, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Randy Burbage says, "They (NAACP) want me to respect their heritage, and yet they won't respect mine."

With all due respect, this statement is false. How can you ask the NAACP to respect your heritage when you don't respect it yourself! You let our state legislators use the Confederate flag to divide South Carolinians against each other! You should demand that they give the Confederate flag back to you because they don't deserve to fly it. You should advocate for H-3588, as I am doing with my takedowntheflag blog.

The NAACP is saying that we shouldn't fly the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds because 1) South Carolina already flies a beautiful state flag -- the Palmetto Flag -- and 2) state politicians are using the Confederate flag to disturb South Carolinians and tourists. These are facts, and the NAACP is exactly right on these facts.

I strongly suggest that we pass H-3588. This is a bill that respects the Confederate flag and completes the compromise from 2000. This bill takes the Confederate flag away from our pandering politicians and gives it back to the people who love it, so that they can teach us about the honor of their heritage on Confederate Memorial Day.

Randy Burbage, sir, the bill H-3588 is the NAACP's offer to respect your heritage. It's a great offer, and, if you are really serious about respect, you should accept this offer. Do you want people to respect your heritage or do you want your beloved emblem to be a tool of pandering politicians? Seriously, please decide.

Finally, the 2/3 requirement is simply a legislative hurdle. A majority vote can remove the 2/3 requirement. Then a majority vote is all that's needed to change the law.

Posted by common_sense on July 15, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Will the battle flag also keep people from Ohio, New Jersey & Mexico out of our state? If so, keep it flyin!

I'm just sayin...

Posted by gococks1985 on July 15, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP needs to get over the darn flag issue. focus their efforts to more important things like umm education.

Posted by WinthropEagleFan on July 15, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lois_Lane, you said, "Leave our flag alone. If you don't like our flag, move."

Who are you talking about when you say 'our'? I thought 'our' flags were the flag of the United States of America and the state flag of South Carolina.

That being said, I think the NAACP's actions regarding the continuation of the boycott after a compromise was made is ridiculous, and it seems like this state gets singled out (for no good reason) when there are other similar symbols/displays in other states.

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 15, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

USC_Alumni ~ I do agree with your arguement about the KKK and other groups using what should be a symbol of heritage for their own hate. A very good point.

However, I am not misguided in my knowledge of my own family. I cannot validate the work ethics (or lack thereof) of other families, but I can my own. I do know that my family's employees had names, had birthdays, and were like family. They were not given a number. When they were sick, they were cared for. Their children were taught in a small house of the property alongside the farm owners children.

They had control over their own life and they chose to stay where they were fed, employed, educated and cared for.

Like I said, I cannot speak for all...but speaking for mine does not make me misguided.

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on July 15, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP is not educated enough to go after more serious issues. As for most of their race being the ones in jail, or using medicaid/WIC, being unemployed B/C they do not want to work, and having more than 5 children to be able to draw money from the government. Nooooooo, they would rather focus in issues that really don't do any good whatsoever. Just makes people dislike them even more!

Posted by southerngrace on July 15, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

it is so nice to know there are no other Black issues in this country that require the NAACP attention....get real!!! how about black on black crime, babies with no daddy support ( I think I am doing that :-) ), drug use, etc. what a stupid organization, someone needs to give them a lecture on setting priorities.

Posted by cassique on July 15, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to hoist the last flag of the Confederacy - the one Lee flew at Appomottox. It is a solid field of white with no markings.

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"they would rather focus in issues that really don't do any good whatsoever"

Yes, education can be a wonderful thing!

Posted by carolinamommyof4 on July 15, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP does need to go about this in a different way. It seems once the dust settles and we all begin to lick our wounds, they stir it up again.

But a very good move in a business sense. They keep race alive and keep their organization dollars booming.

By boycotting, they are drawing attention to it. This draws more tourists,journalists and boycotters (if that is a word). These peope come here and they end up spending money for food, gas, rooms, and more.

If you have a legitimate arguement, you do not need to bully people.

We as neighbors should ask them to take THEIR hate somewhere else and let us decide our own fate. We can vote.

The leaders of this are shirt-tailing the true black heroes. They are trying to poke at a sore subject that is trying to heal, that way they get a group of followers. They aren't doing this for others...they are using others for their own personal gain.

Posted by MichaelRodgers on July 15, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The choice of which flags to fly from our Statehouse (dome and grounds) is a defining issue for our state. Our state politicians apparently want us to be known as "South Carolina, the state that flies the Confederate flag in an attempt to make the state inhospitable." What could be of higher priority than defining our state's identity?

The NAACP is a civil rights organization that helps all people of color, including white people, brown people, yellow people, black people, etc. Whether they do a good job or not is interesting to discuss (they often do, and sometimes they don't). However, calling them stupid or whatever is uncalled for.

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

number1volsfan1 - check this out;

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008...

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

USC Alumni (nice Grammar BTW)

USC Alumni, You said....."As for the heritage not hate idea personally you lose that argument when you allow hate groups such as the Klan and Neo-Nazis to use your symbol of heritage as their symbol of hate."

You lose any argument you have when you back the ideas of Dot and her cronies. And I don't allow anyone to do anything. I believe that's called free will and freedom of expression. Or does that only apply to certain people?

If the NAACP dissolved just think how many people would be unemployed!!!! OMG...more government assistance needed.

SC has a rich heritage and history. I would hate to see revisionists wipe out all that blacks and whites have done to create such a beautiful state and country.

Posted by ChasCarolinaGirl on July 15, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm, I wonder if we can reach 500 comments today. Already 100 by 10am? WOW. These people certainly know how to get people stirred up for the wrong reasons.

Posted by sassee on July 15, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP had a boycott on SC????? who knew????

If they TRULY want to Boycott SC, they should pack-up and LEAVE THE STATE!

Posted by guidedbystewart on July 15, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What the hell, all of the fuss over a piece of cloth. Personally, I have never been one for symbols. The Confederate Flag means many different things to many different people, to many southerners it might mean heritage (and rightfully so). But To the NAACP it might mean hate (and for them rightfully so). I think that each side has the right and justification to there own interpretation. The problem is that either side fails or could care less why the other believes the way they do. If anything it makes our State look bad to the rest of the nation, but really personally I could care less. I feel that we have much more pressing issue than some symbolic piece of cloth. Yet, I don’t see issue resolving anytime soon, so while bicker about its meaning and why it should come down, I will be watching on the sideline LMAO.

Posted by MichaelRodgers on July 15, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shoelaces, basically, H-3588 is a bill that gets our state to do what you do -- fly the Confederate flag on Confederate Memorial Day. And Dot is explaining how our state legislators make her feel by flying the Confederate flag year-round. When our state flies the Confederate flag only on Confederate Memorial Day, she will feel much differently.

Posted by guidedbystewart on July 15, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, I do feel that many of the comments I have are racist in nature, and does nothing but introduce more conflict. This is just an observation.

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

cassique LOL - and I am a supporter of the Confederate flag!!

sassee...love your ideas too.

Are there any statistics on just how much this flag has "hurt" SC? any statistics on the damages to the economy the boycott (still can't believe it exists) has had??? Anyone? Anyone??

Posted by number1volsfan1 on July 15, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tripsa--Good one!(and sooo true).

Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on July 15, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gadsden: It should be noted that people can identify themselves as whatever they wish. I personally, identify myself as Black due to my mixed heritage. Many Caucasians have never been to Europe, Northern Africa (Say it ain’t so… Africa), Western Asia and parts of Central Asia or South Asia, however, they are still Caucasian/White/Anglo. If a person of color wishes to be identified as African-American so what! I think by now, most people know that Africa/African is not synonymous with black. That issue is just as dead as the flag and is exemplary of the fact that everyone at some point has a frivolous gripe.

Granny: I think it was noble of you to do that for your grandson. But, have you ever asked him if the flag is an issue for him? Also you should note that the `majority` of the “pro flag” posters here are not interested in your story. These are the folk who love God, love their country, and respects anyone who agrees with them, but innately prejudges anyone who is not white/'tan'/'European- American'…and southern.

Posted by localboy on July 15, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay first off maybe its just a typo up top but the 1st Stainless? No clue what that one is! The first National Flag of the Confederacy is called the stars and bars and looks an awful lot like the Georgia flag of today. The 2nd National Flag was called the stainless Banner and consisted of the Battle Flag (called the Starry Cross) in the corner on a field of white.
Please folks read up and don't use Jefferson as an example because while a great American he owned slaves until he took his dying breath - a real enigma that man.
USC Alumni - did you take any history classes while in Columbia? USC in spite of everything else has some excellent Southern history professors that you obviously missed - too bad for you. The flag was placed on the dome to commemorate the Centennial of the War - now there may have been a back story but at least understand and be clear before you sling stuff you obviously know little about.
Many of you need to read a little more history both the Lost Cause group and the Evil Southern Slavers group - you might eventually understand the issue is not nearly as simple as you'd like it to be. And don't read the historian's analysis of the time and the war, read the people who lived and fought and struggled during that times accounts if you want real history. Most modern historian are still pandering to a specific group to sell their books.

Posted by UrGatorbait on July 15, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP moving the goal posts again. They should be doing real things to help for the advancement of colored people not harping about an outdated symbol of hate. Some call it heritage but it sure isn't my southern heritage. The south lost get over it and move on.

When Gadsen has nothing, normal, he calls people names, mocks their education, calls arguments he doesn't agree with strawmen to try and bully his way through and any number of ways to avoid someone else's idea as valid. Then he appears to validate the continued flying of the flag though it was originally ordered to be flown by segregationists. "Hey the segregationists did it, not me, so that makes it okay so don't blame me for the flag flying. I just support what it means so don't call it a symbol of hate." Oh the irony.

Coastie your argument made no sense.

Shoelaces says the white race is under attack but is sick of the whole white/black thing. So which is it?

tripsa Obama is dual citizen BFD man what does that have to do with the battle rag flying anyway?

My 50 Cents worth...your last line is a gem. Well said.

Posted by Tammie on July 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP, to most smart people, should not make people of other races look at all blacks like all we do is whine, cry racism on everything, etc. Only an individual can make you do that. Same thing with all the other stigmas placed on our race. I'll put it on repeat, they don't speak for me, only I can do that. Although a lot of these comments are drenched in ignorance and racism, why debate the issue? The snott has been beaten out of this horse, move the **expletive** on.

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MichaelRodgers - do you really think Dot and the gang will EVER be happy?? Really??

They got what they wanted, it off the top of the capitol and in a different place. Now they want more. And they always will.

Dot and the gang....go take care of some REAL issues in the black community.

Posted by iceman1978 on July 15, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP can boycott South Carolina indefinately and it won't change the situation one bit. I'm actually writing a book where I discuss the environment, energy policy and the war on terror and how the history of the Cold War ties into it. In one section I discuss the futility of embargoes and boycotts and why they generally are unsuccessful.
-------
Why Embargoes Don’t Work: Ultimately the Arab oil embargo was unsuccessful. As petroleum prices continued to rise, the temptation for OPEC member nations to break the agreement became too strong. As petroleum started to clandestinely be exported, the Arab nations broke and brought the embargo to a close, and the United States continued to assist Israel as it had done in the past. The conclusion was that of the Arab nations not achieving their stated goals. The reasons for this are more economic than they are any other. This is not to say that embargos are ineffective, only that they are often not sustainable over the long-run. In order for an embargo to be successful, or a boycott for that matter; certain conditions are necessary:

 The embargo/boycott must not be instigated against a geographical region.
 It must not target an economic good with an inelastic demand for which there are no substitutes.
 It must be against a specific organization or company whose product has an elastic demand and is sold in a competitive market.

As some of you who live in the southeast may be aware of, the state of South Carolina has continued to be on a boycott list from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The boycott has been in place every year now for over five years and has been unsuccessful each year, regardless of whether or not they believe their intentions are in the correct place. The simple truth is that even if the boycott were successful it would create an economic overage in the tourist industry. Hotel rates would begin to drop, as would the cost of rental properties, the prices offered at area restaurants and at other businesses associated with the tourist industry. In addition to this, those who participate in the boycott would now take their money elsewhere, which in turn would raise prices in neighboring states. With prices falling in South Carolina it would simply be a matter of time before tourists would come back to what would now be a bargain state.

Posted by iceman1978 on July 15, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Part Two: (It cut me off since I was over 3,000)

In economics there is a concept known as ‘price elasticity of demand.’ What this basically does is to measure the correlation between the changes in demand for a good relative to an increase in price. When a good is considered to be inelastic, it means that demand will remain largely unchanged even when prices increase. Such goods include gasoline, medicine, medical care, electricity, and goods for which there is no substitute such as water and food. Illegal drugs, alcohol and cigarettes also fall into this category. Companies which produce such goods, like the electric companies, tend to be subsidized and regulated by the State for this reason. Elastic goods would be considered clothing, soft drinks, and goods for which there are many substitutes. A boycott against companies which produce inelastic goods will be unsuccessful for obvious reasons.

The only circumstances in which a boycott or embargo might work is when the market is competitive and when the target is a specific organization. An example of this would be when various religious groups have boycotted clothing or retail service companies over what they believe to be vulgar or politically offensive forms of advertisement. Because the clothing and service market is highly competitive; the success rate of such boycotts tends to have more of an effect. It is examples such as these when boycotts or embargoes will have a better chance of success.

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 15, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Waste of time and life to mess with that flag. What is the NAACP on this time? Obama Kool-AID?

Posted by Newt on July 15, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gadsden - please stop spewing the lies about Obama. He was not raised a Muslim!

The Fox loving neo-cons always take their sound bites and repeat them until they become true in their heads.

Back on subject – I have lived in the south my whole life and I always associated the flag with the redneck boys that tore around the mountain. Running moonshine, shooting deer by spot light and throwing their trash in the ditch. I cringe when I see some big boobed blonde bimbo bouncing around in a stars & bars bathing suit, you know people see that and think we are all the Dukes of Hazard yeehaws!

I wish the NAACP would get with the times and start addressing real issues of racism and social injustice. Any one of you posters that gripe about the NAACP; have to admit there is still racial inequality in America. To think that there is none is like sticking your head in the sand or better yet listening to anything Bill O’Riley or Sean Hannity has to say.

The NAACP is a needed organization, they just need to get their priorities right!

Posted by MichaelRodgers on July 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP did not move the goalposts. See http://www.scnaacp.org/html/original_res....

The NAACP asked that the flag not fly because a flying flag represents sovereignty. The NAACP further noted that when our state flies the Confederate flag, our state "makes a statement about public policy that is an affront to the sensibilities and dignity of a majority of African Americans in the state of South Carolina."

So, the NAACP has been asking, consistently, for our state legislators to stop making the following statements:

1) South Carolinians owe allegiance to the Confederacy.
2) Our state government supports efforts to affront the dignity of African Americans.

The solution is H-3588. This bill respects the Confederate flag and resolves completely the two issues of the NAACP. It's win-win-win.

http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007...

Posted by Thomas1776 on July 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do black people hate America so much?

Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on July 15, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In the past there has been the leak of at least on person identity for fairly vindictive reasons I would guess. Any school district in ANY state in which Shoelaces is a teacher has the right to know the mentality of the individual they have hired to educate children. I would pay money to have that identity revealed.

“The white race is under attack every which way you turn. Why is it that a group of people with slave ancestry hasn't been able to pull themselves up after 200 years??? Even with all the help the government has given them?
I am really sick of the black/white thing. If you don't like what's happening to you then shut up, get an education, don't get pregnant by 15 and make a good life for yourself and be an example to your race.

Shoelaces, you are a disgrace to all educators...especially white educators to whom color is not an issue.

Posted by GOD on July 15, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Learn to Love your brothers and sisters. You breathe the same unfiltered air, but you can't bring yourselves to see that all people are the same. Can we create a world where the LOVE for everyone ensures equality for all people. Look around, everyone is suffering. The man-made economy is failing. Who will save the world? Love is the answer. Come together now and make changes in the way you think about your brothers and sisters. You are your brothers' keeper.

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatorbait...what I am sick of is being made to feel like I am responsible for the ills of the black race and that I owe somebody something. The only people I owe anything to are my parents who worked their tails off to make sure I didn't grow up to be a whiny brat who expects everyone to bow down to what I want and complain about it when I don't get it. And I owe my children a PROPER upbringing away from those who don't take care of themselves and contribute to society in a positive way.

It's a flag....make it what you want. It has a place in our nation's history and in the present.

There are MANY things I don't like but I don't go whining to a group to fix things that aren't broken and aren't important.

As for Obama becoming our next president, I hope to God that does NOT happen.

Posted by geekboy on July 15, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was written: "When our state flies the Confederate flag only on Confederate Memorial Day, she will feel much differently."

Yeah, you're right, she will feel different.

She, and others like her, will then feel the need to b*tch, moan and complain that South Carolina dares to raise a Confederate flag once per year, and how that doing so once per year insults her and hurts her feelings.

Posted by geekboy on July 15, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and I saw at least one response that said to let them all go back to Africa. Well, they've already tried that once, and it resulted in the disaster known as Liberia.

Posted by localboy on July 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does Michael Rodgers have a real job or is the obsession with the flag too time consuming. He had a website dedicated to Tipper Goar so maybe there is another obsession. Almost stalker scary in my opinion.
As to the goal posts "Now Be It Therefore Resolved, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at its 1999 Annual Convention reaffirms its condemnation of the Confederate Battle Flag being flown over the South Carolina State Capitol and displayed within the South Carolina House and Senate Chambers, and renews its call for the removal and relocation of the Confederate Battle Flag to a place of historical rather than sovereign context; "
Hmmm - historical rather than sovereign context - you mean like at a monument to CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS?
And don't throw up the next line of the resolution about the US DoJ because then you will get a South Carolina sovereignty lesson.

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NEWT, where you been? I have midded your lambasting me!

welcome back.

yo gator, I was responding to this post;
USC_Alumni
"Gadsden:What does any of what you said have to do with the TRUE heritage that flag represents? - Hate, oppression, slavery, brutality, lynchings, segregation, and no protection under the law for a certain race of people."

My question was; USC_Alumni, arnt all those things taking place in the majority of sup-Sarahn Africa?

It appears that Obama has no problem with it, due to his support of the leadership of Kenya.

------------------------------------------------------------
Ernest Frederick "Fritz" Hollings (my words - a bastion of liberal leftist policies);

"Governor of South Carolina
During his governorship (1959-1963), he signed legislation ordering the Confederate Flag to be raised over the state capital to commemorate the 100th anniversary of South Carolina's secession from the union, and to protest the growing civil rights movement."

Posted by Landbuyer on July 15, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NAACP, first your name is a bit outdated. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Man, if I said "colored" today I'd be a bigot.

I'd really like to know why ou don't address issues such as crime, drug use, absentee fathers, unwed mothers, unemployment, poor parenting, the idea that people are entitled to a living while doing nothing, lack of education and other serious issues affecting the African American community. I mean really does this flag issue get Johnny into a job or college? Or, does it just put money in your bank?

Do something real to help your community. At least something we can see. Get over this.

Posted by TarNFeatherEm on July 15, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The confederate flag was the flag when SC left the union and the civil war started. Slavery was not an issue until a couple of years into the war. SO, the flag does not stand for slavery. If anything it stands for states rights. If any state should fly that flag is should be SC since we were the first and this was where the war started. It is a big part of SC history and always will be.

The NAACP is a racist group and they would all be out of business if they stopped stirring the racist pot.

Posted by tripsa on July 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry newt, thats missed you

Was Abe Lincoln "The Great Emancipator"?

"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.." ---Abraham Lincoln...

Posted by MichaelRodgers on July 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP suggested that the Confederate flag be placed in a glass case at the Confederate Soldier Monument. Sen. Glenn McConnell rejected that suggestion.

The NAACP suggested that if the Confederate flag should fly to represent whites' heritage, then the Black Liberation flag should fly to represent blacks' heritage. Sen. Glenn McConnell rejected letting the voters decide in a referrendum.

The NAACP has presented many, many reasonable solutions to this defining issue for our state. They are not asking that anyone "sentence their ancestors to a reputation of shame," nor are they trying to "commit cultural genocide" on people who love the Confederate flag (both quotes from Sen. Glenn McConnell).

H-3588 is the bill that respects the Confederate flag and unites our state behind our current state flag -- the Palmetto flag -- year-round and honors the extremely important Confederate part of our state's history on Confederate Memorial Day. H-3588 completes the compromise of 2000.

And yes, I write a blog advocating for the passage of H-3588. http://takedowntheflag.wordpress.com
And it's dedicated to Tipper Gore because she was the voice of reason who was criticized from the right and the left when she helped the music industry and parents by getting "parental advisory" stickers.

Posted by Newt on July 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The truth does not hurt me! The lies hurt you neo-con swift boat kool aid drinkers!

He is a Christian, which certainly doesn't endear him to me! By repeating the Muslim crap is just providing fodder for more Fox new goers! If neo-cons would get their heads surgically removed from their butts maybe there could be a dialogue that is useful. But NO....we have weirdos that only listen to conservative news and repeat the nonsense until it becomes their reality!

Back on subject…..you did not address the real issue which is…….Is there racism in America? Yes, there is racism in America!

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 15, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The flag (stands for) the ugliness we're still experiencing. I am in absolute support that the flag needs to go." - Dot Scott

Well, here we go again with the National Association for the Aggrivation of Caucasian People (NAACP) picking up the issue of the Confederate Flag. Lets see, now. If I follow Scott's logic, what logic she has, anything that represents "ugliness" should not be publicly displayed. Fine, but why stop with the Confederate Flag? Lets ban rap music from public air waves as it promotes openly gang violence. Lets remove all of the crosses from churchs and jewelery because the cross is, as the old hyme says, as "symbol of suffering and shame".

Want to boycott South Carolina? Good. Stay out and stay gone.

Posted by shoelaces on July 15, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

50Cents - You really don't know me so you can't begin to know about me as an educator. For over 15 years I have taught ONLY in schools where the majority of the students are black and are from poverty.

As for my comment about shutting up, getting an education, not getting pregnant, and becoming an example to your race...what is wrong