Gov Haley demands rebel flag removal

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by OldDog

One might believe, judging by the amount of media coverage dedicated to the significance of the flag's removal, that everything WILL be "all good." I agree with the writer:



I'm happy the flag is coming down. But it's a knee jerk reaction. Does anyone believe that had it been removed in 2000 instead of relocated to the confederate soldiers memorial this shooting would not have occurred? Likewise, does anyone believe that any of the gun laws proposed after Sandy Hook would have prevented it?

I agree that hate and violence won't stop with the removal of a symbol, or gun laws but that's not the point....when one perceives something as "wrong", one is obligated to try and fix it. The rebel flag is an affront to not only blacks but all folks who see it as both a reminder of past and present racism. I support rational gun laws, the ones that restrict automatic and semi-automatic weapons, require background checks for everyone desiring to purchase any gun and regulates the sale and transportation of lethal weapons. I also support reforms and increased funding for the mental health system, coupled with a national data base allowing professionals to identify potential violent folks and a process allowing said folks to get treatment. None of this will stop violence, but it will, in my opinion, be steps in the right direction. Again, removal of the rebel flag from government domains isn't a knee-jerk reaction rather a long overdue reform.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

Again, removal of the rebel flag from government domains isn't a knee-jerk reaction rather a long overdue reform.

This this this. I fail to understand why a nation would honor the symbols of an insurrection against the nation. Private citizens, whatever, you want to publicly show you're a bigot by flying the Stars and Bars on your lawn, be my guest. But for state governments to use taxpayer money to do it? What?

The swastika may be a symbol with 12,000 years of history behind it, and for 11,920 of those years it was a positive symbol. But I ain't flying it in my yard, nor do I think Germany should (and of course, Germany banned it years ago).

Though of course, sales of the Confederate battle flag did make for some hilarious Amazon reviews: