Posted by Reader on July 17, 2008 at 4:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

According to the artcicle, "Dot Scott, president of the Charleston branch of the NAACP state conference, said Gordon is missing the point. 'What [the Sons of Conferederate Veterans doesn't] understand is [the NAACP doesn't] care if they put one up on every house, we don't care if they put it all along the highways and on businesses,' Scott said. 'We're concerned that it is on Statehouse grounds.'"

Oh, the ever changing terms of compromise! When the compromise was reached, the NCAAP was claiming that the group was concerned only with flying the flag over the STATEHOUSE. Then, it became flying the flag over the Statehouse GROUNDS. Next, it will become flying the flag ANYWHERE. This moving target is precisely why the debate remains active.

Posted by eatmorecollards on July 17, 2008 at 5:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the American Civil War was fought over slavery as the NAACP contends it should be realized that over 600,000 White Americans died and over 1,000,000 wounded for the black man. Have a little respect when asking for more concessions.

Posted by rebcsc on July 17, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I recently read an essay written by Booker T. Washington. I found it interesting that he was encouraging blacks to stay in the South ... because it was the only section of the country where blacks were treated with respect based on their character, merits and achievements ... that section of the country which had fought in vain under the flag that blacks now find so offensive, a section of the country stripped of it's wealth then forced under martial law to pay for its own "Reconstruction". These people who are now depicted as "terrorists" by the History Channel were, in the estimation of one prominent black man living in the South at that time, the most respectful and accomodating to blacks, their former slaves, of any people in this country. Yes,I found that interesting.This was his impression of the people who had fought for and lived briefly under that maligned flag.

It's no wonder that people have their current impression of the Confederate battle flag when it's history is being written and promulgated by a pseudo-historian psychologist from Vermont where the black population is 0.05%, a state whose black population is so small and insignificant that their state affirmative action plan only addresses women and not racial minorities, a state whose university can't actively recruit even 100 blacks out of a student population of 6,000 or 7,000 because of "problems".

If the NAACP were really serious about its mission, it would be asking the country why no state outside of the South has a black population greater than 5% instead of insulting South Carolinians about a grossly misunderstood but cherished historical relic representative of many good ideals and a gracious people apparently beyond their comprehension.

Posted by moonpie on July 17, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Battle rages" this a joke and a non-issue for most people black or white. You see the same idiots fighting for or against this issue. While I agree, the NAACP agreed with the compromise way back when and now they seem to be changing the their tune, imagine that? Tough titty as they say! It stays where it is and you just live with it or move!
Battle is a strong word and leaves the impression people are in the streets fighting over this issue and that ain't the case. Really about 10 people care and you seem to mention them every time this pops up.

Posted by charlestonpride on July 17, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Robert Ford doesn't even support the NAACP on this matter. They need to fight a fight that is worth fighting, and this isn't it!

Posted by follygirl on July 17, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is the Confederate flag always called a battle flag? Is every flag even flown during a war a "battle flag." You only ever hear this expression for the Confederate flag, no others. I think the NAACP needs to learn thier history and heritage and let this issue go. They bring it up again and again and make it an issue. Let it go. Lets respect those that died for what they believed in at that time.

Posted by RTC on July 17, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am just plain sick of hearing about this whole thing. Are there not more pressing issues that need attention?
Yes, there is a list a mile long that needs to be addressed.
Dot Scott's comment is totally ignorant, as she obviously has no idea what she is saying.
Furthermore, the only people that feel oppressed by that flag are those that use it as an excuse for not succeeding in life. That flag can't stop anyone from making something of their life if they want it badly enough.
Any excuse to stir the pot.

Posted by ccfirefighterchick on July 17, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Follygirl, the reason it is called a battle flag is that the dimensions are different between the ones used in battle and the ones that most people fly. The battle flag was square, while most flags flown are rectangular. That is the main difference in this case.

The flag should stay where it is. If they have it moved, the NAACP will next want to remove the monument that is on the Statehouse grounds that memorializes those who fought and died in the Civil War. They want to remove any piece of Southern history. Well, when I was in school, they taught us that if you don't know history, it tends to repeat itself. The only way to keep it from repeating is to know what happened so that you can stop it from happening again.

Leave the flag alone. Many brave men (both black and white) fought under that flag and for that flag. Many families lost their loved ones because of their support for that flag and what it stood for. Blacks and whites, women and men all died supporting the South in the Civil War. Look it up in your history books!

Posted by Tammie on July 17, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Day three of this dead horse being beaten. It's starting to stink. We've already had the wake, funeral, repast, etc. Let it go. It's a non-issue for me personally. The NAACP needs to take on more issues. Do you see how many of blacks are unemployed? Hold workshops to promote better job skills. Hold a food drive. Hold a clothing drive. Hold youth rallies and workshops. Do something more constructive than this.

Posted by jeannie on July 17, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If keeping that flag on the grounds means all the ignorant people and the NAACP will stay away I will go hold it up myself

Posted by 3olivesmike on July 17, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have heard comments that Jesse Jackson Sr and Al Sharpton thrive on racial tension and divisiveness and to an extent I agree. How different is the Post and Courier? I am asking everyone to stop and think about the issues this disgrace of a newspaper beats to death almost every day. They know the white hot buttons and those of the black community. What a shame we support this rag. I'm for just ignoring it and maybe there would be a competitor with more responsible journalism.

Posted by berthelot on July 17, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, the horse has been beaten to death. I think the P&C wants to generate another 300 comments so that they can charge Johhny's Suzuki and Netflix more for advertising.

Posted by Tammie on July 17, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lmao @ Berthelot and CB!!

Posted by theronce on July 17, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I waffle about the need for these articles. This "battle" that is not a battle is tiresome, but they can be interesting if I am in the mood. Mostly though, the ignorance of history and a lack of understanding of others views is usually wearisome. I don't know how I could be much more southern by heritage, personal history, or choice, but this is not an issue that I think is that big except for the fact that others do when more important issues are at stake. On the other hand, symbols are important. Many conquered peoples in other lands have squirreled away their banners against the day that they can bring them back out. I am readily angered when someone desecrates a cross, knowing that the thing is only stone, metal, or wood. I, for one southerner looking back on what our country has done since, am glad that the unionists conquered the seccessionists. However, that is a story that I do not think has fully played out yet, with the federal government now usurping the constitutional powers of the people and all of the states. We may want to consider more often the other battles that may come.

Posted by STREETLAW on July 17, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Confederate Flag is a little more than a symbol of being Southern.

A rational person can no more condon slavery than they can endorse Hitler's massacre of the Jews, or abortion.

It would be safe to say the Civil war wasn't about slavery but state rights. But suppose the rights being defended were wrong in the sight of God? Does that still reflect a noble cause.

Americans by nature are a rebellious people, and the Conferate Flag is a symbol of rebellion. But it is also a historical cultural artifact.

If Gov. Sanford had any backbone at all he would take the flag down. People who want to could still fly it. Better yet they could wear it as lapel pins.

It will make it easier for the Obamites to find them if Obama is elected.

And speaking of Hitler, it would be interesting to see an article on whether or not the Nazi flag still flies in Germany as a symbol of their heritage?

Posted by cnast777 on July 17, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is some tedious B.S.
BTW, They want to have the hollywood film companies to avoid coming to SC to produce. Well, Sanford beat them to the punch already by cutting incentives to the industry. Look it up, it's true.

Posted by CaptPete on July 17, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Due to the gas situation we need a few more in the hotels. Bring on the boycott. It worked out well last time.

Posted by Weeeee on July 17, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't you just love people making a big deal out of a non-issue? I would fling poo at Dot Scott.

Posted by nikkiP on July 17, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rebcsc- Interesting article, do you know where I could find that?

But seriously, it's a dead horse. The NAACP will never be happy. There's no reason to take it off a confederate memorial. We will not practice appeasement! you want to talk about Hitler? Appeasement is how he conquered most of Europe.

Mmm... Now I could go for bbq after hearing about Duke's and Maurice's. oooh banana pudding.

Posted by BigSargeofSC on July 17, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The National Association for the Aggrivation of Caucasian People must be out of their minds, assuming they had a mind to start with. After all, why worry about something important like education, local food banks, or any other work that would better support the people of South Carolina? No, they have to worry about a flag that represents the history of South Carolina and the South as a whole. The flag of the Confederacy represents far more than just states who favored slavery. The Confederate Flag represents the people of the South who refused to bow down to an over-powerful central government who wanted nothing more than to control the destiny of the Southern States. (By the way, I wonder how many people complain today about living under so many controls put in place by the government?) I'm not going to debate that the War of Northern Aggression had nothing to do with slavery. Slavery was a small part of it. However, slavery is not what the Confederate Flag represents.

Posted by Tammie on July 17, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CB..lmao!!! Hell, you can't satisfy everyone. BigSarge agrees with me, do something more constructive than whine and complain. Make a real difference in the community.
~Job fairs
~Workshops (resume writing, how to become a better employee, basic computer skills)
~Food banks
~Clothing drives

There are many ways to enhance your community. But you have to start in your own house first!

Posted by Lovely_One on July 17, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with Coldbeer. LMAO!

Posted by red_rider on July 17, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Streetlaw:

The Nazi flag and anything related to Hitler or his party are completely banned in Germany.

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"What they don't understand is we don't care if they put one up on every house, we don't care if they put it all along the highways and on businesses," Scott said. "We're concerned that it is on Statehouse grounds."

Who does Dot think she is kidding? Put that flag all over the place and the NAACP will have lots more work to bill somebody for. And they will be hiring!!!

CSA...I have a flag that flew over the capitol right before our state caved in to these folks. Want to borrow it??

**This only gives the NAACP a reason to continue to exist.

Posted by MissPriss on July 17, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL at CB and berthelot!

Tammie- I agree we have more pressing issues than a damn flag.

Weeee please put the poo up. :)

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is the BBQ sauce still "banned" locally? That is some of the best stuff.

STREETLAW:

"If Gov. Sanford had any backbone at all he would take the flag down."

The last governor who messed with the flag is looong gone. Sanford is not stupid. He knows what will happen to him and his legacy if he touches the flag. One of the few times the "power of the people" worked.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmm the Sons of Confederate Veterans? An irrelevant group perhaps???

IMO no, it has a purpose just like the NAACP. The NAACP is the least of SC's problems.

RW,Tammie, BigSarge - Unemployment, crime and baby daddies are not the NAACP's concern. They are concerned with civil rights. The issues you named are community issues and they should not be confused with their purpose like everyone else on this board seems to be doing. Charleston's community should be dealing with that not the NAACP and please stop making it seem like baby daddies and unemployment are just a "black" thing. Good Lord.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Furthermore if the boycott didn't affect anything last time then why are we still talking about it??

do I respect that flag? Hell No.

It should be a damn museum with all the other old relics. I swear we as a country get so distracted easily. Instead of worrying about the education crisis in our state you're worrying about some idiotic boycott by the NAACP. I should start calling the NAACP "the man". Is "the man" holding you back??? Is he taking food off of your table?

I'll only listen to complaints when we get our behinds off the bottom of the list for education.

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Test2007:

I don't have a handbook for the NAACP to know exactly what they do. But IMO if the communities were taking care of the issues you mentioned we may not have a need for the NAACP at all.

And what does a piece of cloth waving in the air have to do with someone's civil rights? Toughen up and worry about what matters....work, family needs, and securing your future.

Posted by nikkiP on July 17, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the NAACP is for the advancement of "colored people."
I thought that term was deemed rude, by the way.
What better way to advance than start from the bottom with the community?

Our rankings in education come from many factors, such as statewide testing as opposed to only testing selected students. Well, that and people dropping out of school and useless parents.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

shoelaces - The NAACP was created as a CIVIL RIGHTS organization. The BS people are saying they should be concerned with have nothing to do with civil rights at all. Maybe you should read the flippin handbook. Drugs, crime, etc are COMMUNITY issues. Talk to your damn community. Stop thinking the NAACP can solve those issues. One other thing. EVERY BLACK PERSON IS NOT IN THE NAACP OR ENDORSES THEM! Seriously, black people are not the damn borg. Find a new song to sing. Good grief.

The stupid flag was used as a symbol of hate. That is it. It's old. It's not our state flag and it should be in a museum point blank.

PS I worry about all of those things already while you are worrying about some ridiculous boycott so maybe you need to toughen up.

Posted by summerville_guy on July 17, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This article is nothing but a re-hashing of the previous 2 or 3 articles written on this subject this week. There is no new information here.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweetie - you took that out of the name not the mission.

Sorry but the community should help itself. Even if they DID work with the community like that (which they won't because like I said it isn't their gd JOB)you all would bitch about the way they were doing that TOO. So seriously, that whole convo about community issues is too irrelevant.

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There's really a handbook :)

I am not trying to pick a fight. The point I was trying to make ties in with yours TEST. Maybe the NAACP should broaden their horizons and branch out.

IF the NAACP would start at the bottom with the communities then maybe some of the more important issues like teen pregnancy, drugs, crime, etc. would be lessened.

But then those like Dot, Jesse, and Al would have to find real jobs...

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My point was that, that kind of thing is NOT their job. It isn't what the group was founded on. That is for the communities to take care of (North Chuck I'm talking to YOU).

Teen pregnancy, drugs and crime are not specific to any race. Do you want them telling your kids how to live and what to do?? Jesse Jackson has a 10 year old kid and NOT with his wife. You want that to go into "the community"? Seriously, that stuff is on the individual and community level.

I doubt if the national org of NAACP even knows the crap that Charleston's chapter has gotten into. While the local chapter annoys me, with all these stereotypes and blanket generalizations they still seem to serve a purpose. Kill the ignorance and maybe they will leave for good. I would love it if they weren't needed at ALL.

Posted by greyrider on July 17, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP is really being heartless about this. I understand they are worried because more and more of the black community is abandoning them and they are trying to revive support, but you can't lie about people just to gain political support and not expect a backlash. The Confederate soldiers were REAL PEOPLE. Their descendants are REAL PEOPLE. The war was NOT over whether or not slavery should be legal. You can't falsely accuse people of something that evil, and then act shocked when the SCV objects. TRUTH is what matters. The SCV claims there were 90,000 free black men who ENLISTED in the Confederate Army. Granted, that cannot be proven because so much of the CSA's documents were destroyed, but there remains documented evidence of at least 60,000 black confederates. As far as I'm concerned, the black confederates are the greatest heroes in American history and the NAACP tries to act like they don't exist. THese men, who were all exslaves could have understandably resented the South and fought against them (many did). But these men, once they got out into free society, realized this was a political issue and that most southerners opposed slavery and they CHOSE to standby their fellow southerners, many giving their lives. That speaks volumes about their character. At a time when many black leaders complain about the lack of role models, the NAACP should hold these men up as heroes, not ignore their existence.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

P&C should focus on some real news. This crap is getting even more ridiculous.

NAACP is also an ORGANIZATION. It is not a person. Stop saying what "they" think or what "they" believe. Just b/c your local NAACP person Dot thinks this way does not mean they all do.

greyrider - why are black confederates the greatest heroes in all American history? I would like to think that anyone that serves their country should get great esteem for doing just that. I also want to know where the statistics came back on the "free" black men who enlisted, voluntarily I suppose?

Posted by Tammie on July 17, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I brought those issues up Test because I know there are a lot more pressing issues than a piece of cloth. The things that I suggested are not only for the Charleston area, hell they can be anywhere. The people in my church promote NAACP as not only a civil rights organization but as a community organization, which was my purpose of suggesting what I suggested. I just think they could do more constructive things with their time aside from beating this already dead horse. JMO

Posted by willie08 on July 17, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well said test

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think your church should actually be promoting them period IMO. Leave that stuff up to the local community groups or better yet maybe your church can create their own group and help the community. I respect that kind of thing more. I live in VA and a church I attended had their own community outreach. They had 24 hr hotlines for people in trouble. They had counseling seminars (marriage, relationships etc) but they also had programs to help with getting teens involved and off the street. They had mentoring programs as well. All of this came from their OWN money.

That is the kind of thing I am talking about. The NAACP is a huge organization much like a corporation. Even if they did become involved (which they won't) they would probably thoroughly ineffective. That is why the community should take responsibility for themselves.

Posted by greyrider on July 17, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Test, the 60,000 is a generally accepted number that I've read in history books. I honestly don't know where the SCV gets the 90,000 estimate from (unless their argument is that if 60,000 can be proven and so many of the CSA's documents were destroyed, its just an assumption).

While I agree ALL soldiers are heroes, my argument is that these exslaves who all suffered at the hands of the slaveowners, looked past the scum few and focused on what kind of people MOST of their fellow southerners were really like. Not an easy thing to do.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

greyrider - No doubt I will read up on this later but I am not sure that all of the 60,000 fought out of the goodness of their hearts or voluntarily so I will wait to research that on my own time. Maybe a lot fought b/c they wanted to be acknowledged as real people during that time when some still felt they were property.

Also, I will give you this bit of my ancestry. It is told my family ended up in this area because a great great so on grandfather was actually freed BUT he was captured and brought back here. I didn't hear about him being a confederate soldier. I have to do more research which is hard and time consuming esp in regards to black ancestry.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I need to nominate myself for african american lives on PBS so I can dr. gates to research for me.

Posted by greyrider on July 17, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

greyrider - No doubt I will read up on this later but I am not sure that all of the 60,000 fought out of the goodness of their hearts

That's true, and that's part of the overall point. More than any other war in world history, it can be said of the American Civil War that if you went back and asked 10 soldiers on each side "why are you fighting?" you just might get 20 different answers.

Posted by greyrider on July 17, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Test, I used to work with a guy whose dad has belonged to this group for years. There is a lot of information on this site.

http://www.37thtexas.org/

Posted by rbryanm on July 17, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rebcsc --
"...it would be asking the country why no state outside of the South has a black population greater than 5% instead of insulting South Carolinians about a grossly misunderstood..."

likely don't ask because your contention lacks merit, eh?

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.h...

Posted by greyrider on July 17, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The NAACP could learn a lot from the Black Confederates. The Black Confederates looked at the white south as a whole and decided to stand by them despite the scum few who owned slaves. They realized it was wrong to blame everyone for what a few were doing. They put their own sufferings in the past and decided to move on.

NAACP, HELLO??

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

greyrider - methinks the black confederates is a group, like the NAACP, that has a specific purpose. How many black Union soldiers were there and why are they not as applauded? Lets not romanticize the black confederates either. They all served a purpose.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RW - hmm very openminded, gotta love it.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

greyrider - nevertheless, I will do some research on it. I would like to hear that side of it of course.

Posted by drp7773 on July 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well hells bells, if they are going to boycot the state because it flies where its at then I say put it back on top of the capital and really give them a reason not to come back. Lets make one lane of I-26 a get out of the state fast lane that way the naacp folks dont have to stay in this bad bad state any longer then needed. Come on, lets see the hands of the folks that will help Dot (I'm a racist who likes jessie nonut and n-word who has babies by women not his wife and no wonder he is mad when Hussein says the men should stop it talking preacher) pack.

Posted by JDHawg on July 17, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This was posted on CH.2 website counton2.com by Dee Dee Sharp a blk news reporter.
Posted by Dee Dee Sharp at 12:09 PM. Filed under:

(6) Comments • Permalink

Previous entry: I hate fried mushy oysters!
I think this was VERY profound and if all people thought this way then I don’t think those that are racist would have as much control as they do now. Racist are truly ignorant. Typically it is a generational sin that has been passed down in a family just waiting for someone to break the cycle. Flags are not racist, symbols are not racist. People are.

Posted by JDHawg on July 17, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is the BBQ sauce still "banned" locally? That is some of the best stuff.

STREETLAW:

"If Gov. Sanford had any backbone at all he would take the flag down."

The last governor who messed with the flag is looong gone. Sanford is not stupid. He knows what will happen to him and his legacy if he touches the flag. One of the few times the "power of the people" worked.

Gov Sandford has more of a backbone then you think just to keep the flag flying and not folding to a hate group.

Posted by Tammie on July 17, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JDHawg, to me, that flag is just a piece of cloth. But she is right, people are racists, not inanimate objects.

Posted by Test2007 on July 17, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmm

Posted by Lovely_One on July 17, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by confederatethornman on July 17, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The South with flies again!

????????WTF does that mean????????

Posted by bigwhip on July 17, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The NCAA is the only group that has had any impact on SC because of the flag. This is another group that needs to be overhauled and told to go back to taking care of THEIR business instead of worrying about a flag and team mascots.

Posted by Weeeee on July 17, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lovely, I saw that earlier and just laughed. I realize it's supposed to be "will" but here I am thinking flies? No way. More like mosquitoes.

Posted by shoelaces on July 17, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JDHawg....I agree with you on Sanford. IMO he probably could not care less about the issue but has to at least address it.

Again, we are all doing exactly what we shouldn't do...we are giving this issue attention. The next time the PnC has an article about the flag, the NAACP, or any other blatant issue that I am sure they know will pit people against eachother none of us should post anything....make it a non-issue.

!!! I guess I would have to go to Cola to get some good BBQ sauce...either that or the CSA galleries.

Posted by Lovely_One on July 17, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Weeeee, LOL! Yes, big 747 sized mosquitoes that take a piece of your flesh with them!

Posted by rebcsc on July 17, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rbryanm ...

Good for you. You actually took the time to look it up. Now look at the official 2000 federal census rather than the 2006 estimate. I did debate briefly on whether to use "hardly a state" versus "no state" ... but it was about 6AM and before my first cup of coffee.

You should have also caught that the Vermont percentage was actually 0.5% and not the 0.05% I posted. I noticed that the 2006 estimate of 0.7% in Vermont actually represents a 40% increase in that state's black population from 2000 ... or roughly 1200 people. They're actually making progress after ... what ... 145 years. Heck, they made tremendous progress in only 6 years.

But you're right. I reviewed all the numbers based on the 2006 estimates as opposed to the official 2000 census and my contention totally lacks merit.

With only 28 states having a black population of less than "8%" or less than two thirds of the national average in both 2000 and 2006, it's obvious that opportunity abounds, especially in the 20 states below 5% and the eight states below 1%.

Posted by Cid95 on July 18, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1. The earlier compromise was a done deal which the NAACP is now reneging on. It demonstrates their integrity pretty well.

2. "The flag" is indeed the Confederate Battle Flag (square shaped), flown by SC troops in the field, not to be confused with any of the three national flags of the Confederate States of America. The Battle Flag rightfully belongs at the soldiers' memorial on the SC Statehouse grounds.

3. The rectangular confederate flag is not very accurate and was only used in the war as a naval flag. The square one (in various sizes) was much more common then, used by CSA army units.

4. Slavery was legal under the US flag for nearly 100 years. The KKK also use the Christian cross as a symbol.
We don't allow them to be hijacked by dumbasses, so why should we allow the Battle Flag to be so easily stolen?
It wasn't a political symbol then, and it isn't now.