Forgive me for the delay in my response. However; I feel it is necessary to retort to this post. I have no illusions that by my doing so will this individual “see the light” so to speak. Rather it is to point out that my previous statement is in fact valid and logical. A point by point response seems most efficient.
Wow.
And I thought that the original statement was ignorant.
Noone is defending slavery here. But to associate the people of the South who lived under that flag as rapists and murderers is nothing short of ignorant slander.
What “people” do you refer to sir. I live in the south. Am I part of the “people” by which you refer. You say “live” as though the confederate flag is some sort of legitimate flag representing a nation with a long history and heritage
“Letters to the Editor of USA Today, published on April 23, delineate the polemical nature of the issue. Joseph George Amato of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, writes that it is a shame that the Confederate flag will continue to fly in Mississippi: "African-Americans may have lost their fight to remove Mississippi's Confederate-battle-emblemed flag, but it will fly over the state as a constant reminder of the state's more than 100 years of dehumanizing the black race... It is a shame that such bigotry still exists in our country" (USA Today).”
Here's some breaking news for you: not everyone in the South held slaves; this was the province of the aristocracy, not Johnny Reb who was simply defending his land (figuratively) and family.
I do not propose to defend “Johnny Reb” for why he felt his fight was righteous and just. As I recall my history, the southern states in question seceded from the original union of America for economical reasons fundamentally regarding the issues of slavery. If “Johnny Reb” was not aware of this, then, that is unfortunate. I would like to believe, after all this time, that the individual that would proudly display the confederate flag otherwise be more informed as to its origins; and, take that into consideration before displaying that flag.
Perhaps you would like to enlighten us as to how this situation can be as the genesis of slavery was under the United States flag. You might ask yourself how many people were raped and murdered under this flag as well.
I can recall numerous righteous events that have occurred under the American flag. The fact that slavery originated under this flag is irrelevant as the American flag was created under a different cause and purpose. As I have previously stated, the Confederate flag was created to represent the southern states desire to secede from the original union and sustain their economical powerhouse that was slavery.
BTW, I do recall learning of a more recent occurrence in our country involving the inhuman acts of the imperialist Japanese who tortured and imprisoned our soldiers as well as used them for slave labor as well. Have you ever heard of the Bataan Death March, or was this conveniently deleted from your education in order to allow more space for discussion of the evil South.
I have indeed heard of the Bataan Death March. As I recall, the events did not take place “in our country”. Rather I believe they occurred in Imperial Japan Occupied Phillippines. Do I propose to say that the Japanese Flag has never been proudly flown during an atrocity or an inhuman act. I am aware of many HONORABLE acts under the Japanese flag. Perhaps a Japanese brethren would care to cite an example. Or am I to believe that Japan has engaged in nothing but inhuman and atrocious acts throughout history; and thus, it is shameful or wrong to display the Japanese flag?
We managed to get over that one and move on. The fact that there are living survivors of these atrocities makes it a tad more relevant, unless you wish to enlighten us as to the vast network of freed slaves you are aware of.
The amount of time that has passed between one atrocious act and another is irrelevant. I need not know of a “freed slave” to feel the impact of racism, bigotry, and the dehumanization of people of dark skin within this country. Especially when, and here is the heart of the matter, in the southern states, the civil rights act were so predominant; where, I might add, there existed “colored only” water fountains and bathrooms quite recently in comparison to WWII. Since time has an apparent relevance to you. There has been many countries that have engaged in rather lurid acts throughout history while flying their respective flags; however, I seriously doubt that the flag was created in defense of that act.
Just a friendly suggestion, take the chip off of your shoulder and set it aside. Get over it. Slavery is over but apparently there is no shortage of victim-wannabes trying to inculcate a sense of guilt on those from the south for actions which they never took part in. We can forgive the Japanese for their heinous actions and even now celebrate the fruits of their labor vis a vis this forum.
Perhaps you can do the same, perhaps not.
I AM a victim sir. Not of slavery; though, you apparently feel that when slavery ended, every black person was suddenly an equal to every other man. That sir is the most ignorant assumption within this post.
Here’s some breaking news for you: Racism is alive and well; more so in some places than others.
I’d like you to consider this postulate:
If a Black man found himself within a large gathering of white people all talking and flying/displaying the Confederate flag proudly, how comfortable would this Black man be?
Unless you are from a third world country completely unaware of American history, I think it would be safe to say that this particular Black man would not feel entirely comfortable.
OTOH, if you take one of the survivors from the Bataan Death March and place him in a similar gathering of Japanese people proudly displaying the Japanese flag, how uncomfortable would he be?
Before you answer. How long did this event (Bataan Death March) last? How many victims were involved? Now, how long did slavery last? How many victims were involved? Are there not people who now praise the idealism of "White Power"; who, proudly display the Confederate flag?
Now, I don’t recall ever saying that the EVERY person that flies the Confederate flag is a racist; also, I don’t recall saying that the South is Evil.
Here is something to consider from a different point of view:
The Independent, a major newspaper in London, added some credence to Mr. Mueller's argument as it said that the Confederate flag "summons up those other great virtues of the South: splendid architecture, mint juleps, sentiment, solidarity, fried chicken, loyalty to lost causes, and people who sound just like Vivien Leigh, or Clark Gable" (Independent). But, it immediately adds, in language that shows the publication's detachment from the immediacy of the issue for those of us in the United States, "Just a pity about the means of cotton production, the fiery crosses, those funny white hats, and the only recently abandoned methods of instant justice involving rope and trees" (Independent).
Now, as for my “chip” on my shoulder. You, I am guessing, are not a Black man. Granted I am not Black American. Though, I am mixed partly of the Black race; and thus, I have dark skin. Ergo, I have dealt with a significant amount of racism (especially when I am seen with my white girlfriend) that I seriously doubt you yourself have ever experienced.
Thus, my “chip” is none of your damned business.
Much love to the NSX; and God speed my friends.
http://www.geocities.com/writingrya...derateflag.html
