The South Is Rising Again … In Florida
TAMPA CONFEDERATES AIM TO RAISE WORLD’S BIGGEST REBEL FLAG
FITSNews – June 1, 2008 – The world’s largest Confederate flag is about to be raised along a busy stretch of Interstate highway … one that’s not in South Carolina, amazingly.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans down in Florida have the land, the pole and the permits, all they need is $30,000 to hoist the thirty-by-fifty foot Naval Jack flag a hundred and fifty feet above the junction of two Interstates outside Tampa. From the St. Petersburg Times:
(Douglas) Dawson, the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Florida commander, said he knows a giant Confederate flag flying 24 hours a day over two of the Tampa area’s busiest roads will cause controversy.
“We can’t do anything but explain to people what the truth is,” said Dawson, of Pensacola. “If they don’t want to accept that, they’re closed-minded, and Jesus Christ couldn’t change it.”
Also on the list of things Jesus couldn’t change? Gettysburg, Vicksburg, the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, inbreeding, the fact that the Dukes of Hazzard movie totally sucked ass … and, oh yeah … mullets.
UPDATE – By the way, if you want one of those hot rebel flag bikinis pictured above, our buds over at Bikini Joe’s have got you covered. Well, at least as much as bikinis cover …
Comments
By Earl Capps on June 1st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
You won’t find a view like that in Boston.
By Malesapphist on June 2nd, 2008 at 7:17 am
I didn’t know they had Piggie Parks there
By Mickey Blue Eyes on June 2nd, 2008 at 7:20 am
The South *is* rising again.
[Cut to Black Vulcan]
In his pants!
By Mickey Blue Eyes on June 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 am
Seriously though, I don’t know what to think about it. I saw this story on the TV news and all the people involved are toothless, scraggly-looking, knuckle dragging, tractor pull attending, cheap beer swilling, dumbass rednecks.
If they were flying the CSA national flag instead of the redneck flag (aka the battle flag), then I could understand. But they want to fly their redneck flag because it is more filled with symbolism. That symbolism is oppression, racism, hatred, lynchings, etc.
You are right, those things are things that Jesus also couldn’t change. And why would Jesus want to change a courteous thoughtful person into a cross-burning dumbass redneck anyway? Is that what Jesus wants? I hope not. I’d rather go to Hell than spend eternity with those people. Or maybe Hell *is* spending an eternity with those people?
By Steve on June 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
The South HAS risen. The north is reaping the whirlwind. Justice often comes last, but it always comes. I won’t be satisfied until the flag flies over Fanuil Hall in Boston.
By Dixie Colonel on June 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Mickey, obviously you DIDN’T watch this story on the TV news or you wouldn’t be making such bigoted, disparaging remarks about the members of the Tampa area SCV who are largely responsible for the new memorial. I happen to be a member of that Camp and, speaking for myself, I have been married 40 years to the same woman, am a retired U.S. Army officer with 28 years of service, and I graduated from a State university here in the Tampa Bay area back in 1969. As a charter member of the SCV Camp in Tampa, I can tell you that we have NEVER had any “toothless, scraggly-looking, knuckle dragging, tractor pull attending, cheap beer swilling, dumbass rednecks” in our Camp. However, we do have numerous businessmen, military veterans, university graduates, some public school teachers and university professors, and even a few attorneys. What we all have in common is pride in the sacrifices of our Confederate ancestors in defending their families, their homes, their neighbors, their States, and the Constitutional rights gained in our War For Independence from Britain and paid for by their ancestors through blood, sweat, and tears which were destroyed along with State sovereignty by Abraham Lincoln’s war.
Comments such as yours are clear proof of the dumbing-down of our American public school system, and shows a clear lack of knowledge about American history, American government, and the U.S. Constitution. You are obviously unaware that George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and numerous others of the Founding Fathers were strong supporters of State sovereignty. That is why the U.S. Constitution only delegates a few specific powers to the Federal government, with the rest remaining with the States and the People (check out Amendments IX and X).
By Brock Townsend on June 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
“Comments such as yours are clear proof of the dumbing-down of our American public school system, and shows a clear lack of knowledge about American history, American government, and the U.S. Constitution.”
Amen.
By Carrie on June 2nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
It is only fitting as the CSA was FORCED to have the USA replace all OUR Southern flags with their US Federal Flag of racism – yes – it is the Federal US flag that flew over ALL the slave ships, not the CSA flags ! Educated people know this and do not make fools of themselves making comments that I’ve read from the Yankees who have infiltrated here ! The CSA FORBADE their flags to fly over anything to do with slavery or hate ! Those who know true history cringe from the racist US Federal Flag that is in our faces everywhere remindng us today that WE ARE ALL SLAVES TO THE FEDERAL US GOV’T TODAY ! !
The CSA flags stand for FREEDOM ! The CSA is STILL its own nation and has the right to fly their own flags ! The CSA NEVER surrendered ! WE are just illegally OCCUPIED by the USA Federalists !
And by the way for those uneducated folks – the Battle Flag is a Christian flag and stands agianst tyranny. It is also known as the St. Andrews flag. http://TripDownTruthRoad.com Learn some REAL history for a change !
By reggie on June 3rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
first off, the CSA flag is a symbol of southern heritage, but what exactly is that heritage? last time i checked that was: slavery, lynchings, hate, and losing a war. so i dont see why people would like to support that.
second, i would like to address to carrie, that the CSA did in fact surrender. they lost in may of 1865 shortly after president lincoln’s death, and the fact that you still think the civil war is continuing has officially made you a stupid, toothless, scrangaly looking dumbass. so why dont YOU learn some real history.
third, the people who support such a dumbass idea, (that is the flag if your too busy trying to load up your musket and put on some makeshift KKK drapes) usually get so defensive in defending the flag that they dont take the time to stop and think to themselves, “gee, they seem really upset about this, why dont we try to fix it”. i would have no beef with the people who fly the flag if they flew it in privacy. not saying that your first ammendments (freedom of speech you (c)lansman) should be taken away, but please be tolerant and respectful of others and what may or may not infuriate them (this goes to you too mickey, that wasnt nice).
if the south carolina government really cared, (which im sure that they dont) they would be smart enough to realize that they did people a favor by removing the flag, but stirred up more controversy by building a memorial DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE STATE HOUSE where everyone can see it. now im not saying that the men who fought the war (and lost) shouldnt be honored, but use common sense people, put the flag in a mesuem and let it rest/rot in peace there. geez, have tolerance people.
By Natasha on June 4th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I find it hilarious that confederate flag supporters want to remember a war they lost…makes zero sense to me. I had ancestors that fought in the war, my family is born and bread southern, but seriously, why so much energy on a cause that was lost over a 150 years ago? And although the “flag” had a wholly “other” intentions and meaning when it was created, today, the flag is a symbol of racism over the years and is a reminder to all blacks about slavery…why remind everyone about that?
By nmsouthernjustice on June 5th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Amen, Steve, Brock, Carrie & Dixie Colonel!
Amen and Amen Again!
From my Southern Family to ya’ll.
My Ancestors Never Surrendered, they just moved on after the War.
May the Flag rise again!
By James W. King on June 5th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Ask any liberal if they believe in free speech and they will say yes. But in reality they only believe in speech they agree with. Their actions speak louder than their words. This especially applies to articles concerning the Confederate States of America and the Confederate flag. The Confederate States of America and the Old South was a classical civilization with colleges and universities, art and literature, world class architecture, politics with superior statesmen, and a fine military. It was driven by slave labor just as the classical civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome were. Regardless, slavery was a dying institution and virtually all educated Southerners knew this. It had ended peacefully in the rest of the Western world but in America the Northern radicals, fanatics, and industrialists used it as a scapegoat to attack and subjugate the Southern states for the cause of empire and to exploit the South’s resources. The famous English writer Charles Dickens stated ” the Northern onslaught upon Southern slavery is a specious piece of humbug designed to mask their desire for the economic control of the Southern States”. The Confederate States of America constitutionally, legally, and honorably seceded from the union with the United States of America and were promptly invaded. They responded to Yankee aggression and were forced to fight a four-year war for the cause of achieving Southern Independence. Many parallels exist between the American Revolution of 1775-1783 and the Southern revolution of 1861-1865. No Confederate, including president Jefferson Davis, was ever tried for treason because four legal teams told the U.S. officials that secession was legal and they would be found “not guilty”.
Regardless, liberals insist that the Confederacy be framed with the slavery label and that every article about the Confederate States of America include a discussion of slavery. Take note that these liberal individuals and groups do not hold the United States of America and the U.S. flag-”Old Glory-The Stars and Stripes” to the same standards and level of accountability. They never insist that all articles about the USA or U.S. flag include a discussion of the approximately 50 million babies that have been murdered by abortion. Likewise they do not insist that the genocide of millions of Native American Indians be mentioned. Both were and are so much more horrible than Southern slavery that there is no comparison. In fact most slaves were treated well. The USA and its flag carry far more baggage than the Confederacy and its flag.
There are plenty of positive reasons to respect and honor both the United States of America and the Confederate States of America and their flags. The same hate groups that have abused and misused the Confederate flag have done the same to the U.S. flag but liberals ignore this fact.
The Confederate States of America and the Confederate flag represent the principles and values of America’s founding fathers: Constitutional Limited Federal Government, States Rights, Resistance to Government Tyranny, and Christian Values and principles. Many verses in the Bible condone slavery, which existed North and South, although by 21st century standards they are now obsolete and rightfully so. But to judge pre-twentieth century moral standards by today’s standards is wrong.
The United States of America was founded as a Constitutional Federal Republic composed of a Limited Federal Government and Sovereign States. Former Confederate President Jefferson Davis stated “I am tired of hearing Southerners apologize for fighting to preserve their inheritance”. Southern defeat allowed America to be converted to a Democracy with Socialist leanings. Now after 143 years of Yankee rule America stands on the edge of Total Socialism and Secular Humanism. The same three things that destroyed ancient Rome are destroying modern America: Excess Immigration, corrupt government, and destruction of family values.
For a free copy of my articles “The Yankee Problem In America” and The 10 Causes Of The Civil War” contact me at jkingantiquearms@bellsouth.net
By James W. King on June 5th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
The Confederate States of America did not attempt to overthrow the government of the United States of America. The CSA was no more interested in overthrowing Washington DC in 1861-65 than George Washington was in overthrowing England in 1775-83. The CSA constitutionally, legally, and honorably seceded from the Union with the USA and formed a new nation just as America seceded from England. In both cases the seceding nation was promptly invaded. Treason? At the end of the Civil War U.S. officials made plans to try and convict former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Four legal teams looked at the case and told the U.S. officials that secession was legal and that Davis would be found not guilty. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Chase confirmed that secession was legal and that it would be a mistake to try to convict Davis or any former Confederate. The USA had conducted an unconstitutional and criminal war and had won but a trial would expose that fact.
Lincoln acted with deceit in the Fort Sumter incident. The USA was the aggressor. Yes the CSA fired the first shot but it was in response to an act of war that was already being carried out by the USA. U.S. troops had already invaded Southern territory-the sovereign state of South Carolina. Lincoln intentionally and deliberately provoked the CSA into firing the first shot so he could claim the CSA started the war.
By James W. King on June 5th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Anyone that thinks the Civil War is over has no comprehension of what is happening in America. The war began about 1830 as a cold war when Northern Industrialists began to slander the South. They wanted a war to gain economic control over the South. The famous English writer Charles Dickens stated “The Northern onslaught against Southern slavery is a specious piece of humbug designed to mask their desire for the economic control of the Southern States”. The war became a Hot war from 1861-1865. It has been a cold war from 1865 to the present. So called “reconstruction” was the plunder, pillage, and rape of the Southern states. Even devout Northern abolitionists saw what was happening and took action to stop the corruption of carpetbaggers. But reconstruction did not end in 1877. The Northern industrialists had unfair sectional freight rates so high that no industry could come to the South and compete. Governor Ellis Arnall of Georgia finally shamed the Franklin Roosevelt administration into more or less equalizing the rates about the end of World War II. At this time the Northern Industrialists discontinued their suppression and war against the South. At this time a new group took up the cold war against the South. Since WW II the war against the South has been conducted by Northern Liberal Socialists-the same ones that control the mass news media-Hollywood, Newspapers, and TV. The first phase of Reconstruction II was the civil rights movement. There was a Northern Liberal Socialist in every back office planning and orchestrating every march and burning of the cities. Now the South is being force fed Reconstruction II Phase II-Multiculturalism and Political Correctness. Author Frank Conner wrote a 752 page book “The South Under Siege 1830-2000″ which fully documents this continueing cold war against the South. Why is the South under attack? Because the South is the most Christian and Conservative section of America. The Northern Liberal Socialists have two goals for America 1. Convert America to Total Socialism and 2. Destroy Christianity and convert America to Secular Humanism. Once the Christian South is broken the rest of America will fall in line like sheep behind Socialism and Secular Humanism. But the South is “tough to break” so the Civil War continues as a cold war. The book is available from Amazon.com. NO THE CIVIL WAR IS NOT OVER. THE SOUTH IS UNDER FULL FLEDGED ATTACK TODAY JUST AS SURELY AS IT WAS DURING 1861-1865.
Socialist Karl Marx stated ” A people separated from their heritage are easily persuaded”. The infamous Communist Vladmir Lenin coined the term “Useful Idiots”. Those who are participating in the suppression and ban of Confederate principles and values fit Lenin’s catagory. Many white liberals and black Americans have been indoctrinated by the Socialists and told that the Confederate flag represents racism, bigotry, and a painful reminder of slavery. What it really represents is the principles of America’s founding fathers: Limited Constitutional Federal Government, States Rights, Resistance to Government Tyranny, and Christian Values and Principles.
By Josephine Southerrn on June 6th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I agree with James King, Townsend, Carrie, Dixie Col., Steve, The people that don’t respect us and our ancestry and heritage should not be on our lands.
A group of the powers that be in Hillsboro County refused to allow us to give honor and respect to Gen. Robert E. Lee, Pres. Jefferson Davis in our own land. They have come into our communities and forced their evil will upon us. Therefore, let it be known that the gloves are off!
“The flag that we know as the Confederate battle flag was used by many —but by no means all — Confederate military units during the War for Southern Independence (1861-1865). It was their flag, and they alone had the right to interpret its meaning. When the war was over, the Confederate soldiers became Confederate veterans. They formed an organization known as the United Confederate Veterans. The Confederate battle flag was still their flag and they alone had the right to interpret its meaning.
In 1896, since many of the Confederate veterans were aged, infirm, and dying off, the Sons of Confederate Veterans was formed as the successor organization to the United Confederate Veterans. The legacy and authority of the United Confederate Veterans was transferred to them over the next 10 years. This transfer of power culminated in a speech given April 25, 1906 at New Orleans, La., by Stephen Dill Lee, Confederate lieutenant general and commander-in-chief of the United Confederate Veterans:
“To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations.â€
Since April 25, 1906, therefore, the Confederate battle flag has been the flag of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. They alone have the right to interpret its meaning. They have interpreted its meaning and explained repeatedly that meaning — and it is not hatred, nor is it bigotry. The Confederate battle flag is not the flag of the Kluxers and other malcontents of their ilk. They do not have the right to interpret its meaning. The Confederate battle flag is not the flag of the NAACP. They do not have the right to interpret its meaning.”
THE CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG IS NOT ABOUT RACE
IT NEVER WAS
IT STANDS UP AGAINST TYRANNY
By Josephine Southerrn on June 7th, 2008 at 12:18 am
The Only thing I would do different is to FLY THE BLACK FLAG UNDER IT!
By League of the South on June 9th, 2008 at 9:57 am
To “Maleshappist” at #2 and all aspiring hot young college chicks: Those Piggie Park thumpers would die before they’d sell that bathing suit. You have to come to my shop (The Southern Patriot Shop), out on Charleston Hwy in Cayce. We have them in all sizes! On sale now for just $29.95! Sorry, no underwire. We’re at the interchange with I-26 & I-77. Just look for the big flag.
By League of the South on June 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
c’mon, fits gals… You know you want one of them swim suits! Have you not been watching MTV or something? Check out Kid Rock’s new video, “All Summer Long”. It don’t get no more better than that!
By Americana Galore on June 21st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
League of The South AKA Redneck Mafia
By James Southern Badboy on August 31st, 2008 at 8:55 am
I take offence to the redneck comment I am proud to be from the south and i might be a redneck but I am a proud redneck May the flag fly High and pround once again and if the south would have won we would have had it made we would have still been free unlike we are today look around you people the gov. is telling us what kind of tv’s we have have to have , what we can and cant do what we have to pay for gas what we have to pay for food then we get shafted from both ends at the pumps and the stores my god wake up THe south will rise and the flag will fly again I am putting the flag on my boat so it may be seen everywhere i go no matter what state i go fishing in and if none of you people like that then kiss my big fat white azz and remember there is NOTHING you can do about it, It was writen years ago before any of us were born that the south would rise and i think the time is now and just to let you all know i am totally against a black president i think it is wrong on so many levels How many of you white people like myself want to be a slave to a black man NOT ME let the south rise so we may all be free once again. So praise to the confederate flag may she fly high, pround and long
By Prescott Balch on September 7th, 2008 at 10:53 am
You make me sick you confederate wannabe assholes. Why are you hiding behind the very Constitution you tried to break away from. if you don’t like don’t use it.
By dukes ar at it agian on September 15th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
The duke boys will “be happy as a pig in mud” if this flag is rasied.
By [> on October 28th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
ok i fly the flag in remberance of my fallen ancestors that died so all of you stupid yankees running your mouth saying the flag is stupid can just shut the fuck up to some peolpe the flag might mean racism but not to me its for my family members im not bitching about your yankee flag so go and do somehting with your selfs cuase you have nothing better to do then talk shit about a flag wow real cool you guys are awsome at life.
By AshRae on October 29th, 2008 at 12:34 am
First of all Mikey Blue Eyes you need a well worded history lesson and you are about to get it! Salvery didn’t happen until two years before the war ended so therefore, this flag is not a symbol of slavery. Those who view it as “hatred” and “rasist” are simpley moronic, one minded YANKEES! This flag, originally a naval patch, was transformed into the Souths flag because their flag at the time looked too much like the Northern flag, which is now the flag today! Now if the North had the Confederate flag as their flag and the South had the American flag, then you would be BITCHING that the American flag was racial. I think that it is pathetic and seemingly moronic that dumbass losers like you asume that this flag, a symbol of fighting men, is rasict. Honestly read a book every now and then before you make unresearched, and pointless acusations. Yes, it is refered to as the “Rebel Flag” yet there is so much history behind it, that you honestly look like a imbysol criticizing it!
Yes, slavery was hell on Earth, and i agree with that 100% yet this flag as i continue to preach to you, and every other asshole is NOT A SYMBOL OF SLAVERY! You need to research this because you will be shocked at what you discover. This flag has nothing to do with hell or Jesus, it is a symbol of men who lost their lives fighting for their beliefs! I hope you dont take this personally, but people like you disgust me… It sickens me that Southerners are refered to as, and i quote ” toothless, scraggly-looking, knuckle dragging, tractor pull attending, cheap beer swilling, dumbass rednecks.” I take drastic offense to that because YES i do enjoy tractor AND truck pulls, i enjoy my CHEAP Budweiser beer, i am NOT toothless, and Im not a dumbass (honey but you are!) Everything that you said in your comment is stereo-typical and RENECK is politically incorrect. You need to quit BITCHING because this Flag, let it fly freely, will NEVER be abolished! You can KISS my cheap beer drinkin, dip spittin, hillbilly lovin, tractor pull attendin, country boy lovin, big truck addict, cigarette smokin, REBEL FLAG LOVIN, country ASS if you dont like it!
By BuBbLeS on October 29th, 2008 at 12:40 am
First of all to everyone who thinks this flag is RACIAL, tell me why i DONT support the KKK and i fly this flag FREELY!!! I hope they put it everywhere and put all of your sorry asses to SHAME!! read a fuckin book you fuckin yankees!
By mattyboy on November 4th, 2008 at 1:39 am
you suck mickey blue eyes go suck a big one and grow up and learn the meaning to redneck it is a southern person thea works hard there neck gets red and stop being a hypocrite f***ing fag and im a hick that loves tracters farming and hard work so suck on that
By Charles Chenault on November 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
To say the Confederate flag is rasiest is being doubled standered. One, it was not the Southerns or even the Americans who captured the slaves it was there own people. Two, all slave ships flew the flag of the United States of America, it is also right next to the confederate flag at a klan rally to, so why just point out one and not the other. Another thing is why do blacks keep bitching about being slaves when the Indians were almost destoryed by the feds. At least the were worth something. My faimly was German, Indian, and regular working people. They had no say in the matter of war or slavery. Plus many people thought worse of the Germans and Indains than the blacks. Another thing is how can people say the US government was fighting to free the slaves, there is a reason why the underground railroad did not stop in the north but went into Canada, the yankees did not want to have them up there. I can say that because my ancestors fought for the union and was discharged because he lost a leg in its defense. In no letters did he say he was fighting to free the slaves. And anther thing you don’t have to be here, catch a flight right back to Darfer, and I can tell you now you would not wine about being here. We might of lost the first war but with things like they are now, once China and north Kerea see we are week they are going to role right on top of us and I ain’t fighting for a government that thinks of just a few when there are many other vicies, I will not fight for people who call there defenders baby killers, or who don’t even now the history of there nation. Even if I am the only one I will put the third national high and carry the battle flag out and defend my home and state and nation.
By buckwheat jr on December 9th, 2008 at 6:38 am
damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jeff on December 30th, 2008 at 8:18 am
dude, that girl’s super hot lol
By confederacy on February 10th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
WHITE POWER!
By FastFred on March 6th, 2009 at 11:42 am
If the Confederate battle flag can be tagged as a tribute to slavery, how is it that the American flag has gotten a pass so far? Slavery existed far longer under Old Glory than under the Stars and Bars.
By FastFred on March 6th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Old Glory can be seen representing Slavery long before the Confederate Battle Flag even came in to play.I can list many sights.Should we stop saying the Pledge to our current flag?Should we take it down and hide it?What should we do about this?Tell me what flag you see here? http://www.pointsouth.com/csanet/kkk.htm
By FastFred on March 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Here’s one more just to make a point,what Flag do you see here?http://www.rulen.com/kkk/You have to study History before even trying to condemn the Battle Flag.
By 8milereb on March 28th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
TAMPA CONFEDERATES AIM TO RAISE WORLD’S BIGGEST REBEL FLAG…HEY FOLKS ITS GOING TO HAPPEN THIS APRIL 25th 2009…BE THERE! http://www.florida?scv.org
By 8milereb on March 28th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Controversial Confederate Flag Raising Ceremony
by FOX News Crews
By Orlando Salinas
I thought I’d only see Caucasians attending a controversial Confederate flag raising ceremony, early on Saturday morning in Tampa, Florida. That’s what I get for thinking.
But there they were- a smattering of African Americans, mixing it up with Caucasian bikers wearing Confederate flag jean jackets and caps. But what really caught my eye was seeing some of those same African American folks also sporting the controversial symbol on their bodies too.
Right smack dab at the politically powerful junction of Interstate 4 and I-75… hoisted 139 feet up in the in the air, was what most Americans call the flag of the Confederacy, but what is more correctly referred to by historians as “a soldiers flag.”
And that flag is huge, 50 feet by 30 feet, about the same size as the U.S. flag, flown over over mega-sized car lots across the country. Car dealers fly the stars and stripes partly out of patriotism, and partly for publicity. And the sons of Confederate veterans, Florida division, is no different.
Marion Lambert, who owns the sliver-size piece of property where the flag has been displayed, calls himself a proud member of the sons of Confederate veterans, who says his local organization would never defend the painful issue of slavery. And, as I watched Caucasian and some African Americans, hoist that heavy flag 139 feet in the air, there was a collective but “Out of tune” rendition of “I wish I was in Dixie,” and yep, African Americans folks were singing it too, and off key as well.
The local chapter of the NAACP has condemned this event. Calling it racist, and an abomination to millions of Americans, both African American and Caucasian . I was told it would not talk anymore to the media about this issue, saying it would only bring more publicity to the sons of confederate veterans. I pushed a little more, and was told the national NAACP, had given orders to the local chapter, to no longer talk to the press, saying it would only hurt Senator Barack Obama, the presumed Democrat presidential nominee, “Who needs the votes of those kinds of people in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Ohio.” I asked “What do you mean those kinds of people?” His response- ‘’You know what i mean.’’
Throughout the morning, motorcycles rumbled in and out of the parking lot, making it hard to hear, and these folks wanted to be heard. Marion Lambert told me he wants people to notice the flag, wants people to ask, “Why is that huge flag being flown here in Tampa.”
Lamberts answer was simple enough: “I want people to talk to us, let us tell ‘em we’re not for slavery, we’re not for racism, we don’t hate minorities. We just want to show pride and reverence to our ancestors. We don’t agree with the slavery part, it was wrong, but we can’t ignore this flag. It represents our southern heritage, the good that we want to remember, and the bad part we should never forget.”
So there it was, white and black folks, some sitting on cinder blocks, smoking pipes. One elderly African American man wearing a suit and a Confederate tie, back-slapping and joking with a younger Caucasian man wearing so many Confederate symbols, he looked like the poster child for the event. The local NAACP has called these Confederate flag-supporting blacks “out of touch,” saying they don’t represent black America.
I asked the older black man in the Confederate tie, what he thought about the NAACP’s comment, he said “I’m about as black as it gets, I’m the grandson of slaves, I’m a U.S. war veteran, and I’m just as proud of this (Confederate) flag, because it represents my heritage too. And the NAACP doesn’t represent all of black America either.”
Sure wasn’t what I expected to hear.
By Jack Anthony on April 13th, 2009 at 1:34 am
I totally support the raising of this symbol of history. For years nobody cared that the Stars n bars was on the county symbol, the county courthouse, the city symbol and the list goes on. Too many people from up north tried to impose they’re will on us and force crap on us that makes no sense. GO BACK TO NEW YORK & BOSTON…PLEASE!!! As I recall they’re is more racism in those shitholes than there has ever been here. Many Black soiders, cooks, and supplies officers fought bravely for the Confedere cause. Would you call them racist names as you have called the MEN who are raising this flag???? I believe in freedom first most. They have every right to raise this flag and I am damn proud of them for standing up for a history that is sadly dying off down here due to massive migration from all parts of the world.
By teamh814 on April 19th, 2009 at 9:24 am
hello all. i am a well educated white man living in PA. i fly the flag of my ancestors. on my skin and in my heart, i wear it every day. only…my flag is not the stars and bars. my ancestors were SS. i bear that symbol, as well as the swastika. all this i tell you for one thing. symbols are what you make them, and absolutely nothing else. any one flag shows as much racism or tolerance as the observer chooses to see in it. hang on to your rights, america. as long as the liberal minority has ruled the right wing majority, you should know that eventually the tables will be turned. hold on to what means something to you!
By Josh on June 9th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
absolutley no slaves were brought to this country under any confederate flag. it was all done sailing under the american flag. importing slaves was outlawed by the time of the sucession
By w.j.walker on June 29th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Seriously folks, Is it not time to grow with each other instead of inventing windmills to tilt. The actual confederat (I believe naval jack) not battle flag might very well be offensive to some and comforting to others as it concerns their heritage. What do we gain by spending our resources trying to change others? NOTHING ! Absolutely nothing. Time and hard work by many in my generation, with serious risks to our own and our families safety and even lives has indeed brought about change, However it was by our efforts not words that such happened, not violence, not shunning the society we weshed to change, It was by the sweat, blood and labor that persons of our generation worked through the very halls and places of power till we rose and changed the laws allowing you the griping majority to nitpick and find really inane and utterly useless causes to shout about. Alright so you want to change the world, I agree with you, YOU the people of America can do this. Find a cause that needs you and follow thru, Sure there are areas in the civil rights of all races and creeds that need attention, however taking beliefs and rights from others does not make a soultion correct or even right. Grow up and help in the building of America tomorrow not yesterday that fight is over.
Try alien entry laws that are fair to all, Childerns rights that include educational safety, Mandatory treatment for children with agressive mental illness noted in violent behavior to other children and animals, A law that actually from federal level defines and enforces the treatment of our elderly. Is that enough if not email me I have a long list, I will share. In the mean time unless you are willing to throw away all non current American flags symbols, historic persons clothing and referances, let the poor people in Florida alone please. As my mother told me don’t talk about your neighbors dirty step till yours is clean.
By Russell on October 17th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Yall that think that the battle flag has anything to do with hate and racism and ignorance and what not like that are wrong my friends. I agree that if they are trying to make a statement it would have made more since to raise the national flag and not the battle colors. The only issue with that is most people in the world don’t know that there’s a difference. Majority of Americans would have been asking what that flag was. That’s how sad it is back home. We as a country don’t know our history. The Battle Flag wasn’t flown to try and fuel hatred or stir up anger. It was flown to make sure that no one forgets our past. It can’t be helped that their are groups in the states that use the Confederate battle flag as signs of hate and oppression. That’s where your right, some people are all filled with anger and need something to lash out on. They find these hate groups as havens for their insecurities and ways to unleash their pain. As for the flag symbolizing all that mess yall have stated, your all wrong. Dead wrong.
“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 save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause.”
– August 22, 1862 – Letter to Horace Greeley
With that being said could you argue that Lincoln really didn’t care about slavery? Therefor the American Flag is just as much a sign of hate as the Confederate flag?
I’m not a racist, or a man full of hate towards any color. I hate ignorant people that don’t know their history. If we fail to know and understand our past we are doomed to repeat it and fail once again. I am a Marine stationed in Japan and I fly my flag proudly in my room where all can see it through my window and on my wall. I have friends of both genders and every race and color. It’s a symbol, your right. But a symbol of home and everything that I’m missing. Just a little food for thought.