What does the Confederate Flag mean to you?

[J. J.]

To me, personally, the Confederate Flag is the of the last group, prior to 9/11, to invade my state.  I have no intention of flying it.

That said, I also understand that the flag is flown to honor the soldiers of that army that fought bravely and honorably under it.  While they held political views that would not have agreed with at the time, that does not take away from their service.  In that respect and used for that purpose, it should be tolerated.   And as Plant City Rebel correctly pointed out, some of those that fought bravely and honorably happened to be Black (and Amerindian); their memory is honored by that use as well.

Those of you who fly it, however, must remember that it my life time, the flag was expropriated to claim that White people were superior to Black people.  Please understand that many people only see the flag as that.  Be sensitive to it and be clear why you are really flying it.

And while your at it, recognize that many of the descendants of the slaves and the descendants of the slaves have some common ancestors.  Recognize it, and embrace it; let the descendants of the slaves realize that it is their flag too.

[J. J.]

To me, personally, the Confederate Flag is the of the last group, prior to 9/11, to invade my state.  I have no intention of flying it.

The last group full stop. Don't be ridiculous.

I'm sorry, but my state was effectively invaded by a small group on 9/11.  They actually flew over my cemetery plot on the way down.

[J. J.]

As I've stated, I know the Civil War was not about slavery.

Yes it is.  It is 100% about slavery.  However it is often explained as economics or states rights but those economic issues and states rights issues are DIRECTLY about slavery.  Anyone who says the civil war isn't about slavery is delusional.  The Republican party was founded on the idea of halting slavery.

Actually, through most of the war, slavery was legal in those states (or parts of states) not in rebellion.

[J. J.]

As I've stated, I know the Civil War was not about slavery.

Yes it is.  It is 100% about slavery.  However it is often explained as economics or states rights but those economic issues and states rights issues are DIRECTLY about slavery.  Anyone who says the civil war isn't about slavery is delusional.  The Republican party was founded on the idea of halting slavery.

Actually, through most of the war, slavery was legal in those states (or parts of states) not in rebellion.

That was for strategic reasons to keep the border states (MO, KY, WV, MD, DE) on the Union side. It would't have done much good to take the idealistic approach and have them join the Confederacy.

I don't dispute that, but the war was not over slavery.  I believe the Fugitive Slave Law survived longer than Stonewall Jackson did.