What does the Confederate Flag mean to you?

[angus]

Hmmm.  I'll go with option one I suppose.

More importantly, what does Michael Jackson's one white glove mean to you? 

[angus]

Hey, that's good Virginian.  Seriously.  Robert Bork was on some talking head show a few minutes ago on MSNBC and they had a quote by Bush's SC nominee about michael's "one white glove"   You don't want to know, but my mind was totally in the gutter with that one.  Now I can have a little better association to put with the image.  Thanks.

[angus]

Basically the north won because of its superior resources.

it's why the Republicans won then.  it's why the republicans win now.


Go HONE$T ABE.  Go BU$H.  Go $HERMAN.

Resources Rock, baby! 

[angus]

Slavery was only a tangential issue in the conflict.

This is what I remember from my history lessons as well, but it's pretty clear from what's being posted here that schools have revised that particular bit of the curriculum.  So the results of the poll probably represent generational differences.  Anyway, I do agree with Gustaf's first statement.  And, if this thread is like most threads, it will stray farther still.  But then that's not always a bad thing. 

[angus]

They make little cel phone covers with the battle flag of the confederacy now.  Have you seen those? 

Apparently I voted here before.  Have I posted here.  Can't remember.  I must have voted here, since it's already picked.  Anyway, I think the battle flag is a pretty flag.  Very symmetric.  Not unlike the Jamaican Flag.  In fact, they're probably of the same point group.  D4H I think.  I like symmetric flags.  I'm guessing I voted "something else" but I really can't remember.  Anyway, I would say "something else" other than the choices listed.  Mostly it means:  Kill American Soldiers.  Which is kinda creepy.

Still, it's a very pretty flag.  Not as pretty as the jamaican flag, which is sort of the same design, just in better colors.  And without the stars.

[angus]

much obliged.  furthermore, it can't possibly be D4H.  what was I thinking??

Definitely not D4H.  I must be a little tired. 

[angus]

To say that the Confederate flag is on par with the Nazi swastika is completely bogus.

namely because the latter was the official symbol of a legitimate and recognized government, while the former was the symbol of a failed rebellion against my country.

still, I agree largely with you.  when I see folks, whether in California or Mississippi or anywhere else, with their battle flag I always get the impression that it's a matter of great pride to them that their ancestors battled against the Great Satan.  Though they are often shat-upon and derided, those hicks recognized the US imperialism and over-reaching long before anti-USA sentiment became fashionable in most of the world.  Let's not forget that.  Problem is, Uncle Sam is my uncle.  And this is probably true of most forumites.  (except those foreigners who post here.  And those hardcore rebels still fighting the US Civil War)  And we yanks don't take too kindly to folks bashing our country.  Especially those who have actually waged war against it.  So Al Quaeda, the Nazis, and the Confederate States of America are a hard sell to true American patriots.  Know what I mean?

[angus]

that's actually a good point opebo. 

my original post in this thread about voting "other" stands because I was answering the question subjectively:  the truest meaning of the saint andrews cross design with stars battle flag (which I think we're talking about, as opposed to the actual confederate flag), represents one thing and only one thing:  make battle against united states.  I was only trying pointing out here that virginian's remarks confirm the notion of the people I've met in say mississippi and florida about the battle flag.  Then again, I have had the impression that many californians and minnesotans who fly the battle flag for example do not have the same notion attached to it, and I think this perception (though I can't really speak for the patrons of bars in the desert) was related to the subtle point virginian was also making.  Like nym, I don't care for symbols either and often rant about the mentality of bumper-sticker people.  still, you're right that yankee jingoism isn't justification for anything.  I wasn't saying it was.   And in any case wouldn't compare the symbol of a failed rebellion with that of a movement that held captive a continent for a decade, except to point out that they both are Enemies of the State to gringos, and strictly from a patriotic gringo point of view both are associated with the deaths of american fighting men.  Not the best marketing symbolism at the moment given our current situation.   

[angus]

It's a proud emblem of Southern heritage.

"...and gladly wolde he teche and gladly lerne."
  --Chaucer


Welcome Olin.  Don't let opebo get to ya.  He apparently has an enormous dick, and occassionally makes a funny joke, but he's generally harmless.

Peace and Love.