What does the confederate flag mean to you? (1 Viewer)

[Idiot Boxer]

My white Irish granddaddy was discriminated against.REPARATIONS BEEEEEEEEEEEEOTCH!

Will you settle for a case of Irish whisky?

Settle? Settle?!? That's an upgrade!

 

[BlueDemon]

I grew up in Lansing IL (30 min south of Chicago) and went to TF South. We are the TF South REBELS! The flag used to be our rebel flag used to be on a sign right on top of our school until about 1998 or so (dont remember the exact year), when people started complaining...its always just been a flag representing our school to me!

is that where T'zak went to school or did he attend North?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Allegiance to the South. Sedition.

Dukes of Hazzard.

I can see the racism angle, so I wouldn't fly a Confederate flag. Its a darn shame though, because it is pretty cool looking flag as far as flags go.

 

[wadegarrett]

Grew up in Ohio. Flag reminds me of the South getting their ### whooped.

 

[perry147]

Just because some racists hijacked the confederate flag as their symbol of choice doesn't mean that everyone who flies that flag is a racist. Many in the south hold on to history and tradition and the confederate flag is a part of their history and tradition.

You mean, their history and tradition of being racists?

I see you live in NC. You think everyone from the south is/was racist?

It's easier for him that way. Less to think about.

Actually I've probably thought too much about my family's history and what kinds of actions I must do to make up for the sins of my family name.

right back at you if you think the only thing it means is "southern heritige/pride" and has no racial significance.

I live in Birmingham and was born in Mobile and I am with Orange on this one. I found out a few years ago that my ancestors sold slaves; I have a slave auction leaflet from the 1830's that has my families name on it. I feel serious regret about that part of my families history when I think about it. My wife is from NY and thought is was "interesting" when I told her about it but said I should not feel bad about because it was an accepted practice at the time. I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

 

[Rhino]

Actually I've probably thought too much about my family's history and what kinds of actions I must do to make up for the sins of my family name.

Why? Why should you feel guilty about something your great great grandfather did to someone else's great great grandfather? I'll wager you've never personally kept a slave. What sins do you have to atone for? This is a mentality that I'll never understand.

I've gone back and forth on this quite a bit. I didn't say that I had come to a definitive conclusion. Just that I had thought a lot about it. And the "too much" part means exactly that. I've thought about it more than it was probably worth. But doesn't one normally want to have pride in their family? I met one relative who changed the spelling of his last name to disassociate himself from our family history.

The south was racist. Those that dream about the past "greatness" of Southern history and tradition are reminiscing about a culture of racism.

That's a pretty broad brush you paint with. I don't think it's as black and white (pardon the metaphore) as you make it out to be - the world I live in is a little more grey

But some things are just so horrible and unjust that it is best to avoid the appearance of being associated with it, don't you think?

Personally, I think that's being a little drastic. If my last name was Lee because a was a decendent of General Robert Lee I wouldn't feel compelled to change. It's history - it's something that happened before my parents were even concieved. How could I possibly be held responsible for it? I just don't see it being that big of a stigma.I think it depends on how you associate yourself with them. You can do it in the way Mjolnirs does and participate in Civil War re-enactments with pride in your heritage and I think it's perfectly fine and respectable.

Or you can put the flag in the rear window of your pick'em'up truck and it just makes you an ignorant redneck.

 

[CrossEyed]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

it is what people want it to be.people can make the symbol of a cross a racial symbol or a symbol of peace.seems to me that when considering what it is, you should consider what the original users of the symbol wanted it to stand for.

What does a swastika mean to you:An ancient symbol of Good luck? Or Nazis?

 

[CBusAlex]

I don't deny a culture of racism. But do you think that was the case with everyone?

I don't think every single Nazi was anti-semetic, but that's not going to stop me from assuming that the dude with a swastika tattooed on his forehead is probably not a big fan of the Jews.

 

[Orange Crush]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Also want to state that I respect Mjolnirs stance and opinion here, but in my life experience he does not represent the majority of people I've talked with about the flag.

 

[Rhino]

Just because some racists hijacked the confederate flag as their symbol of choice doesn't mean that everyone who flies that flag is a racist. Many in the south hold on to history and tradition and the confederate flag is a part of their history and tradition.

You mean, their history and tradition of being racists?

I see you live in NC. You think everyone from the south is/was racist?

It's easier for him that way. Less to think about.

Actually I've probably thought too much about my family's history and what kinds of actions I must do to make up for the sins of my family name.

right back at you if you think the only thing it means is "southern heritige/pride" and has no racial significance.

I live in Birmingham and was born in Mobile and I am with Orange on this one. I found out a few years ago that my ancestors sold slaves; I have a slave auction leaflet from the 1830's that has my families name on it. I feel serious regret about that part of my families history when I think about it. My wife is from NY and thought is was "interesting" when I told her about it but said I should not feel bad about because it was an accepted practice at the time. I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

Here's the way I look at it. My family is German. When I was in Jr. High and we starting learning about the Holocaust I started to realize that Germany didn't exactly have a great history. Some of the kids in class even kidded with a few of us who where obviously German because of our last names. But I never felt guilty about being German. Yes, what the Nazis did was despicable. But being German doesn't equal being a Nazi any more than being from the South equals being a racist slave owner. Even if your great grandfather was a guard at a concentration camp... that doesn't make you responsible.Ironically, it wasn't until years later that my wife's mother (who is heavy into geneology) did some research on my side of the family and found out that my ancestors were German JEWS! My father had converted to Christianity and kept his Jewish heritage secret from our family his whole life.

 

[SigEp316]

I'm from the South...for me it has nothing to do with hate, racial issues, or rednecks.

It's my heritage and it's a huge part of growing up there and learning the history. I always think of Dixie when I see it.....that being said I wouldn't fly it in my yard on a homemade flag pole

 

[CrossEyed]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Sorry, but this is just an ignorant statement.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Also want to state that I respect Mjolnirs stance and opinion here, but in my life experience he does not represent the majority of people I've talked with about the flag.

Unfortunately you are correct. The majority of people who fly the battle flag do so for many of the wrong reasons. But, the number of those that do so for the right reasons is larger than you may think. It’s an uphill battle, but worth the effort as far as I am concerned.I appreciate you respecting my stance, but I am saddened by you introducing the Swastika comparison. While the comparison holds water regarding a symbol being co-opted for nefarious reasons, most people see the comparison and think Nazi Germany= CSA, which is not the case.

 

[Orange Crush]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Sorry, but this is just an ignorant statement.

All the other "reasons" I've ever heard are either side issues or rationalizations for keeping slavery legal. For example, States Rights sounds like a big deal, but it was the right of the Southern States to keep slavery legal that was the real issue that people were willing to go to war over.

 

[AcerFC]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

I grew up in Lansing IL (30 min south of Chicago) and went to TF South. We are the TF South REBELS! The flag used to be our rebel flag used to be on a sign right on top of our school until about 1998 or so (dont remember the exact year), when people started complaining...its always just been a flag representing our school to me!

is that where T'zak went to school or did he attend North?

Tomzak went to North...our claim to fame now is Curtis Granderson..detroits CF..

 

[oddball]

Some interesting ideas here. The flag holds a sigma for most, symbolizing racism. That is how I see it. It may mean something else completely, but it has come to mean racism. Just as the swastika for centuries meant peace and harmony but now is associated with hate and war.

I think I'm going to look into getting the local gov't involved to see if it is a legal flagpole. I can tell its not. It's homemade for sure. Its about 20-25 feet tall too.

 

[Phil Elliott]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.Can't believe it took so long for this fact to come out on this thread...Tradition and states rights! After living in Texas for 10 years I understand. It has nothing to do with racism. Grew up all over the country, mostly midwest and now in Texas.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I appreciate you respecting my stance, but I am saddened by you introducing the Swastika comparison. While the comparison holds water regarding a symbol being co-opted for nefarious reasons, most people see the comparison and think Nazi Germany= CSA, which is not the case.

that's the only point I was trying to make.

 

[saintfool]

it's a visible reminder of the south's shameful history. folks that fly it are apologists of theworst kind, imo.

born and raised in TN. went to college in NC. living far beyond the mason dixon line...

 

[saintfool]

Some interesting ideas here. The flag holds a sigma for most, symbolizing racism. That is how I see it. It may mean something else completely, but it has come to mean racism. Just as the swastika for centuries meant peace and harmony but now is associated with hate and war. I think I'm going to look into getting the local gov't involved to see if it is a legal flagpole. I can tell its not. It's homemade for sure. Its about 20-25 feet tall too.

you should burn a cross in his front lawn.

 

[TheLaw]

Racism, bigotry, ignorance, redneckedness, Dukes of Hazard.

 

[shake zula]

When I see the confederate flag I think redneck

 

[Orange Crush]

Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

That's a common misconception promoted by South apologists. In actuality, the price of slaves was at its highest mark when the civil war began. People talk about the lowering of the price of cotton after the war and the collapse of the Southern economy and say it would have happened without the war, but how long would it have been delayed without the war? The South sold almost all of its cotton to England. During the war, the North blockaded the South and England went to its colony India and promoted cotton production there to supply its textile industry. Without the war that wouldn't have happened. Sure, the industrial revolution eventually ensured that technology was equated with economic growth and the South would have eventually had a severe economic downturn because of that. But not until 40-50 years later.

 

[perry147]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

 

[SofaKings]

Redneck of the highest order

Michigan

 

[The Royal Jack]

I'm from Charleston, SC and to me it was never touted as a symbol of "hate" or "racism". I honestly thought of it as .... top flag on the flag pole: american (you are in the u.s.) then moving to confederate flag (you are in the south) then S.C. flag (you are in S.C.) To me all flags were just some sort of geographic marker not carrying political messages. Regional pride I suppose.

Like everyone else I had seen it on the Dukes of Hazzard and I thought it was a good looking flag. It was also understood that "you might be a redneck if" you had it on your car or something, but it didn't make you a racist automatically.

I think most here in S.C. were suprised by the "flag flap" as it had flown without much thought for about 40 years.

But I see why most people from outside the South see it as racist as that is the only meaning it has been given to them.

And blacks certainly have a right to object as it was a flag flown by a country wanting to keep slaves. But at the same time it is true that the US flag flew over slavery for more than a hundred years, so it too could be considered racist. There is more too the confederate flag than "slavery indicator"

But I'd be pissed if the guy down the street was flying one on a flag pole. My parents have a guy in their neighborhood who flies the "Christian" flag, Baptists you know what I'm talking about here.

 

[AcerFC]

Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

That's a common misconception promoted by South apologists. In actuality, the price of slaves was at its highest mark when the civil war began. People talk about the lowering of the price of cotton after the war and the collapse of the Southern economy and say it would have happened without the war, but how long would it have been delayed without the war? The South sold almost all of its cotton to England. During the war, the North blockaded the South and England went to its colony India and promoted cotton production there to supply its textile industry. Without the war that wouldn't have happened. Sure, the industrial revolution eventually ensured that technology was equated with economic growth and the South would have eventually had a severe economic downturn because of that. But not until 40-50 years later.

Point well taken, and it is always tough to reconstruct history as we will never really know if the South's economy would have thrived in the face of the new industrial era. By the way, I am not a South apologist, I grew up in Brooklyn NY (and then moved to the suburbs), I just feel in all my research that Slavery was an issue, but had the Southern states been granted more rights the cicil war would have been averted. What would have happened after that, I have no clue

 

[Orange Crush]

Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

That's a common misconception promoted by South apologists. In actuality, the price of slaves was at its highest mark when the civil war began. People talk about the lowering of the price of cotton after the war and the collapse of the Southern economy and say it would have happened without the war, but how long would it have been delayed without the war? The South sold almost all of its cotton to England. During the war, the North blockaded the South and England went to its colony India and promoted cotton production there to supply its textile industry. Without the war that wouldn't have happened. Sure, the industrial revolution eventually ensured that technology was equated with economic growth and the South would have eventually had a severe economic downturn because of that. But not until 40-50 years later.

Point well taken, and it is always tough to reconstruct history as we will never really know if the South's economy would have thrived in the face of the new industrial era. By the way, I am not a South apologist, I grew up in Brooklyn NY (and then moved to the suburbs), I just feel in all my research that Slavery was an issue, but had the Southern states been granted more rights the cicil war would have been averted. What would have happened after that, I have no clue

Sorry. I didn't mean to call you a South apologist. Just that your point was a common misperception that people held that was originally formulated by South aplogists.

 

[SofaKings]

I'm from Charleston, SC and to me it was never touted as a symbol of "hate" or "racism". I honestly thought of it as .... top flag on the flag pole: american (you are in the u.s.) then moving to confederate flag (you are in the south) then S.C. flag (you are in S.C.) To me all flags were just some sort of geographic marker not carrying political messages. Regional pride I suppose.Like everyone else I had seen it on the Dukes of Hazzard and I thought it was a good looking flag. It was also understood that "you might be a redneck if" you had it on your car or something, but it didn't make you a racist automatically.I think most here in S.C. were suprised by the "flag flap" as it had flown without much thought for about 40 years. But I see why most people from outside the South see it as racist as that is the only meaning it has been given to them.And blacks certainly have a right to object as it was a flag flown by a country wanting to keep slaves. But at the same time it is true that the US flag flew over slavery for more than a hundred years, so it too could be considered racist. There is more too the confederate flag than "slavery indicator"But I'd be pissed if the guy down the street was flying one on a flag pole. My parents have a guy in their neighborhood who flies the "Christian" flag, Baptists you know what I'm talking about here.

What in the hell is the "Christian" flag?

 

[Mjolnirs]

In actuality, the price of slaves was at its highest mark when the civil war began.

The reason for this would be that the northern slave ships had finally dried up and cut off supply.

 

[bueno]

Just because some racists hijacked the confederate flag as their symbol of choice doesn't mean that everyone who flies that flag is a racist. Many in the south hold on to history and tradition and the confederate flag is a part of their history and tradition.

You mean, their history and tradition of being racists?

I see you live in NC. You think everyone from the south is/was racist?

It's easier for him that way. Less to think about.

Actually I've probably thought too much about my family's history and what kinds of actions I must do to make up for the sins of my family name.

Why do you think you should have to pay for the mistakes of your forefathers?

 

[AcerFC]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

Actually, the Southern states were not concerned with slavery in their own states but instead, what would be the law in new territories coming into the unionEconomics had to do with it as well

 

[nortobc]

The Confederate Battle Flag to me represents the Confederate soldier that fought to protect his family and home from an invading northern army. Unfortunately the flag was used (and is still used) by hate groups and that has forever changed how most people see the flag. But, as a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans it is my duty to fight against this image.

South Carolina by the way.

Thank you. Somebody with actual knowledge of the flag makes a post. I too had relatives fight and die for the South and that flag will always be a sign of the South to me. I am not racist but I'm sure I will get labeled by some of you just because I state that the Confederat flag does not represent racism.And no...I will never feel guilty because of what my forefathers did. That was their choice, not mine.

 

[Orange Crush]

In actuality, the price of slaves was at its highest mark when the civil war began.

The reason for this would be that the northern slave ships had finally dried up and cut off supply.

And had decades earlier with Southern support. Cotton depleted the soil so that after time crops weren't as good as in previous years. Cotton production had to be spread into new territory in the West to meet the increased demand coming from England. So plantation owners in Virginia and the Carolinas started a secondary business of breeding and selling slaves to the new plantations in the West, and it was highly profitable.But simple economics shows that the price someone paid for a slave had to be recouped through the projected future profits that came from his labor. Amount of Cotton produced * the price of Cotton * # of years of productivity had to be greater than the price of the slave.

Therefore, the Southern economy was doing just fine, and was projected to continue to grow.

 

[saintfool]

O, I wish I was in the land of cotton

Old times there are not forgotten

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

In Dixie Land where I was born in

Early on one frosty mornin'

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:

O, I wish I was in Dixie!

Hooray! Hooray!

In Dixie Land I'll take my stand

To live and die in Dixie

Away, away,

Away down south in Dixie!

Old Missus marry Will, the weaver,

William was a gay deceiver

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

But when he put his arm around her

He smiled as fierce as a forty pounder

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:

O, I wish I was in Dixie!

Hooray! Hooray!

In Dixie Land I'll take my stand

To live and die in Dixie

Away, away,

Away down south in Dixie!

His face was sharp as a butcher's cleaver

But that did not seem to grieve her

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

Old Missus acted the foolish part

And died for a man that broke her heart

Look away! Look away!

Look away! Dixie Land.

Chorus:

O, I wish I was in Dixie!

Hooray! Hooray!

In Dixie Land I'll take my stand

To live and die in Dixie

Away, away,

Away down south in Dixie!

 

[perry147]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

Actually, the Southern states were not concerned with slavery in their own states but instead, what would be the law in new territories coming into the unionEconomics had to do with it as well

And if the new territories are not slave states then soon slavery will be banned federally - eventually.The only way to prevent this is to either get the new states as slave states OR take the slavery issue out of the federal governments hand and make it a state right.

Economics had a lot to do with it as I stated in my post.

 

[AcerFC]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

Actually, the Southern states were not concerned with slavery in their own states but instead, what would be the law in new territories coming into the unionEconomics had to do with it as well

And if the new territories are not slave states then soon slavery will be banned federally - eventually.The only way to prevent this is to either get the new states as slave states OR take the slavery issue out of the federal governments hand and make it a state right.

Economics had a lot to do with it as I stated in my post.

Agreed, and your avatar is awesome

 

[Slinger]

It's just a symbol of the South and a good way to piss off your typical 30-year old white liberal.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Just because some racists hijacked the confederate flag as their symbol of choice doesn't mean that everyone who flies that flag is a racist. Many in the south hold on to history and tradition and the confederate flag is a part of their history and tradition.

No, it doesn't automatically mean they are a racist. But certainly they have no room to be suprised if people assume as much.

The ones who get all offended at people taking offense crack me up.

 

[bueno]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

Actually, the Southern states were not concerned with slavery in their own states but instead, what would be the law in new territories coming into the unionEconomics had to do with it as well

And if the new territories are not slave states then soon slavery will be banned federally - eventually.The only way to prevent this is to either get the new states as slave states OR take the slavery issue out of the federal governments hand and make it a state right.

Economics had a lot to do with it as I stated in my post.

Slavery was always a state's issue.

 

[perry147]

I feel that the people who flag the confederate flag are racist because the institution that fought under it was fighting to keep blacks enslaved and believe that it is a right to own another person.

You realize that the Civil War was about a lot more than this, don't you?

No, it wasn't.

Not to say that I agree or disagree with any of your statements so far, but the Civil War was fought mainly because the South thought that State rights should trump federal rights and when Lincoln got elected, they realized that their idea of what the country should be would not be fulfilled. Some of it had to do with slavery but that was secondary. Slavery would have run its course in time because of economic factors in America during that time period.

And the principle state right they wanted to keep was slavery. Let me put it to you this way lets say you own a 2000 acre farm and have slaves who do the work for you - all you have to do is feed them (share the food they grow for you) and give them basic housing which they will build themselves. Now eliminate slavery and you can not run your farm and will lose it because you can not afford to run it any other way. These rich land owners all know this and understand that the end to slavery mans the end of their lifestyle.

Ironically the people who believed in slavery used the Bible as a justification for it - which was beyond reasonable questioning. "What are you not a Christian? Do you not believe in God?"



But some people just do not get it.

Actually, the Southern states were not concerned with slavery in their own states but instead, what would be the law in new territories coming into the unionEconomics had to do with it as well

And if the new territories are not slave states then soon slavery will be banned federally - eventually.The only way to prevent this is to either get the new states as slave states OR take the slavery issue out of the federal governments hand and make it a state right.

Economics had a lot to do with it as I stated in my post.

Slavery was always a state's issue.

I should have said ensure that slavery is a state right. I think the Federal Government at the time wanted to eliminate it - like many other countries already had.

 

[Orange Crush]

Slavery was always a state's issue.

Elaborate please. I don't want to jump to conclusions on what you meant by that.

 

[Mike Anderson]

I grew up a Northerner with a Military Father.

The Flag is no different to me than flying a Mexican, Irish, Italian, etc Flag. Pride in one's heritige. If anything I see it as States rights.

But I have to think about that. First reaction is the Dukes of Hazzard.

 

[goonsquad]

Redneck of the highest orderMichigan

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Slavery was always a state's issue.

Elaborate please. I don't want to jump to conclusions on what you meant by that.

 

[LHUCKS]

Civil War, South, Racism

 

[The Commish]

Dukes of Hazzard.Just some good ol' boys. Never meanin no harm.

Me too...grew up in North Carolina.