Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote an article about the Confederate flag, “What This Cruel War Was Over,” that was recently published in The Atlantic. Mr. Coates explains exactly what the Confederate flag stands for by quoting from the original documents of and proclamations by the people who first wrapped themselves in that flag, and he continues with similar statements by Confederate flag adherents up to modern times. These quotes make for powerful reading.
Judge A. Joseph Antanavage, with shotgun in hand, stood before a modified Confederate battle flag, and looked as if he had planned to defend whatever it is that the Confederate flag stands for.
But, this wasn’t in the South. This was at a pigeon shoot near Hamburg, Pa. Pennsylvania is not only where the only legal organized pigeon shoots still exist, but where it’s not unusual to see shooters waving the Confederate flag or wearing clothing that features the flag.
United Daughters of the Confederacy
What're your thoughts on Kanye runnin with the confederate flag? Classic Kanye or too much? #YEEZUS #KANYEWEST #MUSIC pic.twitter.com/wXIhaWThl5
— Populabel (@Populabel) October 30, 2013
The call to take down the South Carolina capitol’s Confederate flag by the governor, Nikki Haley, has been met with a lot of praise for her political courage from the “left” and the right. But this praise is at best premature. All indications are that the act was a craven genuflection to corporate interests and her own political ambition, and not an act of conscience.
Let’s look at the chain of events leading up to Haley’s announcement.
Editor’s note: Thomas J. “Stonewall" Jackson, the descendant of white slaves (“indentured servants”) was a genuine American hero. S.C.
