So, who didn’t see this coming? Seriously, what is it with the love affair with those who pretend the south was hunky dory and that damn rag?
Private group of assholes, thankfully – not the state or local government. Private groups of assholes are free to demonstrate. A shame, but not surprising.
When will the Civil War finally be over? :rolleyes:
I think displaying the Confederate battle flag is usually a not-even-trying-to-be-subtle act of rebellion. It shouldn’t be a “free speech” issue, just like conspiracy or espionage isn’t “free speech.”
When The North surrenders!
Strongly disagree. I think it would be an incredibly bad idea (and unconstitutional and fundamentally unAmerican) to arrest people for flying a certain flag, no matter the flag.
Very much a free speech issue.
The confederate flag is disgusting, but I tend to see an individual’s flying of the flag as a free speech right.
One of the advantages of free speech is that it allows ignorant and racist individuals to proclaim their ignorance and racism to the world. When I see the confederate flag, I immediately know I do not want to associate myself with the displayer of that flag in any way. It’s like an advertisement for “stupid.”
Nothing says: “Here’s to a hopeful future” like inbreds raising a confederate battle flag!
It’s on government property. That’s the stupid part here. Wear whatever belt buckle you like. Sport your classy ‘stars-n’-bars’ wife beater if it makes you happy. Fly massive flags from multiple mounts on your dually with the Back Off! Yosemite Sam mud flaps and trailer hitch testicles.
Keep the fucking rebel flag off of government flag poles.
This was not a government flag pole. It was a privately-owned, temporary pole raised as part of a legal demonstration on public property. In terms of speech-regulation, it is equivalent to, for example, the large wooden signs erected on the National Mall by any number of different interest groups over the years.
You are correct that the rebel flag does not belong on government flagpoles. But not because of its specific content, whatever someone might feel that to be. It would be equally inappropriate to fly a “POW/MIA” flag, or a rainbow, or a Jolly Roger.
Nothing subtle at all, indeed. This was raised by people calling themselves a Secessionist Party.
“South Carolina Secessionist Party”? That would be a fine idea. Take out the US Military Bases and the entire economy would be based on selling Beef Jerky on the roadside…
I think speaking of rebellion is perfectly fine, and I do so fairly frequently. That’s a thing different from “materially participating” in rebellion, which is rightfully outlawed. Better to let the morons speak their shit than it would be to repress them underground. If we don’t let the fools speak their outrage, then they will express themselves violently.
Wait, are you telling me that the money South of the Border pulls in isn’t enough? :eek:
Texas is talking about succeeding again.
Boiled Peanuts. Can’t ignore the economic impact of the Boiled Peanut Roadside Vendors.
If Texas wants to be taken seriously, they should first learn to spell the damn word. 
I won’t complain if they succeed at seceding.
Given that in certain circles it’s still known as the “War of Northern Aggression,” John Mace’s answer would seem to be appropriate for these worthies.
Re: protest, free speech, etc, about the only line I remember from the movie The Quiet Man is courtesy of Barry Fitzgerald: “I think I’ll go on down to the pub and talk a little treason.” Perfectly encompasses the mid-20th century Irish attitude toward authority in general, and seems somehow apropos here.