There is a huge debate whether the southern Confederate flag is a symbol of slavery and oppression. Although the flag is seen by some Southerners simply as a symbol of Southern pride, it is often used by racists to represent white domination of African-Americans. The flag remains a subject of controversy because some Southern states still fly the flag from public buildings or incorporate it into their state flag’s design. The flag is also used by racists as an alternative to the American flag, which they consider to be an emblem of what they describe as the Jewish-controlled government.

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Barack Obama For President 2008 !!!

Showing that racism is alive and well in the South, a massive Confederate flag was raised on June 3 along I-4 and I-75 outside of Tampa, Fla.

A spokesperson for the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, the project’s sponsor, stated that this Confederate flag is the world’s largest. At 30 feet by 50 feet, the flag is the size of a tractor trailer. It is set on a pole measuring 139 feet, the maximum height allowed by the Federal Aviation Authority, and will be illuminated at night once the monument is completed. (TampaBay.com, May 31)

Walter Hilderman, a former member of SCV, affirms that the current leadership of the group is aligned with the League of the South—an organization whose self-proclaimed goal is an independent Southern republic consisting of the member states of the former Confederacy. According to the Southern Poverty Center, the SCV has a $5 million war chest to fund its hate propaganda throughout the nation.

The SCV claims the flag symbolizes the Southern heritage. But for African Americans, that heritage amounts to a grim history of slavery, lynching and oppression.

Curtis Stokes, Hillsborough County president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, stated, "I’m surprised that they would let something like this to go on in Hillsboro County." (TampaBay.com, May 31)

"We want to build a coalition of people that want to live in peace and move forward," said Connie Burton, a member of Sons and Daughters of Harriet Tubman. "We will not tolerate the blazing of that flag."

The Sons and Daughters of Harriet Tubman organization, named after the heroic former slave who helped others escape to freedom, has the removal of the flag as its highest priority. Founder Michelle Williams managed to put together a coalition of more than 200 flag opponents since June 4, and has a rally planned for Aug. 16.

"Hanging that flag is as vivid as a noose hanging from an oak tree," said Williams. (The Tampa Tribune, June 15)

First off Grow UP. The Rebel Flag, just like all of the different American Flags on display are HISTORY! The South chose to fly it during the Civil war, because they had suseeded from the Northen States so they needed a Flag to show who they represented. You cannot go back and erase it, The Civil War happened, just like World Wars I and II, I am so sick of people thinking that if you do away with something that is makes it have not happened, go burn your social security card and see if that makes it as if you were never born and that you don't have to pay taxes anymore.(better get a good lawyer or be a movie star on that one) I am Jewish, but I don't expect a handout from someone because some members of my family were killed long before I was even alive. It is HISTORY, Do they even teach that in school anymore?

"The Sons and Daughters of Harriet Tubman organization, named after the heroic former slave who helped others escape to freedom, has the removal of the flag as its highest priority. Founder Michelle Williams managed to put together a coalition of more than 200 flag opponents since June 4, and has a rally planned for Aug. 16." -->

And 2000 at least to counter. Sorry, we still have the 1st Amendment no matter who may not like it. Move on, nothing to see here ....

I had this debate in High school about the rebel flag any many black people said that they take no ofence to it as long as the person wering it isent acting inapropatly with it. While certian people are using the flag to stand for raceism the majority of the people owning and whering the flag are doing it for southern pride. i have a confederate flag on my clealing in my room and many dixie outfitters shirts and i also have many black friends and one of my really good friends is dating a black guy. so am i racist that i where the flag immm no the peopl who think it is racest are closed minded and just plain stupid

wait should the flag be banned,,,,lol,,,omg,,i hate suspenders slaves wore them to ,lets ban that,,,oh wait what did they eat,,or think lets take a suvey and and ban everything that a slave hated,,,,,hmmm where to start,,,,white asshole with money first off,,,need i say more enough is enough,,,,they sufferd be thankful for them n those who helped them to get things where they are today not to pretend to be all offened,,,,,it takes away from what they endoured,,,don;t be a phony....in todays society you get where you deserve most times,,,there are a few issues that make me ashmaed,but thats life,,,live today not yesterday,respecting the past isn;t usin them as a scape goat for a pity trip.....