Today, because of the racially motivated massacre at the Charleston church, Governor Nikki Haley finally called for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Capitol grounds. It took her almost an entire week to do something besides call for the death penalty for the shooter. She stood with Lindsay Graham and Tim Scott who previously were disinclined to comment on the matter, tho Scott did promise to have some “robust” conversation on the topic of race relations. Wisconsin’s own Reince Priebus even jumped on the flag removal bandwagon with his usual drivel about uniting people (actions speak louder than words, asshat). Since the Confederate flag had flown over the Statehouse until 2000 (just think about that…135 years after the end of the Civil War), we’ll see if the Legislature can muster the fortitude this time and remove it altogether. I have my doubts. WalMart has taken more of a stand by discontinuing the sale of Confederate merchandise than South Carolina officials…of course, they wouldn’t do anything as extreme as discontinuing the sale of firearms.
The sad fact is that the hatred behind the Confederate flag will still be there…whether or not it is still flying on the Capitol grounds or being sold at WalMart. What’s more, those in power want to maintain that hatred along with the economic (and social) slavery mindset that it supports. It is deeper than a symbol….it is fuel to the fire. As long as we are divided, especially along racial or class lines, the more likely we are to be exploited. America needs to face the facts…and demand more from ourselves and our leaders.