I have read a host of comments regarding the Confederate flag, and how it represents slavery. Where should the line be drawn?

SSG Gerhard S. — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:48:01 -0400

I have no special affinity to the South, but I do have an affinity to the truth. I'll start with a truth that should be universal at this point. Slavery, of every stripe is an abomination to humanity.

If you wish to draw the line with the Confederate flag based on slavery, that's your prerogative. But I will ask you to consider these facts and ask where you stand on the following flags.

Spanish flag: The Spanish were engaging in slavery in the Americas, with the aboriginal populations, and with Africans as well starting in the late 1400's, to include Puerto Rico.

French Flag: The French transported and enslaved over 1.3 million Africans to the Americas. (over 200,000 died in transit).

Dutch: The Dutch transported over 1 million Africans, and enslaved half that many themselves in the Americas between 1596, and 1829.
Now moving closer to the issue of the Confederate flag.

Let’s not forget the British Flag: The British transported and engaged in slavery in their North American Colonies for 170 years from 1619-1789, when they no longer claimed, or controlled those colonies.

The American flag: Slavery under the US Government existed for 76 years, from 1789, when our Constitution was ratified, until 1865 when the 13th amendment abolished slavery as an institution in the U.S. Though, The Aboriginal ("Native") Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations maintained African slaves until 1866 when, by treaty, they freed their African slaves. (Another important note. When Lincoln "emancipated" the Slaves in America, in 1863, he only did so in the Southern States, leaving the Slaves in the Union, and "Border" States enslaved until 1865.)

Lastly, the Confederate flag: Slavery existed under the Confederacy from Feb 8, 1861 when the Confederacy was formed, until April 9, 1865, when the war ended. That's one day short of 50 months.

If you want to blame the Confederacy for "hate", and for Slavery, again, that's your prerogative. The Truth is, there are many to blame for the atrocity of slavery in what is now this country. Focusing on this one flag is only scratching the surface.

So, the question remains... where does one draw the line?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 12:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:56:48 -0400

I never could understand the amount of fuss driven from the confederate flag. I understand people being offended by it, however I just feel like there are so many more worthy causes when it comes to civil rights. Why bicker over that flag? But then again, I’m not from one of the states where you see that flag often, so maybe that’s why.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 1:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:26:24 -0400

I don’t think anyone blames the Confederacy for hate. But of the list you provided, the Confederacy is the only one that wished to establish institutional slavery, in perpetuity.

Where as the nations you listed had or were working towards abolishing slavery, the Confederacy is the only one that wanted to take it to warp 9. (And this was as little as three generations ago). Oh, and it was never a country. If you have an affinity for the truth, those are more relevant truths to start with.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 14 at 2019 3:12 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 03:12:28 -0400

Regardless of your POV, it is part of American History and MUST be remembered AND TAUGHT to succeeding generations. The old adage of those who forget history are destined to repeat it, holds truer now than it ever has.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Mar 14 at 2019 6:59 AM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 06:59:46 -0400

Regardless of what this flag did or does represent, it is one thing a treasonist traitors flag, period. What other government allows such a flag to be flown in such prominence. Dont try the Scottish a Welsh flag BS apples a oranges.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2019 3:07 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:07:19 -0400

The Mason-Dixie Line was drawn prior to the Civil War. We do not need another line. I the LGBTQ (queers) can fly their Rainbow flag, which offends every decent person in America, then other people should be able to fly their Confederate flag with just as much freedom. Period. End of discussion. Non-debatable.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Mar 14 at 2019 5:44 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 17:44:47 -0400

That flag represents US citizens that committed treason by taking up arms against the nation. That is plain and simple. I would say the same if the Confederacy was formed to revolt against taxes, or women voting, or any other issue.
We have a Union and that Union must be preserved, then and now.

Response by SSG Roland Shelton made Mar 26 at 2019 1:42 PM

SSG Roland Shelton — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:42:59 -0400

Confederates in my opinion were not treasonist. They did not want to overthrow the Federal government and up to the war secession was widely viewed as legal, notably, Thomas Jefferson. Other states north and south considered it throughout the 1800s. No where in the Constitution was secession prohibited. Lincoln knew this, that's why he waited for the south to fire the first shot. One they did, he could claim the Union was attacked and then proceeded to wage war. He also worked behind the scenes to prevent cases involving secession from being heard by the Supreme Court.
I am glad we are one country today, but those are facts about the country we were them
The battleflag has its place in American history and in American arms.