Why the Confederate flag at South Carolina’s capitol didn’t dip for the Charleston dead

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 07:53:34 -0400

For many 'southern leaders', its secession remains...can't claim unification when these things continue.

In the hours after the massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, American and South Carolina flags across that state dipped to half-staff in honor of the nine killed.

But the Confederate battle flag that sits on the grounds of the capitol in Columbia was left untouched.

The Charleston Post and Courier explained:

Officials said the reason why the flag has not been touched is that its status is outlined, by law, as being under the protected purview of the full S.C. Legislature, which controls if and when it comes down.

State law reads, in part, the state “shall ensure that the flags authorized above shall be placed at all times as directed in this section and shall replace the flags at appropriate intervals as may be necessary due to wear.”

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 19 at 2015 7:57 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 07:57:42 -0400

Well it's time for South Carolina to reevaluate and propose a change to this law.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 8:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:13:40 -0400

I think that is far more likely that it was simply forgotten about. The odds that they thought to lower the Confederate Battle Flag and some busybody looked up an obscure statute like that and said "no" are infinitessimally small.
I would bet that there are individuals responsible for the flags on government buildings, and a different department responsible for the grounds, state parks, etc.
Also likely is that it gets fixed today.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 19 at 2015 9:11 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 09:11:38 -0400

I agree... As a kid from NJ (NY Metro Area) this flag has nothing to do with heritage to me, it is all about hatred. I am not happy they let kids in the school I work in wear it openly.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:32:25 -0400

I see the same thing at the public safety academy. An edict will come down from the governor's office directing that the National Colors be flown at half staff. Every once in a while the recruit color guard will not think to also lower the state & POW flags. Specific instructions versus implied tasks. Common sense is not common.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 19 at 2015 10:40 PM

SSG John Jensen — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:40:12 -0400

if the National Flag and the State Flag are being flown at half staff and the confederate flag is at full staff, then NC is flying the confederate flag higher than the National Flag?