> In Georgia, as in other southern states, there is a big debate over changing the state flag to eliminate the confederate battle flag portion of the flag. On the one hand there are those that argue that it is racist. On the other are those that say it is a heritage issue.

> What do you think?

Tom;

I have not visited or lived in the South for about 33 years so I do not know what the present mentality of the people is really like. Based upon my feelings through conversations with people in Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, whom I knew, as well as my feelings and thoughts based upon being raised in San Francisco, I offer the following thoughts.

To me the Confederate Battle Flag is a reminder of a act that occurred because the Nation at its inception could not deal with the slavery issue (that is eliminate it) and become united. Allowing slavery was a major reason in getting the southern States to join against England in the American Revolution. This issue was not resolved until the Civil War. To me the Confederate Flag is a reminder of a war that tore our nation apart and had dramatic consequences, which last until this day. It is a negative symbol that I do not enjoy viewing. It would be fine in a museum but flying over a state capital or government building to me is not appropriate.

I mentioned the full size Garrison Flag flying at Jefferson Davis's house in Gulfport, Mississippi. That was seen by me in 1963-64. I saw a similar flag near Minden, Nevada, February, 1994, with a pick up truck (a huge 4 wheel drive vehicle about four feet off the ground with over sized tires). On the truck was a large sign – recruiting members for the K.K.K. That was Black History Month and on PBS they had a series “Nevada – The Mississippi of the West”.

By the same token I would not like to see the Nazi flag flying in whole or part as part of a heritage issue or symbol that should be embraced. I view the two flags with similar feelings. Trying to rationalize why this is not true is to me to suggest a return to those wonderful years when such emblems were in vogue. What is the meaning of such symbolism? It is a reminder of something to the viewer and I would suggest most viewers would object on historic grounds as to what was done and why.

The heritage issue to me means we should have slavery, plantations and a return to the good life that in reality only a very few enjoyed before 1865. Not all whites in the South owned slaves, and most whites were very poor in the South. Yes, those were the good old days to some I have talked to. What is the feeling of those who live in the Southern States today?

Tom