>What is the feeling of those who live in the Southern States today?

I don't know about all states but from my experience in Ga....

Very mixed.

There are those that see it as a "heritage" issue.
There are those that see it as a symbol of hate.

There are those that think the "battle" is an over-reaction.
There are those that would do anything to see it gone and those that would do anything to see it stay.

There are those that see this as a minority rule situation. That is a minority of the people are seeking to impose their will on the majority. These tend to think (and one state is doing just this.. I think it is Mississippi but I am not sure) that there should be a state wide vote on the issue and that the majority shoud win.

It is a lot more complex an issue than people think.