The stars and bars fly no more

This past summer a lot of controversy about the Confederate battle flag flared up in the news. One tragic event in Charlestown rallied a movement that proved to be successful in bringing a flag down. Anyone that was on Facebook could see both sides arguing their points. Those in favor of the flag argued that it represented southern heritage and independence, while others argued that it represented a repressive history.

First, we need to go back a few steps and discuss why the South rose up in the first place. With a nation divided before Lincoln’s presidency, many northern states had already outlawed slavery. Lincoln wanted to keep the country united and displayed tolerance for slavery until secession. Abraham Lincoln took office in March 1861 without being on the ballot in 10 of 15 southern slave states. Some view this as a reason for a rebellion, but putting Lincoln’s name on the ballot in the south would have only helped Lincoln rather than hurt him. The south was upset Lincoln won the election and then chose to secede from the Union.

The Confederate battle flag was used by the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee. Originally designed by William Porcher Miles who supported slavery and secession from the United States of America. Thirteen white stars represented the 13 original colonies and a blue southern cross on a blood red background. Williams’ design for a national flag for the southern states failed for approval, but was still used in the battlefield during the Civil War. The flag was put away in the back of many minds. Only to be brought back about 100 years later on Columbia’s courthouse grounds.

Even after the Civil War, African Americans did not get the equal treatment that they were promised under the law. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing by 1961. We all have heard about this movement; it was met with strong opposition. One could gander at the fact that the Confederate battle flag was put up in 1961. So let’s review. The flag was used by the Confederacy whose purpose was to fight for the southern state’s rights to own slaves. This flag was then put up to send a grim reminder to those opposing slavery or was maybe even flown to put them in their place during the Civil Rights movement.

The Confederate flag can carry several meanings, but these different interpretations do not undo the flag’s purpose. I have no doubt some people fly the Southern Cross without any intention of racial hate. Slavery was a cultural norm, but now a vast majority of us can agree that slavery is wrong. I am not asking individuals to change their beliefs about the flag, but rather the government change their policy on the flag. Fifty-four years is long enough for a flag to be flown that represented the fight for slavery and attempted to oppress African Americans.