[jude24]

It is a shame. It is not historically accurate to equate the Confederacy with racism (especially since the North was not exactly a beacon of enlightened race-relations itself at the time).

The popular perception of the Confederate flag, however, does equate it with racism, particularly up here in the North and amongst non-whites everywhere. It does not matter whether or not the Confederacy was or was not racist, because, in reality, perception is all the reality that matters.

[DoraC]

You're right. It is best to educate people about the Confederacy and its people.