[PROCON]

"In a free society, offensive speech should not just be tolerated, its regular presence should be celebrated as a symbol of democratic health -- however odorous the products of a democracy may be," Hentoff, O'Rourke and others said in a brief backing the group.

Exactly, too bad if your feelings get hurt.

[AnAmericanMother]

“I know it has a grand sound to say ye’ll accept no salvation which leaves even one creature in the dark outside. But watch that sophistry or you’ll make a Dog in a Manger the tyrant of the universe.”

- C. S. Lewis

[SWAMPSNIPER]

My ancestors fought in both armies. I am proud of them all.

[Reno89519]

This is the US where flying the US flag should be celebrated. The Confederate flag, in any form, is no different than flying the Nazi flag or Islamic flag. Those are fine in a museum to remind us of that past, or flown by enemies of the US. But aside from this, they are all equally offensive. If you'd fly the Nazi or Islamic flag, go for the Confederate as it is the same. Seriously, this is America and no upside to showing your racist side, or whatever. A conservative, an American, not a neo-Nazi, a skinhead or a traitor, should be flying the US flag. There is no honor in dissing America to fly a flag of hate, regardless of the excuses, a flag flown by over dead Americans.

And, yes, I know I'll get flamed here by a number of folks who will defend their offensive views, throw hate at me, call me names, etc. but that doesn't change the fact that the Confederate flag has no place outside a museum. Good, real American-loving conservatives, unlike others, should see this without being reminded. You never saw Reagan or, today, Cruz and any number of folks going around flying the Confederate flag, correct? Just say'in...

[Republican1795.]

I am just glad they actually call it the Confederate battle flag here instead of just the Confederate flag. Though technically the rectangular form was the naval flag.

[Joe Boucher]

The worthless supremes say it is ok to have a picture of Jesus in a jar of urine. The scum say it is art and is protected free speech.
That means it is ok to crap on a made up photo of muhammed.
The confederate battle flag is a symbol of Southern pride. If many don’t care for it, tough. It is protected free expression.get over it.,

[Georgia Girl 2]

Should your car horn be allowed to play “Dixie”? I say yes. :-)

[Georgia Girl 2]

Should your car horn be allowed to play “Dixie”? I say yes. :-)

[beebuster2000]

This entire thread needs a

TRIGGER ALERT

[Reno89519]

As expected, lots of 'how dare I' rants. Oh well, the high ground is still dry. Equating the Confederate flag with the Nazi or Islamic flag is valid and protestations otherwise is a losing proposition. Even if those defending these flags suggest otherwise, most people view these with rightful disdain. Defenders hurt their conservative cause. And make no mistake, sadly it is mostly conservatives defending the indefensible. Claiming heritage and ancestry doesn't undo the damage caused by those flying these flags, nor--importantly--the pain they still cause. No one is saying to forget your heritage and ancestry, just please put it into perspective. Put America first and don't unduly promote hate, which, too often, is what defending these flags suggest defenders do. Keep the flags in museums where they belong. Seriously, how can an American, a conservative do anything but? Excuses of 1st amendment rights, heritage, and ancestry doesn't undo the violence, hate, and death associated with these flags. Putting the flags away does not disrespect our heritage and ancestors, nor blame them for their actions or inactions.

As an FYI, and it shouldn't matter, I was born in the south, raised by racist southern parents while living in the south and north; have since lived all over the US. My German, Scottish, and Irish ancestors can be traced back to the 1700s in the Ohio River Valley, later parts of the family to refugees from Poland and Lithuania. I am a conservative, a US Navy veteran, and I place myself as American first. No hyphenation, no dual loyalties, just American, right-or-wrong.

Whatever...

[Blue Ink]

And what’s with all the posters who cite their ancestors’ Confederate service as an argument that therefore their cause (and flag) is something to be proud of?

If your great-granddaddy fought for the Nazis, would you be proud of that flag, and if so, why? It’s a legitimate question — they were trying to conquer the United States, and they lost, too.