According to the accounts of the battle of New Orleans, there were free blacks who owned slaves.
I'm not in any way debating whether or not slavery existed or that is was a terrible portion of this countries past, which I believe it was!
Trading in human flesh is terrible! In fact, it still exists today.
There are ships loaded with immigrants (illegal) that are indentured for survitude in return for transport.
Some arab traders in Africa engauge in slave trade.
This is not just an issue of yesturday.
The Confederacy existed for one purpose and one only: Preservation of black slavery. That is the distinct difference, and the reason I think many are offended by the Confederate flag.
For me, ultimately, it is about my love for the United States of America above all other nations--and flags. The Confederacy represents rebellion of wicked men against the rule of law, and against the Stars and Stripes.
I find continued glorification of that rebellion to be repulsive, especially at this time.