Free Republic

The Southern country-rock group Confederate Railroad has lost a second summer fair gig after objections over the use of the Confederate flag in its logo. The band's upcoming performance at Ulster County Fair in New York on August 1 was confirmed cancelled by spokesman Pat Ryan on Thursday. This was the second in a month after Illinois Governor JB Pritzker removed them from the Du Quoin State Fair line-up over the band's logo, which features a steam locomotive flying Confederate flags. Ryan said in a statement: 'The Ulster County Fair must be an event that everyone can enjoy while representing...

Yes, the Confederate flag offends us... Maybe the flag is about Southern pride, good ol’ rebel spirit. But it is about the South’s historic defense of slavery, segregation, the Ku Klux Klan, fascism, white supremacy, white nationalism and bigotry. Gov. Pritzker said, “The Confederate flag is a symbol of not just slavery, but of treason against the United States.” Why are we writing to criticize Pritzker for banning Confederate Railroad, a country band that uses the Confederate flag, from performing at a state fair? Because government should pick its battles wisely and rarely when curbing free expression, even free expression...

SPRINGFIELD — Country rock band Confederate Railroad has been barred from performing at an Illinois state fair because of its use of the Confederate flag, setting off a firestorm by southern Illinois fans who believe they’re under Chicago liberals’ thumb of political correctness. The band was scheduled to appear Aug. 27 at the DuQuoin State Fair , but Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration canceled the appearance last week. “This administration’s guiding principle is that the state of Illinois will not use state resources to promote symbols of racism,” Pritzker spokeswoman Emily Bittner said. “Symbols of hate cannot and will not represent...

AUSTIN - His family made a fortune on men's work clothing. But it's Sam Walls' apparent fondness for women's apparel that is dividing the Johnson County Republican Party. Walls, 64, is in the April 13 GOP primary runoff against Burleson real estate broker Rob Orr for the House District 58 seat. As a leading businessman, former Republican Party chairman and benefactor of Harris Methodist Walls Regional Hospital, Walls seemed the odds-on favorite to win. The victor is likely to succeed Arlene Wohlgemuth in the Texas Legislature. But then pictures of Walls in women's clothing -- several of which were provided...