Thank you...in a very short manner you stated what I've always felt.

South Carolina for years flew the Stars & Bars above the State House. It finally became so divisive that it was agreed to remove it. While I can certainly sympathize with those who do view the flag as a proud part of their heritage, or as a symbol of rebellion, the sad fact is that it is almost universally viewed as a symbol of hatred.

Those of my friends who still "love" the Stars & Bars don't display it anymore. They got tired of either defending their reason for flying it, or of trying to disassociate themselves from those who thought they had found fellow bigots...

And yes, I thought you were very diplomatic. I've got cousins from "up north" who would visit each summer and make fun of the way we "Rebels" talked. I told them on more than one occasion that THEY were the ones who talked funny in the South, and that if they didn't like, they could stop visiting...unfortunately, they went from being just a Yankee (one who comes to visit) to a Damn Yankee (one who comes to stay).