"Blacks universally find the stars and bars offensive."
Patently fallacious. There is no universal perspective for any group of people on any point of view and it's a crock that anyone should argue this point. As evidence, for instance, I point to the FACT that blacks fought on both sides during the Civil War. With gun in hand, it's hard to argue that those who fought on the side of the Confederacy found the flag they fought under offensive. It's especially hard to argue that to my great-great-grandson-of--slaves former roommate who participates in Civil War re-enactments proudly wearing a Rebel uniform in honor of his great-great-grandfather who fell in battle.

If white/caucasian people can be labelled racist on the basis of historical abuses with no other argument or evidence offered, then at least one poster in this forum can be labelled the same without animous for the implication that flying a flag is, inherently, a racist act.

As for me, I agree with those who are so tired of having to explain themselves when flying a Battle Flag that they feel they had to give up the right to speak freely by NOT displaying a "Rebel flag"for whatever reason they so chose.

When I tour, I fly 3 flags - the Stars and Stripes, the Stars and Bars and a POW/MIA flag. I'm considering flying a fourth - a Wounded Warrior Project flag. What does that say about me? That I am a redneck racist who likes guns and blood, engages in torture, smokes/smoked pot while on guard duty and drives a Hummer? I think some people need to get a grip and quit foisting their own insecurities and prejudices on others.