"What can we do fix this?"

I am thankful that we live in a country where people can fly whatever flag they choose. I may not agree with others' beliefs, but appreciate my right to express myself freely. It is something many take for granted.

There have been a number of political controversies surrounding the use of the Confederate flag in Southern state flags, at sporting events, at Southern universities, and on public buildings.The flag traditionally represented the South's resistance to Northern political dominance; it became racially charged during the Civil Rights Movement, when fighting against desegregation suddenly became the focal point of that resistance.Over time the flag has acquired a wide range of meanings. Since the C.S.A. were fighting for independence during the American Civil War, much as the United States did during the U.S. War of Independence, the Confederate flag has always had connotations of rebellion, patriotism, self-determination, dissent, freedom, and liberty. Since the issues of racial slavery and, later, segregation, are deeply intertwined with the C.S.A. and the Civil Rights Movement, the Confederate flag can also be considered to have connotations of racism and slavery. Symbols of the Confederacy remain a contentious issue across the United States, and has been debated vigorously in many Southern state legislatures over their civic placement since the 1990s.

I was raised in the south, and I'm all about showing pride in where you're from. But, when I see the confederate flag I can't help but think that it's some close-minded bigot ruining the perception of the South - which just saddens me.

I think it represents hatred. I feel bad that each generation gets taught the same hate ...time after time.

Hey you all got 2 for discussing a good issue in an adult way as without hearing both sides us none US folks have no chance to understand such things.. Whilst i could not back a flag that stood for slavery i do agree that if it is flown as a sybol of national pride then get that flag flown with pride. I personally love to see the Union Jack being flown as i am a very proud British Man

Good question. Yep. Well I don't believe in letting racists keep their stamp on anything. The rebel flag should be taken back from them and should once again stand for "rebellion, patriotism, self-determination, dissent, freedom, and liberty" (quoting REDNECK BIKER here). Anything racist should be taken back or rendered impotent (flags, symbols, words, etc).

I wouldn't know a rebel flag if I saw one.

I love the rebel flag. I grew up in minnesota for 12 years and than i moved to nc and i have grown to know what the flag is all about. Just because some dont like it doesnt mean that you cant show what you feel or like or anything else. Schools for example, you cant wear anything that has the rebel flag on it or anything else that goes around the flag. In my opinion i think that is messed up because the flag represented the south during the civil war. So why cant you still represent the south with it today in schools?

i love it! i thinks its the most beautiful flag. it has been misunderstood to say the least!

mixed. I see the south during the civil war, a country trying to be its own and i see the pain and rascism that came with it.

it's history, it's a flag, that's it.

I've only seen it a couple of times in real life. I'd hazard a guess that the dude who had it only wore it because he thought it was cool or something.

I try not to have too many thoughts about it if I can. What does bother me though is when people have those shirts with the rebel flag on it, and under it are the words, "If this offends you, you need a history lesson." Why people think it's you're ignorant if you are offended by a symbol of treason is something I may never understand. I'm not offended by it personally, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who are, and for good reason.

My feelings are always sad for those who died and a bit of a feeling of injustice for the way that history has treated the Confederacy. As a southerner, I'm aware that the Confederate flag was a symbol of far more than "slavery". Most of those fighting for the south had never held slaves nor had any interest in the institution. Their main reasons for secession had everything to do with taxes. Prior to the war about 75% of the money to operate the Federal Government was derived from the Southern States via an unfair sectional tariff on imported goods and 50% of the total 75% was from just 4 Southern states--Virginia-North Carolina--South Carolina and Georgia. Only 10%--20% of this tax money was being returned to the South. The Southern states were being treated as an agricultural colony of the North and bled dry. John Randolph of Virginia's remarks in opposition to the tariff of 1820 demonstrates that fact. The North claimed that they fought the war to preserve the Union but the New England Industrialists who were in control of the North were actually supporting preservation of the Union to maintain and increase revenue from the tariff. The industrialists wanted the South to pay for the industrialization of America at no expense to them. Revenue bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives prior to the War Between the States were biased, unfair and inflammatory to the South. Abraham Lincoln had promised the Northern industrialists that he would increase the tariff rate if he was elected president of the United States. Lincoln increased the rate to a level that exceeded even the "Tariff of Abominations" 40% rate that had so infuriated the South during the 1828-1832 eras (between 50 and 51% on iron goods). The election of a president that was Anti-Southern on all issues and politically associated with the New England industrialists, fanatics, and zealots brought about the Southern secession movement. But of course, the victors will rewrite history to make themselves look better and that is what they did.

Since you're asking for my opinion... Unless it's in a civil war reenactment or museum, I view it as trashy and hillbilly. That opinion is likely formed by how I've seen it flown and displayed. (For example, flying from a muddy rusted out 4-wheel drive pick-up, with a gun rack, no exhaust, and a "Don't Tailgate, I chew Redman" bumper sticker.) However, I will completely agree with the opinion that I'm proud I live in a country where we can fly whatever flag we choose!! FYI- I am a white female born and raised in IL.

its just a flag and alot of people here in indiana have them in their front yards lol

Uh, the war is over.. Move on..

Seems like most people fly it for shock value or because they're ignorant rednecks. Personally, I think it's a pretty sweet flag, and wouldn't mind having it be America's. I understand the heritage thing a little bit and I'm not offended by it. Fact is you guys didn't win. You got your asses handed to you. So whenever I see it fly I immediately think wow...this guy really must like losing. Everytime I see it I'm glad my state was part of the Union. The Rebel Yell was silenced. Your crusade is over. The bums lost!

I understand the history, and i know some use it as a sign of discrimination, but I live in the south and its also just a symbol of southern pride. in fact, i know black people who have bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc. with the confederate flag.