Racism and the Confederate Flag

There has been a lot of discussion on Facebook and in the news lately about the Confederate flag...

If you want to fly a Confederate flag...fly it!

If you want to get a swastika tattoo...knock yourself out!

If you want to scream the n-word at the top of you lungs...go for it!

This is America...we have freedom of speech/expression here!

HOWEVER...

DO NOT get your nose in a knot if people assume you are a racist when you choose these behaviors!

Perception is what it is!  Once something has been corrupted for hate it cannot be undone!

You absolutely have freedom of speech/expression...what you do not have is freedom from people's reactions to your choices!  If you go out in a shirt that has a big Confederate flag on it...do not be surprised when people assume you are a racist!

If you choose to be offended by these things...do not patronize businesses or associate with people who sell/flaunt these symbols.

If you choose to not be offended by these things...do not patronize businesses or associate with people who do not sell/flaunt these symbols.

If we ban one flag, one symbol, one word...then we head down a dangerous path of censorship!

Do I think these things are racist & offensive...ABSOLUTELY!  I do not get to make other's choices for them, however!

I do not believe that any of the above mentioned flags/symbols belong on any government building.  I do not think any flag should be flown other than the American flag and the state's flag that the aforementioned building resides in.

I believe your freedoms should end at your driveway or on your person!  The Confederate flag (or the flag of any other nation) has no place on government property!  I feel the same way about religious symbols!  Keep your 10 Commandments/crosses in your yard or on your church!

I usually steer clear of debates like this one, but I am not a big fan of censorship.  I firmly believe that all Americans should have the right to wear what they want, read what they want, say what they want, and fly what they want (again, assuming it's on private property).

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." -- Voltaire