the question is not: what contributions have southern Americans made to the history of this nation?
but as usual, i know you can't help yourself when you think a history lesson is in order. but the symbol of the failed fledgling nation-state of the former confederacy was and is a symbol of white America's dominance over black Americans. the flag was used to identify confederate soldiers on the battlefield -- remember, they were the ones who wanted to keep slaves and went to war for that right. in the 1960s when the flag made a resurgence it was in response to the growing civil rights movements and especially the idea that black people deserved to have equal protection under the law. do i really need to remind you of George Wallace showing that flag for his infamous "segregation now" speech? the confederacy lost in its rebellion against the US government, its symbols should be relegated to history's dustbin just as nazi memorabilia is.
"That's the trouble with political jokes in this country... they get elected!" -- Dave Lippman