Shame on confederate flag admirers.

[Everlast]

Should Americans who took pride of waving confederate flag on U.S soil be considered Americans?
My answer is no.Cos had the ideology for which the southerners fought (that is the partition) succeeded ,the U.S.A would probably never be what it is now.
The U.S is strong thanks to his ideals but also thanks to his immenses territories.

P.S I am a new non U.S citizen member.

[NAVA1974]

Hello Everlast,
Welcome to the American Flag Forum. The use and display of the flags of the Confederate States of America has been hotly debated over the last few decades. The use of the common rectangular 'rebel flag' gained popularity during the early 1950's among southern USA soldiers in the Korean war. During the later 1950's CSA flags were seen more frequently as they were used in a a positive manner for the approaching centennial of the US Civil War and regional pride but mixed with the negative counter-protests to the Civil Rights movement. Today, regardless of the value the 'rebel flag' has as a legitimate symbol of a large part of the population of the southeastern USA, its use to emphasize segregation in those states has forever tainted that symbol.

I do support the use of CSA flags and symbols by historians, reenactors, and Army of the CSA descendents - they do not 'wave the flag' as a symbol of white supremacy. They use it to honor those who bravely fought for their homeland.

As far as the design of the flags is concerned, I think the square so-called Confederate Battle Flag (actually the battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia) is one of the best designed flags in history. A white-bordered red field, with a blue saltire (also bordered white) with 13 white stars on it is a superior graphic design.

Nick

[PRGringo]

Hi, Everlast and welcome to the forum.

I believe Nick has expressed the best opinion.

The Stars and Bars is a part of the history of the United States. It has many meanings but, for me, it represents a period of history and should not be used to represent social issues.

The perplexing thing about America is our ability to make a social statement and wrap ourselves in the protection of the United States constitution. Not many countries can do that.

True freedom of speech is the goal of America and we have achieved it and exercised it more than any other country in history.

At times, I think we may confuse other countries by our expressions of opinion and uses of symbols. But tolerance of other American's points of view is what this country is all about and we have shed a lot of blood to keep it that way since 1776.

We Americans may not agree with the opinions and expressions of our fellow citizens but we will die defending their right to express it, no matter what it is.

[Everlast]

I must disagree with you Nick and Steve.
The persons can take pride of the bravery of their ancestors, they can be proud of the mastery of military arts of soldiers of CSA no problem but celebrating the flag that could prevent America to be the U.S.A. is beyond my comprehension.
My point is :If they (CSA) have succeeded the partition of the U.S.A would have been effective and we would have two, three or more blocks of independents territories instead of one big block as we know it today. The U.S.A is a big superpower thanks to the skills and valor of his people for sure but also to his vast territories.
Do not make mistake the former U.S colonial power has got it right when it granted underhanded support to the rebels states.
Afterward the pledge of allegiance mentioned the indivisibility of the nation as the red line which can not be cross.
The size of the territories is a big factor for supremacies and superpower ship Take the then U.S.S.R and U.S.A and the next potential superpower China.

Although the question of desecration of flag is difficult to understand and to address because of his complexity. I do understand that depriving persons to express their political views , by even destroying the symbol of the freedom ('flag) contradict the ideals for which it stands (freedom of speech).
I also think it is crystal clear that the display of CSA flag is synonymous of the rejection of Star and Stripes.
In the first case (flag burning) you destroy the symbol of liberty while in the second case (display CSA flag) your desire is to destroy the liberty itself.
You have to choose to go with the Union or oppose it there is no other alternative.
Happily Uncle Sam country is "THE LAND OF THE FREE» and also "THE HOME OF THE BRAVE». One of these brave men is Abraham Lincoln who stood firmly against those who wanted to break and sink the boat. Remember the civil war occurred 50 years after the 1812-1814 war and Britain were still inconsolable over the lost of its north American colonies 90 years or so ago.
The civil war claim the lives of more a half million of Americans and celebrating the flag which personify the war is outrageous to their memories.
"The tree of liberty must be refresh from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" Thomas Jefferson.

P.S I am neither American nor a scholar in American studies I am ordinnary person interrested in America history.I humbly appologyse if I offended some members. Excuse my English.