TheTandD.com | Controversy surrounds Confederate Memorial Day, 7 years after designation

Controversy surrounds Confederate Memorial Day, 7 years after designation

By GENE ZALESKI
T&D Staff Writer Thursday, May 10, 2007

Author Brian Cisco is a California native, born in Montebello, but his Southern roots run deep in his veins.

Cisco, whose mother was born in South Carolina, remembers singing “Dixie” while in elementary school. He later came to Dixie to receive his education at the University of South Carolina in the 1960s.

It was at that time – during the Civil War Centennial – when Cisco became fascinated with the history of that conflict.

Since then, he has written five books, all related to the Civil War period, and plans to again observe the state’s seventh annual Confederate Memorial Day holiday today.

“The War for Southern Independence is a defined event in our history,” Cisco said, noting that about 14,000 of the 70,000 South Carolinians who fought in the war died. “These men, black and white, were fighting for the liberty that was passed down from the founding fathers of America and were fighting in defense of their home.

“That is a worthy cause and is something that needs to remembered and celebrated.”

Since former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges signed the bill making the day a legal state holiday seven years ago, the observance has continued to be a source of controversy.

In May 2000, Hodges signed the bill to create the Confederate holiday for state workers on May 10 while also recognizing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday. The law eliminated the Election Day holiday and a floating holiday for state workers.

With the passage of the bill, South Carolina was the last state in the nation to recognize fully the King holiday as a day off for state workers.

The NAACP, which was seeking to have the Confederate flag removed from the Statehouse dome at the time, wanted Hodges to veto the bill.

Opponents continue to say the Confederate flag is a symbol of racism and slavery, while proponents say the flag is a symbol of Southern heritage.

Brian Henson, commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 73, Col. Olin M. Dantzler, said the controversy surrounding the flag is one based on “political correctness” and not on “true history.”

Henson said the Civil War was fought over states’ rights and freedoms which the “Constitution ensured us” and not over slavery. Henson said at the time of the war “less than 10 percent of Southerners owned slaves,” with the others fighting for state rights. It is for those who lost their lives that the day is remembered.

“Some did fight to preserve slavery, but the majority of them did not,” Henson said.

Henson also wondered why the Confederate flag is often called a symbol of slavery when the same argument is not made about the U.S. flag, which from its independence in 1776 until the Civil War had slaves.

“We don’t hear people calling to bring that down,” Henson said.

NAACP Orangeburg Branch President William Wilson said the observance of Confederate Memorial Day “sends the wrong message to the state and to the country.”

“You are talking about celebrating something that equates to treason actually against the country,” Wilson said. “What we appear to be sending is that it is OK to violate the Constitution of the United States. The question is: Do we celebrate the violation of the Constitution of the U.S. or do we treat it like any other violation of the Constitution of the United States?”

But for Cisco, the observance is about remembering those who have died. He will continue to remember and celebrate as he does every year. He plans to go to all the Confederate Memorial Day services and observances he can.

He will even be a speaker at the service held in St. Matthews at the Calhoun County Courthouse grounds.

“I would like to see all South Carolina have enough good will about them to consider this a settled matter,” Cisco said.

He believes the NAACP is approaching the matter “in an all-or-nothing approach” and is unwilling to reach a compromise.

“We all need to realize that we all have to live here,” he said, referencing in particular the Confederate flag’s presence on the grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse, where it was moved from the dome. “It is in a historical context. We need to keep it there in the historical context as a Confederate soldier monument. That should not be a problem to anybody.”

Wilson said the NAACP is willing to compromise, but the Confederate flag’s presence on the Statehouse grounds is not an acceptable compromise.

“That still belongs to the state. It is still a place of sovereignty,” Wilson said. “It has just been moved from one location to another. It should be in a museum, where I think it belongs.”

The opinions of those who know about the holiday in Orangeburg are split. Some are unaware Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated.

Ashley Kemmerlin said, as a born-and-bred Southern girl, she believes Confederate Memorial Day is about Southern history and should be observed.

“You can’t forget that because a few people out there don’t like the idea,” she said. “I am a Southern girl and I agree with it. I would fly a flag over my house if I had one.”

And what about the flag? Does Kemmerlin think it is divisive symbol?

“We are a Southern state and that is what the Confederate flag represents,” she said. “People think the Confederate flag represents the KKK and that is not the case. ... That has nothing to do with us.”

On the other hand, a lady choosing to only be identified as May said this particular aspect of Southern history is “nothing to be proud of.”

“Slavery is not a good thing,” May said. “I think they should be ashamed of that. I don’t think it should be a holiday to celebrate. There is nothing to celebrate.”

Sam Bair of Jamison said celebrating Confederate Memorial Day is appropriate.

“It would be doing the people who fought for it a disrespect if we did not,” Bair said. “It is like World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War. This is a war and you treat it like one. You respect them (the people who died.)”

Some people are still unaware Confederate Memorial Day is observed in South Carolina.

“I did not even know,” St. Matthews resident Jim Keezel said. “It is a legal holiday? It would be interesting to see how many states have it.”

According to the online encyclopedia wikipedia.org, about 13 other states have some form of Confederate holiday observance.

“I am surprised,” Keezel said, adding that “I don’t have strong feelings one way or the other.”

But Keezel said if the issue came to a vote, “I would vote not to have it.”

“I think it has seen its day,” he said. “It perpetuates the problem with the flag and all that.”

Sandra Carson said, “I don’t know much about that (the Confederate Memorial Day).”

But she said what she has heard about the Confederate flag on the news and amongst her friends leads her to believe that “it probably is not a good thing.”

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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63 comment(s)

The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

Kay wrote on Jun 3, 2007 7:47 PM:

" Thank you Mr. Cisco for your wonderful knowledge and truth in writing. You are truly a treasure!!! "

sc patriot rms wrote on Jun 2, 2007 4:06 PM:

" willie d, as i've come to expect from you; still spewing senseless and uneducated drivel. your argument hasn't changed and your ability to promote and defend it hasn't changed either. both are completely incorrect. in response to your comment; you're right, the winners are the ones who write history. are you truly naive enough to take everything you read in a history book as gospel?? you obviously do. this would explain your distorted views. if the confederates were common "traitors" as you so eloquently called them, then what about the patriots who fought for independence from britain?? are they no more than common traitors, too?? by your calculations and logic i would assume not because the side that they were fighting for won that war and therefore they got to write history. those brave men were doing the exact same thing that the confederate soldiers did some eighty years later; that is fighting against a central government that they saw as tyrannical and unjust. those revolutionary soldiers all fought for the creation of the u.s.a. and thus should honorably be recognized for their sacrifices. the southern soldiers in the war between the states were not fighting for the u.s.a. therefore are not recognized by the u.s. memorial day. no matter how many times and how many ways you try to say the same thing it still doesn't change the fact that you're wrong. i'm sure that you don't understand, nor have the capacity to understand this logical assessment. i find it entertaining to hear a person like you try to defend a viewpoint with very limited facts (ones shaped by your personal biases and ignorance of the situation)to substantiate it. i'd love to continue this very one-sided debate with you. however, you must bring much more substance and knowledge of the situation to the table. the fact that the u.s. didn't recognize the c.s.a argument that you continue to rant about is all you've got. it just doesn't cut it!! of course the u.s. didn't recognize the c.s.a.; they didn't want them to leave the union. i'll now respond to your last statement and completely blow it out of the water with the following facts. first of all, there are no japanese americans. they are americans or japanese. all soldiers of japanese heritage that fought for the u.s. in any war or conflict are already honored by the u.s. memorial day. there is also no need for a tory(not torie)day . these people who fought for the crown(britain) in the revolutionary war are remembered and honored by "remembrance day" in britain. it falls on the eleventh of november each year. "

QJ wrote on Jun 1, 2007 2:14 AM:

" After reading these posts, i can only laugh. Because i guarantee you 85-90 percent of these post writers don't know the history of the Civil War or the So-called Confederacy. First of all, look up the definition of "treason". That will tell you all about the Confederacy, and much hasn't changed since. I am willing to bet the house that they know what every star on that flag or why the bars cross on the flag. Carolina girl, you are a prime example...FYI the confederacy ended with the Civil War. So i am sorry darling, you are not confederate. You may be southern, but confederate you are not. "

confisus sum wrote on May 30, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Industry Scout suggests that the way to capture more industry is to hide issues, and have the news media censor posts to give the impression of Utopia. The ONLY way for racism to be eradicated is by discussing the ridiculous motivations and ideology behind it. Whether agreed with or not, each poster is entitled to his/her opinion and the opportunity to express it. An industry that seeks to abridge that right for it's own promotion, is not one that many would want to work for. However, they may be able to set up shop in a communist state, where open discussion is not allowed. The failure to land industry, should not be placed at the feet of the posters here, but rather at the unambitious, uneducated, unmotivated, downright lazy workforce, and the area officials who are more concerned with their own personal benefit, than that of the community. "

Industry Scout wrote on May 30, 2007 7:24 AM:

" Any company thinking of relocating to your area certainly is going to strongly reconsider if they consider the blatant racism shown on this and many other posts on your message boards for newspaper articles. Surely what is posted here must be a reflection of the community at large. No company wants to relocate to an area with a maelstrom of racism to contend with. The newspaper would be doing the community a favor by shutting off comments on many of your articles. You have nothing to lose or gain but industry. It looks to me like the community, at least as represented here, has no interest in growth or new jobs. "

j wrote on May 29, 2007 6:18 PM:

" the holocaust and slavery is not comparable as salvery was legal. I would be embarrassed if my heritage was centered around slavery. Although only 11% of southerners actually owned a majority of slaves for plantations. Slavery wasnt good for their economy either. If you want a Confederate day then why not have a American Indian day for the millions you wiped out? "

confisus sum wrote on May 29, 2007 3:42 PM:

" I must take exception to Jervey's comments regarding Nazi's and racism. While these statments may have been made at Nuremburg, like most criminals, these Nazis chose to attempt to smear their captors to lighten their sentence. It did not work. It is well known that Hitler was an avid follower of Martin Luther, who died February 18, 1546. Nearly 150 years before the slave trade even began in the South. Martin Luther's own writings suggest a deep dislike for the Jewish people, this in turn planted the seed for the eradication of the Jewish people by Hitler. To suggest that the Nazi's patterned their genocide after outlawed American slavery is ludicrous. They blindly followed the ravings of their maniacal leader. In regards to states rights being an excuse, I believe that states rights are the foundation in which this country was developed. Only after the liberal promotion of big government have we accepted it as the norm, rather than the exception. If slavery was the economic dynamo of the South, then surely the disposable workers of the factories in the North were their own dynamos. These workers had worse living conditions, worked longer hours, and were in effect slaves to the factory owners. While held in bondage due to created debt, these folks were not seen as investments, as the slaves were, and therefore were allowed to quite frankly, "die on the job." "

Teresa wrote on May 29, 2007 1:59 PM:

" I see nothing wrong with being proud of the fact that your ancestors were willing to fight for what they believed in...to the surprise of a lot of people -slavery was not the reason behind the start of the war. I refuse to say I am sorry for anything..I too believe that if you believe in something that you should be willing to fight for it..If not then it really is not that important... "

J wrote on May 29, 2007 9:52 AM:

" Funny thing is you lost the war....get over it already... "

History wrote on May 28, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Carolina Girl I guess the best way to represent my fellings towards Orangeburg is "I don't know if I am going to Heaven or Hell but I'm going Mississippi" Medgar Evars (I do know I am going to Heaven but was just using the importance of his statement). That is just how I feel about Orangeubrg. "I love the place of my birth not just America but Mississippi." Medgar Evers. This great man ran into many people who hated him because of his beliefs and it cost him his life. Yes I love Orangeburg almost that much. Sorry you never saw the real Orangeburg. "

Jervey in Las Vegas, Nevada wrote on May 27, 2007 2:18 PM:

" It is quite easy to blame the British for slavery, certainly the American colonies were territories that owed allegiance to the Crown. England abolished slavery during our fight for independence. She even offered freedom to those slaves who rebelled against their colonial masters. In order to get the Declaration of Independence ratified by all states, the slavery issue was not addressed in order to appease the men in power (ie..the wealthy landowners). Just as slavery made England wealthy (see Manchester UK shipping manifests), it(slavery) was an economic dynamo for the Southern states that they could ill afford to lose. Just as the Japanese attacked the USA because we were imposing an oil embargo against them which affected their livelihood and nation's right to a manifiest destiny of superiority and control in the Far East, the South started the Civil War. Cotton was the king of economics for the South. Slaves picked the Cotton. You could not separate one from the other without disastrous affects to all. States rights were excuses to continue slavery, Jim Crow laws and sharecropping were just extensions to continue this abomination. DURING THE NUREMBURG TRIALS AT THE END OF WORLD WAR II, THE NAZIS WERE ASKED WHY THEY COMMITTED SUCH ATROCITIES AGAINST HUMANITY. THEY SAID THAT THEY LEARNED FROM AMERICA. THEIR DOCTRINE OF RACIAL PURITY, THEY LEARNED FROM THE KKK AND BIRTH OF A NATION. The South will NEVER reach its full potential until all of its citizens unite as one. The country has changed demographics and racial makeup dramatically during the past twenty years. The South has likewise changed. "

Willie D wrote on May 27, 2007 4:16 AM:

" You are the one who couldnt be more wrong. It is a fact that winners write the history book. The CSA was not a recognized as an independant nation. They were a rebellion against the lawful government and were put down. End of story.... they don't need a special memorial day just like we don't need a Torie day or japanese american or anything else. "

sue wrote on May 26, 2007 2:16 PM:

" Everyone is so fast to say take down the Confederate flag and making so much noise about it, including the NAACP.I think they have to much time on their hands with nothing to do, because if they did they would be worried about things that is happing NOW, not something that took place long ago.We had alot of good MEN and WOMEN to lose their life. All the people that is complaining so, still enjoys the holiday (MEMORIAL DAY).If you want the Confederate day to be removed, then why not remove all the other's, for example: President' birthday or even Martin Luther King's birthady? We should Honor All (black and white) that gave their lives for the Confederate Flag and their Country............ "

Carolina Girl wrote on May 25, 2007 8:09 PM:

" LOL....Whine, whine, whine, whine.....History, you have made me laugh if nothing else. I'm thrilled to be out of Orangeburg, and not to have to come back. Keep slingin 'em, son, and I'll keep answering you back.....in true Southern style.....Bless your lil heart! "

sc patriot rms wrote on May 25, 2007 3:11 PM:

" willie d, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, even if it's incorrect. maybe you should see who you could talk to about re-writing history to fall in line with your views. as an astute and very knowledgeable student and southern history and culture, monday's memorial day DOES NOT honor those men. it does just what it should, recognize those men who died fighting for the u.s.a.(for which these men certainly were not). i respect your opinion and your right to voice it, but your are completely wrong and have absolutely no fact on which to base your argument. like i said, i'm not trying to be disrespectful, but you couldn't be more wrong. "

History wrote on May 25, 2007 12:37 PM:

" Many people are talking about the words African American, Hispanic American, White American and say we should classify everyone as an American. What is the difference between saying someone is White American and Southern American? If we talk about everyone living in a uninted America Why would someone classify themselves as a Southern American. Carolina Girl if this is the attitude you show towards Orangeburg and say you are glad you no longer live in Orangeburg we are better off without you. The only place I ever want to live is in Orangeburg and anyone who does not appreciate all of Orangeburg for what it is need to leave. "

job wrote on May 25, 2007 11:45 AM:

" i completely agree with Willie D. "

Willie D wrote on May 25, 2007 7:21 AM:

" SC Patriot, Memorial Day does honor the confederates that died. The Confederates never won recognition from the United States Government, therefor they was never a Confederate States of American. Only a group of states fighting for that recognition. Memorial day honors all who fought and died for this country even if they were traitors. "

sc patriot rms wrote on May 24, 2007 9:34 AM:

" willie d, the memorial day that you will celebrate on monday while you're out at the lake or just enjoying your time off from work DOES NOT honor confederate dead (nor would slain confederate soldiers want it to recognize or honor them. the u.s. was not the country for which they spilled blood) you made a key statement in your opening sentence; "for those of you who wish to honor everone who died for THEIR country". the u.s. was not their country. monday's memorial day honors men who have died fighting for and protecting the united states only. obviously, confederate soldiers were not doing this. it makes no difference whether the u.s. recognized the c.s.a. or not. "

Common Sense wrote on May 24, 2007 9:02 AM:

" I will be the first to admit that slavery in any form is wrong. We must realize that slavery did not start in the early United States. The sad fact is that slavery has existed and has been documented through out the 5000 or so years of recorded history. Every race, every skin color, and most every group of people have been slaves at some point in time. One benefit of living in the United States of America is that we are free to remember and celebrate our past, our heritage, and our ancestors. But until we all become Americans, we will always be a divided nation. It is time we drop the phrases of African American, Mexican American, White American, Spanish American, etc, etc, and become Americans. If any citizen of the United States of America does not consider himself or herself simply as an American, then I challenge them to find a better country in which to live. "

Willie D wrote on May 23, 2007 4:34 PM:

" For those of you who wish to honor everyone who died for their country, The One and Only Memorial Day is on Monday, so while everyone is out at the lake or just enjoying their time off from work. Think about the men and women who have died for us to have that freedom. Remember those some that gave all for the United States of America.(Which includes the Confederate dead since the United States did not recognize the CSA as an independant nation. "

Orangeburg Weeps wrote on May 23, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Yes, to Confisus Sum, it is demeaning and sterotypical. But when I see people treating someone in a manner other than courteous and respectful soley based upon the color of their skin, the easiest way consciously justice their behavior is to believe that they are truly ignorant. Sad but true. I am not a bigot in any sense of the word trust me. "

Carolina Gal wrote on May 22, 2007 8:08 PM:

" History.....FYI....I'm proud, WHITE, CONFEDERATE and female....Don't dare classify me as anything else!!!!! I also had the good sense to get out of that nothing town and not look back. No wonder the Yankees laugh. "

History wrote on May 22, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Hey Orangeburg weeps you must kepp the faith and win the race. Dr. King and many others died trying to make people see past the color of ones skin and we must not let thier deaths be in vain. "I am here to tell you that I have been to the Mountain Top and I have seen the Promise Land. I might not get there with you but we as a people (society) will get to the Promise Land." Martin Luther King J.R. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Jesus "

confisus sum wrote on May 22, 2007 1:07 PM:

" While I thank you for your complimentary statements, "Orangeburg Weeps", I must take exception to your references, even if used in a comparative manner. While you illustrate bigots as those who live in trailers, while their blissfully ignorant relatives wave the confederate flag, you stereotype people in a demeaning and negative manner. Which by definition is an act of BIGOTRY in and of itself. "

cuffem wrote on May 22, 2007 11:44 AM:

" To Nat_Turner It is obvious that you are black to have miscued the past. It was the black slave traders that sold the African people to the whites. And how long ago was that? How many fields did you work in or cooked food and washed clothes for which you was not paid to do? How about your parents? And another thing that irks me, is the fact that you refer yourself as African American. Were you born in Africa and came to America? You do not see Mexicans saying they are Mexican American, nor do you see any other race of people label themselves in that manner. You are either American or African. Also, I feel slavery was wrong, but you can not blame everything soley on the whites. In all fairness England was the first to start human trafficking not the Confederancy. If you really want to know what group of people had it bad, it would have to be the Jewish. Not only were they used as Slaves they had to watch the families be put to death. And they are still having to fight. They are the most hated people in the world and I guess Christians would be next. I can see where Confederate Day would make some people mad. But you have to remeber Black and White died for the Confederate Flag. And it was not all about Slavery. So instead of blaming the whites for the past problems I feel we should be on our knees and praying to overcome the problems in our world. If you don't want to celebrate Confederate Day then don't. I don't celebrate Kwanza, but I still respect your right to celebrate that day. So please respect the right for the people who do choose to celebrate Confederate Day. "

Orangeburg weeps wrote on May 21, 2007 5:58 PM:

" "Confusus sum", I am really impressed by your very first intellectual statements regarding this matter! Although the act of agression was on the confederacy, ie, firing at fort sumpter, an US military instilation., which indeed was an act of treason. Nevertheless, I think your thoughts show you are more intelligent then the typical blissfully ignorant confederate flag waving, trailer park types that are usually associated with the type of jargon and attitude you usually display. Nice to know. An intellectual bigot? Lastly, South Carolina is unfortunately, by the type of responses on this page, will continue to be Backwoods and Backwards. "

Bob wrote on May 21, 2007 2:12 PM:

" History thanks for people like you. You hit the nail on the head. This is whats wrong with Orangeburg. If I was smart I would send my kids to SCSU or Claflin....they are truly great schools that do alot for the community. "

History wrote on May 21, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Yes Carolina Girl you do see the Homecomming game as disgrace because your racism blinds you and unfortunately you are a disgrace to our race. If you only look at what these two Universities have brought to our community you would be interested in thier history and truely care about what is going on during homecoming weekend instead of letting your racism blind you. No I did not graduate from SCSU or Claflin becuase I once like you I let my family influence my beliefs and discourage me from going to a HBCU school. If I only looked beyond the color of a persons skin back then I probably would have attended one of those great institutions. When I was young I went to a private school here in Orangeburg and did not study African american History because it was not offered but when I got older and started doing some history reserch on my own I realised how blind I was. "Hate destroys a man's sence of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true." Martin Luther King J.R. "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not themselves; and under a just God, cannot long retain it." Abraham Lincoln "

History wrote on May 21, 2007 12:16 PM:

" Carolina Girl I should have guessed that you and others would make statements like Homecomming is a disgrace, because so many people like you are a true disgrace to our entire race. No I did not graduate from SCSU or Claflin but I still support them because of what they do for our community. Unfortunately there are racist people like you who would not know where to begin to appreciate thier roles in the county becuase you are blinded by racism. "

Nat wrote on May 18, 2007 6:12 PM:

" Hey Carolina Gal, You epitomize what I despise so much about O'Burg...I wish Claflin and State could pick up and move elsewhere...Then we could see how well O'Burg does...These schools put about $200 million dollars into this dump of a county yearly and you have the unmitigated audacity to criticize them...... SC is still the black eye of the South for having anything to do with the celebration of a confecerate holiday...Talk about backwards...News flash - The Confederates lost....get a freakin' life... "

Nat_Turner wrote on May 18, 2007 7:56 AM:

" to disillusioned droog Obvisously you are white to make such an ass backwards comment like that...Were those atomic weapons dropped on US soil...? How about the hundred of thousands of slaves that died transit...Ripped away from our heritage so you wouldn't have to work your fields, cook your own foods and wash your own clothes... "

Carolina Gal wrote on May 17, 2007 8:36 PM:

" Hey "History"....You might want to learn how to spell, before you post to the paper. Are you an alumnus of SCSU or Claflin? And as for the matter of homecoming weekend....most of the time, that weekend is a disgrace to the county. Take Homecoming '99 when Dukes Harley was burned, and someone defecated on the steps of a church. LOL....Makes ya real flippin proud of 'em, don't it???? Besides....what the cracker does this have to do with Confederate Memorial Day?? Whoops! I forgot.....It's that black versus white thing, ain't it??? "

History wrote on May 17, 2007 2:00 PM:

" Ok let's talk about History in Orangeburg. Most people in Orangeburg that are know nothing about the real history of SCSU and Claflin University. When Homecomming for SCSU comes around every year 99.9% of whites talk so much trash about it, but do not realise that many of these events are almost like reunions. You don't see whites fussing about the traffic at the Clemson and USC games (many would not miss it for the world). So if we are going to talk about history let's talk about local history that many do not care about even though it has brought so many wonderful things to our County. Orangeburg whould have never been the great place to live in that it is today without Claflin and State. "

sc patriot rms wrote on May 17, 2007 12:26 PM:

" the fact is that the u.s. memorial day that is celebrated every year at the end of may DOES NOT serve to memorialize confederate dead at all. neither does it serve to memorialize british, french or russian casualties of war. it doesn't and shouldn't. those are individual countries with their own governments, just as the confederate states of america were. it is only just and fair that these men (the OVERWHELMING majority of whom owned no slaves and had no association with the institution whatsoever) have their own special day of recognition for paying the ultimate price while fighting for a cause they truly believed in. DON'T ASK ME TO RESPECT AND HONOR YOUR HISTORY AND BELIEFS IF YOU REFUSE TO RECIPROCATE!! "

confisus sum wrote on May 17, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Are you serious? The promotion of democracy worldwide was the reason 3000 Americans were murdered on 9/11? You can't be serious. Muslim extremists have targeted Christians for thousands of years. Only since the advent of a more global society, and advanced techniques of terrorism has it reached our soil. While we sat idly by under the previous administration, the terrorists became emboldened due to the lack of response to their repeated attacks. If a dictator that has murdered millions has to be deposed to deter terrorists, fine. To blame worldwide terrorism on America is just plain wrong. Besides, worldwide opinion is the product of the news received from OUR media. Whose biased and slanted coverage is much more to blame for world opinion than any action we have taken in the history of our country. "

disillusioned droog wrote on May 17, 2007 10:41 AM:

" confisus sum: Our decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan in WWII and other bad foreign policy decisions over the past century are the leading reason for terrorism and Anti-American sentiment in the world today. We think we can run over every other country in the world without ramifications or consequences. We think we can dictate our values on other countries. It doesn't work that way. "

confisus sum wrote on May 17, 2007 10:26 AM:

" I must respectfully disagree with droog's comments. The comparison of a war ending mechanism to the slavery of hundreds of thousands of people is a flawed theory. It is well known that the Japanese people were indoctrinated with the notion of the protection of the emperor, even to the point of suicide (kamikaze). They fought to the last man on many of the Pacific islands, committed mass suicide on Saipan, and made use of kamikaze attacks on the island of Okinawa. Military historians have theorized that more lives would have been lost on both sides of an invasion, than the combined totals of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I shudder to think of the ramifications of not demonstrating the destructive nature of nuclear weapons at this time. With the Soviet Union almost fully nuclear capable, they most assuredly would have implemented a nuclear strategy on Europe. The deterence factor demonstrated in these two Japanese cities, while horrific, may have actually saved mankind from future nuclear holocaust. "

disillusioned droog wrote on May 17, 2007 9:50 AM:

" In my opinion, the most heinous crime in U.S. history was our own government's use of atomic weapons against Japan in WWII, claiming roughly 215,000 lives. 110,000 people were killed instantaneously by the blast of the bombs. The overwhelming majority of the casualties were civilian lives. That is far more atrocious than slavery. "

Nat wrote on May 17, 2007 8:29 AM:

" We have a Confederate Memorial Day holiday because the General Assembly had to do something for white people after it gave black folks Martin Luther King Day. The Confederacy hasn’t existed since 1865...and what did they fight for...the preservation of their way of life which included....the most heinous crime in US history...SLAVERY....In 2000, SC became the very last state to recognize the MLK Holiday as a paid holiday for all state employees....the General Assembly also created this confederate garbage that same year...coincidence...? I think not... SC...the black-eye of the South... "

Rickyboy wrote on May 16, 2007 3:49 PM:

" I agree with Willie D. We have a memorial day. This so called Confederate Memorial was estaablished in spite of MLK Day; a holiday that all Americans should observe, because it adocates inclusion and respect for each regardless of who your ancestor were. Actions such as this leads me to believe that these people in 2007 still refuse to be tolerant. That flag is the first this you see at Klan rally. I was born in SC and I don't feel that those who died fighting againt the abolishment of slavery gave a darn about any non-whites at that time. People like me meant nothing to them. Today those men nothing to me! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND FIX THE SOUTH!!! "

Chief Rich wrote on May 16, 2007 11:03 AM:

" I agree with Willie D. We have a memorial day. This so called Confederate Memorial was estaablished in spite of MLK Day; a holiday that all Americans should observe, because it adocates inclusion and respect for each regardless of who your ancestor were. Actions such as this leads me to believe that these people in 2007 still refuse to be tolerate. That flag is the first this you see at Klan rally. I was born in SC and I don't feel that those who died fighting againt the abolishment of slavery gave a darn about any non-whites at that time. People like me meant nothing to them. Today those men nothing to me! GOD BLESS AMERICA AND FIX THE SOUTH!!! "

Concerned wrote on May 15, 2007 5:49 PM:

" If it offends others, why fly it? What is wrong with trying to have a more balanced medium and place the confederate flag somewhere else that isn't offensive to other citizens? When I heard that the flag was being taken off the dome and being place on the state grounds in a memorial, my first thought was, now it will be in their faces eye level which is worse. Actually you can see it more clearly now than before. Anyway, back to my point. We are taught in the scriptures to help each other not hurt each other regardless of color. This is a lesson that some will never learn even just for the placement of a flag. "

Buck wrote on May 15, 2007 1:28 PM:

" My ancestors and relatives didn't fight in the Civil War, but they fought in the Revolutionary War, the Wars of the Barbary Coast, the War of 1812, the Mexican American War, the Utah territory War, the Spanish American War, the Phillipine American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. (I left a few out in the interest of brevity). Can I please have my holidays too? I don't need yours, I just want mine. "

Enlighten Me wrote on May 15, 2007 8:04 AM:

" I'm trying to see both sides, but something has me a bit confused. If Confederate Memorial Day is not about race, why was it instituted in conjunction with (or perhaps response to) a holiday celebrating an African-American man? "

Nat wrote on May 15, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Didn't the confederates lose the war..? So why are we talking about a confederate memorial day? I am so glad I moved away from SC...SC is the black-eye of the south... "

Gamecock wrote on May 14, 2007 11:08 AM:

" Who cares about this mess. Its all a bunch of garbage. This is why S.C is so backwoods. Get over it....you lost and thats final. "

Carolina Gal wrote on May 14, 2007 8:24 AM:

" More idiocy from the Big O Ghetto....get over yourselves. Fly the flag, celebrate whatever you want, and behave however you like, in true Southern tradition. That town will always be black against white....y'all will nevah please anyone. "

Rickie wrote on May 14, 2007 3:05 AM:

" For those of you who don't know how it feels to be mistreated, abused, raped, denied, separated as a family and never accepted you will never understand. That's one of the main reasons why SC will never be respected because we dont respect ourselves. We will always be considered ignorant to the rest of the Nation until we take that first step. "

CDB wrote on May 13, 2007 2:31 PM:

" I have 2 words for you, Willie. Mesa, Arizona. A community with no character or identity, filled with over 200,000 people, with no character....or identity. We should celebrate & appreciate our culture, heritage & our veterans, as people do all over the country. As to MaGioZal's Nazi reference, it's true Hitler was inspired by Sherman's war on women & children, but he didn't copy Southern doctrines. Sharpton & Jesse sure do an amazing job of ignoring black confederates, it's not about compromise, truth, or remembering sacrifices, duty or patriotism. It's all about them. "

Willie D wrote on May 13, 2007 11:00 AM:

" Why would we have a union memorial day in the south? The same reason we would have a Confederate memorial day in the south. While many in the south refuse to admit it. There were many in the south who supported and fought for the union and died for THEIR COUNTRY. Espicially in the border states. If you look at the revolutionary war. There were many men who fought for the crown in the war. Like i said in a previous comment. You cannot have a memorial day for every single conflict. It's the same former elitist culture in the south that wanted to continue slavery that is still pushing these holidays. Regardless of what happened 140 years ago. We are a United Country to this day. We are part of the United States the greatest country in the world. And our memorial day covers even those confederates who died as southern traitors. If you don't love your country..... Then leave or try to start another civil war in which will put the south another 50 years behind the rest of the country. "

AP wrote on May 13, 2007 10:59 AM:

" In response to this statement: “You are talking about celebrating something that equates to treason actually against the country,” Wilson said. “What we appear to be sending is that it is OK to violate the Constitution of the United States. The question is: Do we celebrate the violation of the Constitution of the U.S. or do we treat it like any other violation of the Constitution of the United States?” How can this be true when the CSA used the constitution as a foundation for secession and fought to defend it? How much of the Constitution did Lincoln violate by invading the South? If you study the document itself, you will find that Lincoln basically SCRAPPED the Constitution in order to wage war. The South WAS America fighting against the "New Empire" which still exists today. Jeff Davis once stated that (paraphrased) Lincoln would destroy the Constitution to preserve the Union. In contrast, Davis claimed that he would destroy the Union to preserve the Constitution. William Wilson needs to make sure he knows who really "violated the Constitution" before making such a purile statement. "

MaGioZal wrote on May 12, 2007 3:38 PM:

" Imagine Bavaria in Germany declaring a “Nazi remeberance day against Jewish, Soviet, British and American agression” and displaying Nazi flags with the swastika around Frankfurt avenues… highly unthinkable, oesn’t it? Even because it’s illegal ro do this in Germany, thankgod. Crypto-KKK-sympathizers want to cover this, but the fact is that the main reason of the US Civil War was, really, the non-acceptance of the end of the slavery in the South — all other arguments like “states’ rights”, “states’ sovereignty” or “Northern Union opression” are just cheap talk. These things, like the Jim Crow and anti-miscigenation laws that existed until the 1960’s (when Luther King fought to erradicate) are the clear sign of the racist ideologies that still exist in the former Confederate “Bible Belt” political elites. That’s it. "

Cajie wrote on May 11, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Why in the world would you have a union dy in the South? My God, man they invaded and killed, maimed, burned, raped, stole and forced our ancestors with bayonet and gun to be in a union with them! Why in the world would you have a british memorial day in the South? They are to blame for us having salves in the first place! Read this and believe what I say is the unvarnished truth! Richard Henry Lee Rails Against England's Slave Trade (Robet E. Lee's ancestor) Before the New Englanders discovered abolition (and after profiting handsomely in human traffic), and before the British freed their slaves (knowing that it was far cheaper to employ wage slaves rather than support those they enslaved cradle to grave), Southern Americans were calling for an end to the British slave trade to the American colonies. As Richard Henry Lee suggests below, any and all demands by Virginians and Carolinians to halt the nefarious slave-trade were nullified by the British Crown. Who then, is responsible for the sin of slavery in North America; and which flag shall we point to as the flag of slavery? It seems that the wrong target of abuse has been selected, according to history. Bernhard Thuersam, Executive Director Cape Fear Historical Institute Post Office Box 328 Wilmington, NC 28402 www.CFHI.net “Massachusetts invalidated the British commercial system, which Virginia resisted from abhorrence of the slave-trade. Never before had England pursued the traffic in Negroes with such eager avarice. The remonstrances of philanthropy and of the colonies were unheeded, and categorical instructions from the (British) Board of Trade kept every American port open as markets for men. The Legislature of Virginia had repeatedly showed a disposition to obstruct the commerce; a deeply-seated public opinion began more and more to avow the evils and he injustice of slavery itself; and in 1761, it was proposed to suppress the importation of Africans by a prohibitory duty. Among those who took part in the long and violent debate was Richard Henry Lee, the representative of Westmoreland. Descended from one of the oldest families in Virginia, he had been educated in England and had returned to his native land familiar with the spirit of Grotius and Cudworth, of Locke and Montesquieu; his first recorded speech was against Negro slavery, in behalf of human freedom. In the continued importation of slaves, he foreboded danger to the political and moral interests of the Old Dominion; an increase of the free Anglo-Saxons he argued, would foster arts and varied agriculture, while a race doomed to abject bondage was of necessity an enemy to social happiness. He painted from ancient history the horrors of servile insurrections. He deprecated the barbarous atrocity of the trade with Africa, and its violation of the equal rights of men created like ourselves in the image of God. “Christianity,” thus he spoke in conclusion, “by introducing into Europe the truest principles of universal benevolence and brotherly love, happily abolished civil slavery. Let us who profess the same religion practice its precepts, and by agreeing to this duty, pay a proper regard to our rue interests and to the dictates of justice and humanity.” The tax for which Lee raised his voice was carried through the Assembly of Virginia by a majority of one; but from England a negative followed with certainty every colonial act tending to diminish the (British) slave-trade. South Carolina, also appalled by the great increase of its black population, endeavored by its own laws to restrain the importation of slaves, and in like manner came into collision with the same British policy.” (History of the United States, George Bancroft, Brown, Little and Company, 1856, pp. 421-422) Georgia started out as a non-slave colony, no importation of slaves period. - read true history even if it takes some digging. "

confisus sum wrote on May 11, 2007 2:08 PM:

" While I readily admit the sacrifices made by Southerners during the war of "Northern Aggression". I cannot endorse a mandated holiday in it's name. While important in a historical context, the elevation to holiday status should be reserved for more general recognition. The precedence of establishing holidays for every notable historical event would not be far behind. Clearly, this notion sprang out of an effort to lessen the impact of MLK day. It had not been mentioned in regards to a state holiday prior to that. By following this path, we continue to set divisive standards that are painfully obvious. "

Educator wrote on May 11, 2007 11:31 AM:

" I long for the day when the NAACP will have to abolish itself because there are no more matters to constantly attempt tp divide the races on. But as long as there are the Sharptons and Jacksons of the world who are lining their fat pockets under the guise of fighting for equality I am afraid we will all have to be constantly annoyed with issues that if left alone would probably go away. We have left out one demographic group in this battle- the group that doesn't care. I have never received this day off and don't really care if I do. If I did I would probably fish or some othere recreation that has nothing to do with the confederacy or the NAACP. If a group of good ole boys want to form a club and pretend to be soldiers enjoy. If another group gets together to rant about inequality and works themselves into a frenzy then so be it. We should all just view this as another day off or another day of work and move on with trying to make ourselves a better life. No holiday is going to change my outlook on trying to make my life as good as possible. Who cares where that flag flies, how much does it really affect one's quality of life? Does it make a difference on how much you get paid or how much land you live on -NO. I f the NAACP woulod just stop badgering every thing they think is wrong most of these issues would fade away. Let's stop worrying about things that have no bearing on the personal lives of South Carolinians. Let's stop bringing up the past and trying to change it. No more Civil War and Orangeburg Massacre. Let's find a way to make this new century a better one. I think we should honor the dead and celebrate their courage but to constantly boycott this and reenact that is of no matter to most of us regardless of color. Their will always be racists of every color. Let's attempt to restrict them to private meetings by paying no attention to demagoguery and rabble rousing and it will probably go away. I'll tend to my neighbor's yard when mine is spotless. Until then I will go to work, pay my taxes, care for my children, enjoy my life, and all while a bunch of people are boycotting or celebrating some insignificant issue. "

DS wrote on May 10, 2007 10:48 PM:

" I commend Mr. Cisco for his hard work and dedication in doing something that he feels this strongly about. Not once did you read any comment that belittled or bad-mouthed anyone. It is time that we have more people like Mr. Cisco doing these sorts of things because of the passion that he has for it. As it was printed in this article about Mr. Cisco, the observance is about remembering those who have died. “The War for Southern Independence is a defined event in our history,” Cisco said, noting that about 14,000 of the 70,000 South Carolinians who fought in the war died. “These men, black and white, were fighting for the liberty that was passed down from the founding fathers of America and were fighting in defense of their home. “That is a worthy cause and is something that needs to remembered and celebrated.” (The T&D online, p.1) Very courageous move on your part, and I will support you and others who are leading this. It is obvious that some may need to be brought up to speed a little more than others, but that is ok. We have to move past the black/white issues and understand that without a Pure Heart, we will all miss God’s Kingdom someday. That is my biggest concern! Again, congratulations Mr. Cisco on enlighten me on some information that I was unaware of, maybe I have lost it with everything else that is going on my life. J Keep you head up, and keep up the good work. "

Willie D wrote on May 10, 2007 8:39 PM:

" How about the men and women that fought for the crown during our revolution. They were the same as our "patriots" except they were just on the wrong side. The fact is, we already have a MEMORIAL DAY that applies for all the men and women that died here. We don't need any for any other war. If you have one for one, then you have to have one for all. How bout Gulf war memorial day? Torie memorial day, or even mexican war day? "

CB wrote on May 10, 2007 5:33 PM:

" You know in Yankee land they might have a Union day and in England they might have a British Memorial Day. This is South Carolina and the Confederate States started here!Fly the Flag high and proud. "

CB wrote on May 10, 2007 4:24 PM:

Karen wrote on May 10, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Everyone should show respect for these men who served. If you don't respect the dead, can you respect the living veterans? "

Palmetto Patriot wrote on May 10, 2007 12:43 PM:

" Today I honor & remember the 258,000+ Southerners who died defending their homes and family during Lincoln's unconstitutional invasion. God Save the South! "

Willie D wrote on May 10, 2007 11:41 AM:

" How i see it is this.... There is no north and south, no blue or gray..... there is only the UNITED STATES and we have a memorial day that represents each and every man, woman or child whos blood was spilled. So why do we have a confederate memorial day? If we celebrate this shouldnt we also have a "Union Day" or how bout a "british memorial day" to represent our brothers who fought for the king during our revolution? "

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Controversy surrounds Confederate Memorial Day, 7 years after designation

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