Yet Georgia has the stars and bars embedded in their

while I think we should just go ahead and move the flag to the to join the circle of other flags and keep the statue in front of the state house. The nation has evolved and its time to move on. Some people are actually offended by it and I think we should respect their wishes. The confederate statue is not leaving the front of the state house and I think that is a great memorial for those who fought for our state and also those have lost their lives. That statue is also less offensive to people. The flag would also still be accessible to anyone who wanted to access it as well.

I don't like the fact that we can't have baseball and basketball tournaments in this state and I think people are being more stubborn just b/c they feel they're being bullied instead of looking at the real issue at hand. So while things are calm, lets move the flag and be more friendly to each other and become more amicable as a state.

hartins®

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Some years ago during the height of the flag controversy,

Mar 20, 2012, 6:25 AM

Tom McClean, Executive Editor of "The State," called and asked me to write an op-ed piece. In it I discussed my ancestors' history of being Virginia plantation owners and slave holders, as well as those who served in the Confederate Army. Then, I related what the present times meant to most of us, and the fact that many views we hold today about a wide variety of subjects would be contrary to views held by our ancestors. My points were several: most people were unaware the flag flew over the state house until the matter was raised; most people of all races are co-workers, neighbors, attend the same churches, participate in organizations together, attend or have attended schools together, have fought wars side-by-side, and are, indeed, friends. Thus, most of us would be loath to support a cause that would give offense to each other, especially a cause directly relative to history. The flag is a historical symbol, and as is true with most things historical, it should be considered in that context, and, thus, placed in the proper perspective: a museum.

I have never believed in retreating from threats nor ultimatums; however, this flag controversy should never have arisen and should have been resolved with honor and compassion long ago. While I deplore the NCAA's stance against our state, I deplore even moreso the lack of bold, decisive leadership from our Governors and our General Assembly. While I remember my ancestors, I would not recoil from opposing their beliefs and practices relative to many issues, and although I deeply respect and would defend the right to another man's opinions and beliefs, I believe our society can only be better if we allow our humanity and compassion for our fellow man to be the guiding forces in our lives.