close

Words from the Web 7-8-15

3 min read

In her column Sunday, Herald-Standard columnist Jessica Vozel questioned why so many Confederate flags are flown in Fayette County, given that we’re a northern county that fought against the South back in the Civil War. Why do you think we see so many Confederate flags here? Do you think it’s a sign of racism or just people expressing themselves? Is it a problem or something that’s overblown?

“We do have a lot of racism in Fayette County and homophobia. My problem with that flag is when it’s used to support hate and ignorance. And honestly there are people who like it who aren’t in that category. And my ending statement. Leave “The Dukes of Hazzard” alone. That show had nothing to do with hate or racism.”

“It’s called freedom.”

“It’s called racism.”

“People should be able to fly whatever flag they want. This is supposed to be the home of the free. I think everyone knows that ain’t true. This world is becoming crazy. Everything isn’t always about racism.”

“Sure, people have the right to fly whatever flag they want. But this flag only has two reasonable interpretations: to honor Confederate veterans or white supremacy. North of the Mason-Dixon it’s hard to think they’re honoring fallen confederate ancestors.”

“Well, today, after all the hullabaloo about the flag and racism, if you still fly it, you’re likely thumbing your nose at those who call you a racist and embracing it.”

“I work all throughout the county, doing home visits. For me when I see that flag, alarms go off and I proceed with CAUTION, because I don’t know how those individuals who proudly display it will react to me as a black woman. I asked myself this question for years. Why do I see it so much? I’ve even documented how much I’ve seen it, and it is certainly more prominent in certain parts of the county, the parts I feel most uncomfortable in.”

“Does Fayette County not understand the word ‘ban’? No one is talking about removing anyone’s personal liberty to display the ‘Rebel Flag.’ The retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon are voluntarily removing these items from their stores as a business decision, which is their right. TV Land’s parent company Viacom is removing reruns of the Dukes of Hazzard voluntarily as a business decision, which is their right. If you take issue with that, then your beef is with those private companies, not lawmakers.”

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today