"Southerners have always more than proportionally represented the ranks of the US Armed Forces"

I guess thats why the South lags behind the North in intellect then. Maybe they should have gone to college instead of boot camp.

"I served my country honorably and would gladly die in her defense. Southerners have always more than proportionally represented the ranks of the US Armed Forces."

Really now I also served my country hornorably and you might be kind of off when you say southerners serve more proportionally (your southern pride and your surronding yourself in southerns when in the military might of blinded you) it is actually the midwest that serves the most or corn country as I like to call it, close to the south, but not there then mid north with the highest states being michigan and ohio. States with less jobs equal more member of the armed forces. The only two states that have a strong showing in the south are Alabama and Georgia, but then again California beats them (representative of the larger population and that is included in proportionally). You can look at an military demographic and that pops out fairly easily. The Army is proportionally more from the south, but then again you exclude the Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, Air Force (Air power) when talking in the context if the entire US ARMED FORCES.

As someone stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi for a year I can tell you that even though you are from the South and would proudly die for your country you are not a representative of the south. Keesler AFB was the the only military base that I have ever been too where everyone upon arriving is told that you cannot go anywhere 10 miles north because they don't like the US military and Non white folks or even white folks not from the south. Although they don't mention "white folks" or "don't like US military" it is actually a written policy for Keesler AFB. Why?

Oh and serving ones country does not mean that you can use that as a means to an end as if that experiance gives you the final opinion and trumps every one elses opinion who did not serve. From MY experiance the military gives you blinders to what the rest of the country and world thinks.

Did anyone ask HillBillary what they thought of the Flag?
The South Shell Rise Again, Never forget the Holocus, Get Over Slavery

America The Beautiful , God Bless Her With Her Silly Ways.

The National Association For The Advancement of Colored And Caucasian People
N.A.A.C.C.P.
South Carolina Walk 4 Change, I wish I was in Dixie

The public school education has miserably failed the the many so called enlightened posters on here. The truth is not very hard to discover, just ignored by the majority. The Confederate flag is a symbol of resolve, courage, and fierce independence. That was in the days before Jesse Jackson and his ilk managed to promote their campaign of hate and racism across the country blackmailing quite a few states and corporations along the way. Hate groups like the KKK and Neo Nazis have also done considerable damage to perception held by the uneducated in the USA. However, the flag is not a symbol of racism and never has been. Do a little research on Lincoln's thoughts on secession, or perhaps on the New York riots where many blacks were killed in protest over the draft. How about the tens of thousands of blacks that fought for the Confederacy. Approximately 90% percent of the soldiers enlisted in the Confederate Army were not slave owners. Why then would an intelligent person assume all of these men would take up arms to defend and die for an institution that in no way affected their lives? It is all fact and readily available to read. Just because your sixth grade social studies book did not mention it does not mean it did not happen.

For those of you crying treason……Get a life. I served my country honorably and would gladly die in her defense. Southerners have always more than proportionally represented the ranks of the US Armed Forces. The South is probably the most hard core Patriotic and Pro American region in this country. We proudly wave the American Flag. We also honor our history and the sacrifice made by our fore fathers fighting and dying against overwhelming odds for what they believed in. We always have and always will. And for those who wish to destroy my heritage our take my flag. It is not going to happen. For those who try I will be much obliged to help them answer that age old question….Is there life after death?

Have a DIXIE day!!!!

well that should tell you someting about the vote count. shouldn't it????????

Honorable discharged veteran

Huckabee has told South Carolina voters that he supports the confederate flag and supports South Carolina flying the confederate flag. Does that mean that he supports slavery, racism, and the southern United States suceeding from the northern United States. How does he get away with saying these things. He has so many radical beliefs. He has supports a quarantine of people with AIDS (reguardless of how they contracted it or if they are little kids), criticizes people for their religious beliefs, claims to be the new Christian leader, wants to ammend the constitution to what he thinks God's will is, and now supports the confederate flag. I don't know how he is still one of the main contenders for the republican presidential primary. I just hope people see him for who he really is. A minister running for President with radical beliefs.

Bob, Seattle January 18, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Atta boy Huck. And I'm a northerner. But I DO believe in States rights. State government should reflect the views of the folks of that particular State. That is why those people live in that State and they want their gov't to reflect their views. What is foreign about that? Anybody promoting BIG BROTHER here to take care of all our problems? Less government. More money in the folks' wallet.

Good points Bob! So while you're at it why not leave the gay issues and abortion off the national agenda as well…or do you cherry pick as well?

Having read most of the comments here.. it is obviously that either History is badly taught in our schools, or most people are totally ignorant. Considering most of you will vote for one of the big government candidates, then it is obviously the latter.

This is why the Republian Party will get trounced in November. They want to continue to be the party of the South, and play to the ear of racist, white, male voters. So Sad. I pray that Huck is the nominee so either Hill or Obama can smoke him!

Im sorry as an American first, an a Texan second,that we couldnt have sent a truely great American Uniter to the White House,the late Anne Richards.She new the horse thieves from the true patriots.Thanks to Carl Roves mud slinging lies against her you now have the horse thieves.Im a proud Independent.I vote for the man or woman best able to lead and bring prosperity to ALL AMERICANS,not just to myself,or party or the chosen few with the silver spoon or silver foot in their mouth.

Your state flag is your heritage, you ninnies. The Confederate flag is a symbol of a time that you seceded from the country because you wanted to keep slaves picking your cotton, then got dragged back kicking and screaming.

It's an embarrassing symbol, for you and the country.

I watched Rev. Huckabee on Fox News Hannity and Colmes and he tried to dodge and weave the question. He left the show with never answering them. He claimed its a States issue and has no place in the presidential campaign.

In another statement on the show Mike Huckabee used the world "prophetic again". Its amazing that a man who is recieving daily revelations from God cant even take a moral stand on the Confederate Flag.

I belive Mike Huckabee is the weakest candidate in the Republican field. I like Ron Paul more than I do Huckabee.

Mitt is the man! He has the experience, leadership, and morals needed to lead our country. Romney will get the job done. We support you overseas. Go Romney!
Romney/Thompson 2008

anyone who thinks this guy will win the general election is out of your mind.

Well, talk about a sequence of random posts. I thought this was about Governor Huckabee's comments on the South Carolina flag.

Governor Huckabee seems to have just been asserting the long honored States' Rights imperative upon which this country was founded. He did not intimate that he supported the Confederacy, slavery, the Civil War, or anything else.

He simply said it should be up to South Carolina what flag they should be able to fly over their own State House. I assure you, all states feel the same about their flags. We cannot change history. It was what it was. The flag commemorates the soldiers from South Carolina who gave their lives during the Civil War. It does not mean that the good people of South Carolina embrace slavery any more than the flag of Texas denotes a seceded state with its Lone Star. The Texas flag simply reflects its proud heritage.

This is some election year- worse than 1968! People are ready to distort, misread, misquote, and over react to the least significant comment made by a candidate.

Quite frankly, I agree with Governor Huckabee's reference about the flag pole. In fact, it was surprising, humorous, and honest.

I think we all need to relax a tad, think more, and quit taking hip shots. We need to avoid the Fire, Aim, Ready blogger mentality and should all take the time to read what people actually say, and think first.

As to the South's heritage, it is as proud as any state's. It is not hateful, but simply a reflection of the state of this country at the time. All wars are economic in nature. The Civil War was based on economics. The Northern states have an equally as trying a history as their Southern counterparts, so let's cease the internecine eye-poking contest.

Southerners have exactly the same concerns as the rest of the country- the pursuit of life, liberty, freedom, and happiness. We are all Americans first, then we are from various states. The people of South Carolina are Americans, not Confederates. Then they are proud South Carolinians.

I trust the rest of the country will cut through all the media hype, whether pro or con, and elect the candidate that best reflects their values. Telling a person why you will not vote for a candidate is a waste of time. Tell me why you will vote for a particular candidate, and I will listen most intently to you. Denigrating another candidate to extol your choice is not a winning strategy, and quite frankly is boresome. If you cannot promulgate your candidate logically, then I believe you really don't know why your are voting for your candidate.

I am an American, a Texan, a republican, and I will vote for Governor Huckabee because his values reflect my values. I do not agree with everything he proposes, but he is closest to what I believe needs to be done in this country. My view only. I will not try to impose it upon anyone, and I will respect your choice as well. Freedom of choice is one of the great benefits of living in this country.

God bless America, the home of the brave and the land of the free!

Well, talk about a sequence of random posts. I thought this was about Governor Huckabee's comments on the South Carolina flag.

Governor Huckabee seems to have just been asserting the long honored States' Rights imperative upon which this country was founded. He did not intimate that he supported the Confederacy, slavery, the Civil War, or anything else.

He simply said it should be up to South Carolina what flag they should be able to fly over their own State House. I assure you, all states feel the same about their flags. We cannot change history. It was what it was. The flag commemorates the soldiers from South Carolina who gave their lives during the Civil War. It does not mean that the good people of South Carolina embrace slavery any more than the flag of Texas denotes a seceded state with its Lone Star. The Texas flag simply reflects its proud heritage.

This is some election year- worse than 1968! People are ready to distort, misread, misquote, and over react to the least significant comment made by a candidate.

Quite frankly, I agree with Governor Huckabee's reference about the flag pole. In fact, it was surprising, humorous, and honest.

I think we all need to relax a tad, think more, and quit taking hip shots. We need to avoid the Fire, Aim, Ready blogger mentality and should all take the time to read what people actually say, and think first.

As to the South's heritage, it is as proud as any state's. It is not hateful, but simply a reflection of the state of this country at the time. All wars are economic in nature. The Civil War was based on economics. The Northern states have an equally as trying a history as their Southern counterparts, so let's cease the internecine eye-poking contest.

Southerners have exactly the same concerns as the rest of the country- the pursuit of life, liberty, freedom, and happiness. We are all Americans first, then we are from various states. The people of South Carolina are Americans, not Confederates. Then they are proud South Carolinians.

I trust the rest of the country will cut through all the media hype, whether pro or con, and elect the candidate that best reflects their values. Telling a person why you will not vote for a candidate is a waste of time. Tell me why you will vote for a particular candidate, and I will listen most intently to you. Denigrating another candidate to extoll your choice is not a winning strategy, and quite frankly is boresome. If you cannot promulgate your candidate logically, then I believe you really don't know why your are voting for your candidate.

I am an American, a Texan, a republican, and I will vote for Governor Huckabee because his values reflect my values. I do not agree with everything he proposes, but he is closest to what I believe needs to be done in this country. My view only. I will not try to impose it upon anyone, and I will respect your choice as well. Freedom of choice is one of the great benefits of living in this country.

God bless America, the home of the brave and the land of the free!

On the critical second day of the battle of Gettysburg a gap was inadvertently left open in the center of the Union Lines. Realizing the danger, the commander cried out "My God! Is this all the men we have here? Reinforcements were quickly called up, but the attacking rebels had already seized upon the opportunity. The 1st Minnesota, a unit of about 200 men was, ordered to plug the hole and stop the Confederates by charging alone into the gap against 1700 of the enemy. The 1st Minnesota suffered 90% casualties in a heroic stand that saved the Union center until the reinforcements arrived.

I wouldn't even shine my shoes with a Confederate Flag. Its a disgrace you morons in South Carolina call that nonsense "Heritage". Its a symbol of treason and dishonor.

I must say that it is ironic that The Hispanic Vote is giving the Clintons fits. Bill and Hillary Clinton flew to Los Angeles in 1999 to present the founder of the Chicano Nation (his words) the President's Medals. It was a troubling act at the time, because the gentleman in question had called for "racial cleansing" of California and had been quoted as saying "California is a Hispanic state and if you don't like it, get out."

The Clinton Administration had many Chicano Activists serving there with Sen. Clinton's campaign manager being one of them. Janet Murguia, the present President of LaRaza served in the Clinton White House. On MayDay 2006, when illegal aliens and their advocates took to our streets by the millions, Sen. Clinton greeted them in NYC as conqueroring heros and spoke to them in Spanish.

And now to see the Clintons in a rage about the Open Borders. Amnesty Lobby moving on to someone even more radical than they are…in poltics I think it is called "Watching one's Chicano chickens fly home to roost."

well the Confederate flag was a symbol of their racism during the civil war, if we get rid of the flag what can those racist use as their symbol now?

For those "flag is my heritage" folks, your proud of being losers? What about your American heritage? What about the heritage of the African Americans that saw that as symbol of hate for their ancestors, do they not matter, still?

I sincerely dobt that is even a heritage for many there anyways, considering that South Carolina had a huge influx of immigrants from Europe during the World Wars, your heritage more likely then none started long after the South had already lost and your just using it as asymbol to try and fit in with the other white folks.

There is probably only a handful of families n South Carolina that can trace their heritage back to the Civil War in South Carolina, those handful of families should not represent the entire State.

All of the angst about the Confederate Flag and Huckabee's remarks that John McCain should keep his yapper shut about it.

Now the Spanish aired Nevada poltical ad which has been played on several Major TV stations, which exhorts 'the community' to not vote for Clinton because she does not respect the 'community' and does not wish to see them vote……………..nobody is sqawking about South American Intimidation Poltical Warfare operating in Full Steam..in Spanish yet..on USA Radios and TVs.

Now whom would they mean when they say "community?" Not Americans? So they openly plan to having Non American citizens vote…and the media has their underpants in a knott over a flag that lost any meaning over 150 years ago?

Whose side is this so called Mainstream Media on? I would say NOT our side.

The Confederacy was a terroist organization.

Celebrating those sick human beings (and thier "battle flag" ) who believed it was right to own, buy and sell other human beings is just disgusting. They attacked and tried to tear apart our country….and some folks want to celibrate that?!?!?!

Hey Southerners, your heritage is hate.

Shame Sherman did such a half-hearted job……..

Of all the regions of the country, the South is by far the poorest. Vast swaths of it resemble a third world country. Southern cities (St. Louis, Atlanta, Miami) are the most violent, ethnic/racial tensions boil under the surface, and the more rural areas are controlled by religious extremists so zealous that the Taliban would be impressed.

Quite a heritage to be proud of!

"The flag stands for heritage not hatred."

Sorry to say this, baxter, but the South's heritage IS hateful.

Too cute. MITT ROMNEY,…like ABRAHAM LINCOLN is a REAL REPUBLICAN…not trailer trash like these Boss Hog-like fat cat good 'ol boys of cross-burning fame …you know…those Deep South Democrat Party Leaders/Clansmen from back in the 50's/60/s…fom before the civil rights era was begun by Martin Luther King Jr. with MITT ROMNEY'S FATHER fighting and marching alongside another American hero,Mr. King.

Lincoln//King/Romney Sr./Romney Jr. ….REAL AMERICAN REPUBLICAN/CONSERVATIVES…for FREEDOM and EQUALITYfor ALL AMERICANS..and FAMILY VALUES!!!!

GO ROMNEY!!! GO OBAMA!!! WOOOOO HOOO!!!!

pam Eugene OR:

I am looking forward to voting for Gov. Huckabee here in Oregon just to "X" out your vote!

I'm a Southerner. I'm ready for part 2 of the war for States Rights.

Oh Wow, quite a brigade of followers you have to be proud of Mr. Huckabee. Probably among the most educated of Americans. NOT

I would be ashamed that if my 'message' that won me the state of Iowa would spark the 'Confederate Vote'.

I can't believe it. Almost 150 years after the end of the Civil War and this is still an issue. THE SOUTH LOST!!! Live with it! If the Confederate flag is a symbol of Southern heritage then the South has a heritage of racism and treason. States' rights? That's a load of crap. The South had no rights being violated, they seceded because the U.S. elected a president who was opposed to the brutal enslavement of human beings. In fact, in the beginning, Lincoln had no plans of abolishing slavery, he wanted to prevent its spread into new states. The South brought abolition upon itself by starting the war and giving Lincoln reason for issuing the Emancipation Proclaimation and paving the way for the Thirteenth Amendment.
I also don't get why so many people who call liberals traitors to America carry around the flag of the rebellion that cost the most American lives and threatened the future of this nation.

Baxter, the ignoramus of Austin TX writes:

"I am southern and proud. Very proud of that flag. The flag stands for heritage not hatred."

you heritage IS hatred and savegery. can't connect two dots, huh?

"I find it laughable that John says "I know how to fix borders. I'm from a border state." Huh? If you know how to fix them, why haven't you done anything about them? More illegals cross into the US in AZ than any other state in the nation." So writes Jeremiah of Arizona.

The Republicans controlled Congress from 1994 until 2006. What did they do about illegal immigration? Zip. The Republicans controlled the White House and Congress from 2000 until 2006. What did they do about illegal immigration? Nada. Why? Because it would cause wages to rise if they did. To the corporate money men who control the Party, that is not desirable. Why pay you a decent wage when they can pay an illegal below minimum wage and keep the withholding and the Social Security portion for themselves?

The Republican compromise on this issue was to lie: they pretended to be concerned about immigration to get your votes (you suckers) but they somehow never managed to quite figure out how they might possibly pass a little bill that might have some impact on the problem. You voted for secure borders and you got NAFTA. You voted for a ban on gay marriages and you got lower wages. You voted for manger scenes in the town square and you got environmental regulations written by oil company lobbyists. How many times do you have to be hornswaggled before you figure it out?

An even though Conservatives controlled every branch of government for six years, they did nothing – except blame Liberals in government for blocking them somehow. When are you rank-and-file conservatives going to realize that you have been sold down the river over and over and over and over? Your leaders do not care what you think. You are not important to them.

I find it hard to believe that America would elect crusty old war-mongering nasty McCain who's soft on immigration as president. He has anger issues probably from those years as a POW. He's not mentally sound enough….God help us!

The republican presidentialcanidates are all just like plain white bread. Boring! A woman or anyone for any ethnic group has to settle for running for a city/county council seat, rep. or senate(which they don't win). Poor folks

Southerners are proud of their slave owning heritage? Wow, thats something I'd be ashamed of!

A lot of people writing here that the flag is tradition and states rights would never let people with mexican heritage fly the mexican flag in America. Its the same thing, except the confederacy doesn't exist any more.

It isn't like wearing a Tshirt or flipping through your (immoral) scrapbook. A flag is a symbol of sovereignty, it carries more weight. If its that important you, why don't you try to secede again. Otherwise, if you're an AMERICAN, why don't you realize that's the flag of your enemy, and you beat him over 150 years ago.

I'd like to see how the South would react if Arizona or California were to include the Mexican flag on the state flags to celebrate the fact that they were once a part of Mexico. Proud Confederate Flag wavers need to stop being hypocrites.

I am a democrat and I love Huckabee. He is such a complete nut case that he is fun to watch. It is amazing that anyone could agree with him on anything he says and frankly a little scary that he is still in this race. I am sure once we leave the South people will pull away from him in hordes. Till then I will enjoy watching him be an idiot.

Huckabee's comment about the flag pole is what I'd expect most people to say. If any thing, that comment is just another representation of how true to human Huckabee truly is compared to the other candidates running.

Huck,

How do you feel about state right issues on gay marriage, medical marijuana, and abortion?

JB

Of course the confederate flag stands for heritage… a heritage OF hatred. In the case of the secessionist south, the two are inseparable.

I don't agree with rednecks that want to fly the flag but if they do it on their own property it's fine by me. When it's on GOVERNMENT property that's a different story.

The flag represents slavery and fighting AGAINST America. I find it funny that people think the flag is so patriotic when actually it's quite the opposite.

I am from up North and went to school in SC. SC fits all of the stereotypes of the South. I felt like I was doing time and counted down the days for my departure. It is so funny how they focus on "heritage" and not on the fact that the majority of them live in trailer parks. How you can be so focused on a flag, gays, and illegals, when your state is among the lowest in education, wages, and jobs is beyond me.

I hate to tell you folks from up North that hate the south—tough—we are here to stay, and by the way I have a confederate flag, also have the Stars and stripes, you know something else, they fly together without any problem—-so all you dummies that don,t like it——–to bad——

Wave that flag. It allows others to recognize a loser. I think the same about fools with a Bush sticker STILL on thier beat up old cars. But the first bunch have had 100 years plus to forget the facts and that they were not rated much higher than slave, being the white trash the wealthy folks looked down on. Funny that still holds true. Bush senior called the working class fodder units, treated them as such and they still vote for his son & others like him. Wave the fools flag some more boys, it is your right, but please don't vote.

Despite what the history books say if you examine the political climate at the time the civil war was not about slavery. It was a catalyst used to start the war but the war itself was about money.

The flag that those wearing the grey held as a battle standard can be displayed anywhere anyone want's to display it except state government buildings.

Unless the state in question plans on attempting to bail out of the union again that is.
Do you have any such plans SC??? Just wondering?

Terry,

You have so eloquently summarized this issue.

In the end, it isn't a matter of whether South Carolina has the right to fly the flag…or even whether they should bend to the demands of people from the rest of the country to remove it. They certainly have every right to wrap themselves in a symbol of slavery, racism, and treason….but the rest of us also have the right to form our opinions of South Carolina based on their decision.

As my Virginian mother taught me, "You are judged by the company you keep."

Some of the comments here are ignorant to a degree unrivalled by the most uncouth redneck. If you have never lived in the South, and know nothing of history, you have no clue the oppression the South suffered from the Yankees, before and after the war. Too long to describe here. You should do some reading before you spout of something that you know NOTHING.

I have many opinions on this article, but the main one is that once again, something irrelevant about a "viable candidate" is making the news while whatever equally irrelevant thing Ron Paul is doing is completely ignored.

The Confederacy was a terrorist organization who believed it was right for some human being s to be allowed to own, buy and sell other human beings and they tried to tear this country apart.

That "heritage" is nothing to be proud of!

I'm Virginian, and maybe that doesn't count as Southern. I don't really know and I don't really care. But how on earth a flag waved during a failed rebellion counts as a proud display of Southern culture, I'll never know. I'll also never know how anyone could find policies on waving or not waving a stupid flag as an important campaign position.

After reading many of these comments it appears difficult, if not impossible, to reason with insensitive, backword and ignorant people. The bottom line here is that the confederate flag is very offensive to the majority of Americans across this great nation. And, it should be. The confederate flag was the flag of a domestic terrorist organization. It still is to this very day! The confederate flag is silly! Most young people laugh at it and it makes adults and the brainwashed kids you display it look stupid. So, take that crap off your truck! If you must fly a flag…fly the American Flag! Be proud of that!

I agree with Huckabee that this is a matter for the people of South Carolina. There is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that says that the Federal Government has a right to dictate the design of a state's flag. For better or for worse, the Civil War is a part of our heritage. It is what it is. Its a matter of free speech and state rights. The flag should serve as a reminder that issues split the country, but at the end of the day, we need to all come together.

Pete in Michigan:

The difference is that we're talking about a government building here, not individuals. If people want to put that flag on their homes or cars, that's totally fine under the first amendment. I may not agree with their decision, but I'll defend to the death their right to make it.

But the flag used by an enemy of the United States during wartime has no place whatsoever on a government building. Free speech applies to people, not to governments.

I am in total agreement with Doug. I was born and raised in PA, but have lived in NC for four years with my husband who is a born southerner. Read Doug's comment. He's the only who knows what he's talking about. It's history, it's family, it's ancestors, and it's a passionate attachment. It's a state issue. Huckabee is right. No one in this country, especially a large number of southern citizens, should be written off as archaic and backward, as some people in this forum would have them. Even a yankee can learn that lesson and see beyond the surface with an open mind, as Doug said.

If South Carolina picks Huckabee, I won't spend any money in that state. If we took principled stands against this type of hillbillyism, survival of the fittest would weed them out. The people that can afford to spend money in other states should pick those states by how their populace deserves it. Yes,this is a threat to your next tourist season.

I am a native South Carolinian and someone that is "proud to be from the South." However, being proud of my homestate has nothing to do with the confederate flag. No matter how people want to twist the "heritage vs. hate" argument, everyone should be able to see that the confederate flag stands for division and a dark period in our nation's history. The only time it should've been flown over our statehouse was from 1861-1864. People need to understand that Huckabee is making a case that the flag issue is a State issue, and doesn't have anything to do with national politics. And where is your sense of humor? Are some of you seriously offended by his "where to put the pole" comment? Obviously it was a joke.

The picture of the fool attached to this article is very misrepresentative of the majority of the people in this state. Most of us have moved on past 1968. As the younger generation comes into power, you will see the flag be moved where it needs to be, a museum.

That flag stands for heritage? Of who? The arians? The KKK? Definition of heritage: 'Noun, Property that is or can be inherited; an inheritance.
Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright: a heritage of affluence and social position'

Exactly what the heck are you passing down? Racism? I'd like to know the answer.

I agree that the Confederate Fllag represents heritage. But it is a heritage that
is based on hatred, greed, prejudice and bigotry. Who in the world would be proud of that?

Flag bag BFD. We have this fool in KS that calls himself a Christan. He flys the flag upside down; he pickets Vet funerals and he is a disgusting fool. HOWEVER, our Founging Fathers made provisions for all to be heard. The Constitution First and Foremost. Go Ron Paul!

Yes , the Confederate flag is a symbol of Southern heritage. So is slavery, racism,
segregation, murder and lynchings. How proud are you of those?
There is only one flag for the United States of America, the good old red, white and blue!

"The [Confederate] flag stands for heritage not hatred."

Then you're a moron. The flag stands for murder and enslavement of blacks. Pick up a history book – and not something put out by the Revisionist Christians of Alabama.

Liberals used to say: "While I may not agree with what you say, I'll defend to the death your right to say it".

So much for Liberals being the champions of "Free Speech".

I'm appalled at the comments I see on this board. As Americans we have all taken the Pledge of Allegiance to Old Glory, should there not be some reciprocation? Do we no longer have the freedom of expression? Perhaps for this reason people today look to the Confederate battle flag as the symbol it was for the Confederacy: Rebellion against a government that (in their perception) did not represent them, and trampled on their state's sovereignty (and therefore personal freedom).

Lets not deceive our selfs about history, why else would poor (and non slave owning) farmers pick up arms against an economic and military powerhouse that was the north? To die for a rich plantation owner's "property"? I think not.

"Gov. Huckabee understands that all the average guy with a Confederate flag on his pickup truck is saying is, he’s proud to be a Southerner"

Tough crap. The average guy with a Confederate flag on his truck is a screaming redneck, religious psycho and race bigot to the max. Who cares what he thinks?
He could show his pride in "being a southerner" in many ways other than the terror represented by the Stars and Bars.

Why is he proud of a heritage of hatred and bigotry? We're just passing from the only Redneck Presidency in history, and the support of that constituency shouldn't matter to ANYone. When has Southern support of any president helped this country?

The South lost that war, those that fought in the Civil War against the North were flat-out traitors.

This symbol of redneck stupidity, however, should not be outlawed. Indeed, it happily identifies the sad pathetic existence of those still whining over a war lost 143 years ago, like a big 'A' branded onto the foreheads of adulterers in early colonial America.

And we are, after all, a freedom of speech society, despite the best efforts of the right wing to buy up the national media.

Next, Huckabee will be supporting a Constitutional amendment banning the burning of the Confederate flag.

Isn't the Confederate flag the battle flag of a foreign country that was at war with the United States?

But it's okay to put that flag — from a war in which traitors killed plenty of American soldiers — on top of the State House?

With that logic… why would it be treason to wave Iran's flag instead?

States Rights? Really? Isn't that what George Wallace used as an excuse to try to prevent desegregation?

States don't have the right to succeed from the Union. The flag is a symbol of that treason. Sure, in an ideal world the federal government should be able to allow states to do the right thing on their own. S.C. has not done so.

If South Carolina wants to fly the confederate flag and live in some dreamworld where the south rises again, then they should be left to defend themselves against al qaeda, and no longer receive ANY help from homeland security etc. Hell, I wish the south had won just so those worthless states wouldn't be a part of the USA anymore…they can keep their southern heritage to themselves.

I'm rural-Georgia born and raised, and I will never understand why any of my fellow Southerners make such a big deal about the Stars 'n' Bars. Give it up! It's the 21st Century.

That's why they hoisted the flag above the State House in the late '60s… right? Heritage, not hate. Certainly not a symbolic protest against the civil rights movement, no way. Otherwise it would have been flying there 100 years earlier, right?

Says I, formerly of 1041 Marion Street, who used to look at the flag everyday out of my apartment window.

You can tell the Education system in this country stinks, particularly outside Dixie!

1. The Confederate Battle Flag in not the Stars and Bars. The Stars and Bars also referred to as the First National Flag resembles the American Flag due to the fact that Southerners at the beginning of the war saw themselves as much American as anyone else in this country and defending the 10th Amendment probably means even more so.

2. The anti-south bigots that attack the Confederate Battle Flag over racial crap show their ignorance again. The Battle Flag was not created until after the first battle of the War for Southern Independence and was created in the heat of battle to distinquish between the two armies. Also, these idiots attack their flag, the American Flag if they want to get rid of a flag that flew over slavery or the slave ships that brought them over here, but I don't see these bigots calling for the American flag to come down!

here is my deal with this confederate flag thing…i don't agree with the confederates and i never will. one thing i would like to point out to everyone though is that these people's family members died in the civil war. they put down their lives for something they believed in, i'm not saying it was something good, but they are honoring their ancestors the same way i honor mine who fought in WW2 by flying a flag with a gold star on it.
Honor the fallen…and by the way those men were Americans too.

gumbercules, although I don't agree with the Confederate flag as a public symbol of heritage, you're being very disrespectful and idiotic when you degrade the long buried Confederate soldiers in Gettysburg; many of them were merely children who had no real ties to the Confederacy next to the fact that the rest of their family forced them to fight alongside them in the war; so to degrade their memory and their abrupt lives angers me and shows me that there's just as much ignorance and racism in your simplistic mind then in a lot of the people that you're trying to ride off

We wonder why the politicians can't ever solve a problem. With remarks like this between every day people what should we expect from or Government.

It amazes me after reading so many of the comments here how ignorant most Americans are in reference to their own history. 90% of Southern soldiers didnt even own a single slave. I highly doubt any man would die for someones right to own slaves. Sounds to me that their were bigger issues that troubled the thousands of sons from the South to give their lives to be free from a tryrannical centralized unitary government.

Terry,

You have so eloquently summarized this issue.

In the end, it isn't a matter of whether South Carolina has the right to fly the flag…or even whether they should bend to the demands of people from the rest of the country to remove it. They certainly have every right to wrap themselves in a symbol of slavery, racism, and treason….but the rest of us also have the right to form our opinions of South Carolina based on their decision.

As my Virginian mother taught me, "You are judged by the company you keep."

And secession isnt Treason, its a constitutional right. What the South did wasnt any different than what British Colonies did just one hundred years prior. A union held at gun point doesnt sound very free to me

hey gumbercules, i will buy you a one way greyhound ticket north yankie boy. sad for us you have to live in the south. Southern by the grace of God

I don't think that Huckabee should stand by and say "People with confederate flags that everyone hates, you can support me!". If Huckabee doesn't go against them, why would ANYONE vote for him? I don't think the average voter wants to vote for someone with legions of Confederate loving southerners. I don't think McCain and Romney are excellent, but my point is just that Huckabee needs to change his stance on the flag thing or it's going to be a big "oh-oh" for him tomorrow.

States are independent from the federal government…the State of South Carolina payed for its capitol building with the hard earned tax dollars of its citizens…Im sorry if you do not understand the Dixie, but respect that disrespect to the Confederate Flag is an insult to Southern Culture. Southerners are very proud of who they are and where they are from, just as any culture. I do not see any problem with this. We have the freedom of speech in America and the last time I checked that covered expression in any form. William Faulkner once said this," The past is not dead. In fact, it's not even past." To win over conservatives in the South you cannot be openly opposed to the Confederate Flag. It used to be used as a tool for foreign candidates to identify with the defiant culture of the South. Reagan used it, Nixon, and George HW used it aswell. Huckabee will not win because of this issue, but McCain and Romney will not help their image as a Washington insider whom plays into special interest. One of three Presidential Debates amongs the nominees will be held here in Oxford, Mississippi at Ole Miss. This issue isnt over I assure you. I would advise any candidate to be weary of their words concerning southern imagery such as, Dixie, and the Rebel Flag before campaigning at Ole Miss….Old Times here are not forgotten…

Don't be fooled, Huckabeast wants the FEDERAL government to regulate everything in American lives, to what we eat, drink, smoke (or not smoke, since tobacco and McDonalds will be illegal in his administration) worship, have sex with, what flag we fly, and especially how much $ to give his authoritarian government.

He raised taxes more in Arkansas in 8 years than Bill Clinton did in 12.

He's another Huey P. Long / Jimmy Carter with an "R" next to his name.

What do S.C. Blacks think of Huckkkabee's support of the Conf Flag???

MJV – do you believe everything on the internet?

Southern people focus on all the lamest views for presidents, try to focus a little more on the important issues that impact everyone. McCain is just being politically correct, if he had said anything different that charlatan Al Sharpton would be asking for him to step down as a Candidate. Wake up folks, republicans are not going to win the election and McCain is the only shot you have.

memo to the South:

You have nothing to be proud about except Martin Luther King.

Can we PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, LET THE SOUTH SECEDE.

if the swatica was still flown over public building in germany then every one in the south would not be in favor of it. but instead the stars and bars are ok?

Yeah,
My opinion is that whatever the stars and bars stand for in the eyes of the descendants of the rebels, to me it says you are nostalgic for the "good old days" of slavery, and that is pathetic. America would've been a hell for all of us had the south won the U.S. civil war.

Huckabee is as dirty as Bush,

…same result, McCain looses again.

Finally people are starting to see the real Huckleberry. The guy says he is the true "Christian" / pro-family candidate and then makes comments like “let me show you where to put this pole”.

To Huckleberry and his band of fake Christian bigoted followers I say LET US SHOW YOU WHERE TO PUT YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIN!!

What they can do with the pole? Seriously? What kind of christian is this man? I certainly would leave this country if we had such a hypocrite in office. He's worse than the gay people he seems to hate so much. God forbid he gets elected

The Confederate flag was, and is, the banner of treason.

As a man who has learned much about The Civil War ,and how proud many southerners are of the aspects of their heritage that do NOT involve slavery and racism, I realize why many of them like the Battle Flag and are inclined to display it.

The problem is not with being proud of their culture, but with what the symbol represents to those who do not understand their intent.

If proud southerners wish to reclaim the Battle Flag from the racists and they would like to change the fact that 9 out of 10 Americans see it as a symbol of hate and evil, then they must take action much beyond what they do now.

They also need to understand why it has become a symbol of racism. It was people from their own cities and towns who did this to the flag by using it whenever they demonstrated against civil rights. Way back before the KKK and all their like-minded buddies used it, it represented the veterans (many of whom were still alive) of the Confederate Army. Because most of them joined the cause against the Union for reasons other than slavery (only a few southerners at the time could afford a slave, much less a whole group of them), it did not represent racism or white supremacy during the decades immediately following the war.

Regardless of how many may feel about it nowadays, the south basically did this to their own flag by looking the other way for so much of the 20th century. They can blame no one other than members of their own heritage who came before them.

If they want to restore any sort of creditability to the flag, then they must aggressively move to undo the symbolism. Any organizations that wish to promote any positive usage of the flag need to go out of their way to support civil rights and demonstrate against racism. If Americans see the Battle Flag displayed by people donating to the NAACP, or people marching with signs that read "Southerners for Equal Rights" or "Racism Must Go!" then that would be a start.

Actions speak louder than words. The south needs to undo what they have done if they wish to use the Battle Flag. If that's too much to ask, then they should leave them in the Civil War museums.

Doug,

I'm from Massachusetts.

I'll tell you what. We'll stop telling you that we disapprove of your racist treason flag, if you — as well as your bigoted, religious extremists representitives — stop trying to tell us which of our citizens can and cannot marry.

Deal?

Thank goodness that guy's web site address is partially hidden…

As far as I'm concerned, anybody who flies that TRAITOR flag is guilty of treason, and should be tried as such.

Furthermore, South Carolina should never recieve one cent of American taxpayer money until they take that flag down. If they want to openly fly a flag of rebellion against the United States, then they don't deserve United States tax money.

It is so typical of Christians with a holier than thou attitude to take a states' rights approach. If a majority opinion is something they agree with they are all for it on a national agenda. Issues like right to life, abortion, and gay civil rights that they do not feel they can win except by going state by state they choose to avoid on a national basis. Things that may not be agreed upon on a national level they decide are states' rights issues. The majority of people in the USA I believe would see the Confederate flag as a problem so for Huckabee this is a states' rights issue. Remember the Christian churches were opposed to integration and took this as a biblical stand.

All this crap over a piece of cloth. If we've reached the point where a piece of cloth is what a vote hinges on, we truly are a pathetic nation of sheep.

Where are the non-white South Carolinas that support the confederate flag??? HucKKKabee!!!

I think I should add that it is tradition to those who can't see past the Civil War. Before that, there was one whole, undivided country. I think they should keep in in their homes if they want it, but that we should drop all this nonsense about treason and rebellion. People should also stop bring racism into everything. We were supposed to be over all of this a long time ago. The only reason it has carried on is because of what parents have been teaching their children.

Go Romney all the way!

The issue is not can some redneck fly the confederate flag over his house but should the state government fly that flag over state buildings, the state capital, etc.
The state government should fly the American flag…unless they want to secede from the Union once again.

Walt, the problem with this is that this is typical Huckabee fashion. He's trying to have it both ways. He speaks out of both sides of his mouth on an issue and when anyone tries to nail him down on something he brushes it off with some lame joke. He's not Presidential material. You'd think in a nation of 300 million we could find someone who is. Actually I've been searching for a year now and have found two real conservatives: Thompson or Romney. Either of them would be better than this joker and his liberal buddy Shamnesty McCain.

Newsflash: what you call heritage is your history and legacy of shame. Germans don't wave the flag of the Third Reich as their "heritage". Get over it!! The only flag that matters in this country is the Red, White and Blue!!

Funny,

The confederate flag represents "heritage". I'm black, & from Mississippi, I don't see the same meaning.

The media's love affair with McCain is sickening. They don't even begin to discuss McCain's liberal stance on crucial conservative issues. He was one of 2 Republicans to vote against Bush's tax cuts, saying "they're just tax cuts for the rich." He has since changed his rationale (aka, he's lying) and is saying that he was for tax cuts, but only if they were accompanied by cuts in wasteful spending. That's not what McCain calls "straight-talk", it's double-talk. He's still for de facto amnesty, he just wants to secure the border before he allows illegals de facto amnesty. His proposed energy tax, co-sponsored by Lieberman, is a big government, liberal monstrosity. He blocked the Republican senate's attempt to appoint conservative justices when he joined the "Group of 14″ with several Democrats. These are just some of the main ways in which McCain has rejected conservative ideology.

While he has earned the endorsement of Democratic senators, look to what conservative thinkers and figures are saying about McCain. In short, they despise him and consider him a RINO (Republican in name only). Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glen Beck, Ann Coulter, Hugh Hewitt, Pat Buchanan, the list goes on- most every serious conservative thinker has rejected McCain's pro-amnesty, anti-free market record.

McCain is too old, too liberal and too embedded in the liberal, big government philosophy to be a conservative leader. It's about time the media looks at his record with a critical eye.

This doesn't matter about any issues, Hickupbee is not good for this country, He's a talker, not a doer.

The media covers Hickupbee like they love him, but they just wantto make things "interesting" and get involved liek they usually do, Hickupbee isn't even liked by the Republican part, they want him out, he's just a lib dressed in republican clothes.

Don't vote thins individual, he's bad news. His kid likes to kill dogs, he Does raise taxes and claims it was a court order tax raise where there is no such of a thing.

He's a liar and is not qualified for any job to run this country, he would lose to the libs anyway, we need a strong leader, he isn't it.

Go Mitt!

I like McCain, he speaks his mind and is not a puppet-like politician. It seems like Huckabee agrees with these people or he is not strong enough to state his real opinion, either way it is a bad move…….

I am for Obama, but I will not vote for Hilary if she wins the Democratic nomination…

Obama 2008

or I hope for McCain….

I am a South Carolinian, and am a direct descendant of a Confederate army veteran. I don't support that flag or the heritage it represents. I do realize there are a lot of people who are nuts about that flag. If you want to fly it in your front yard go for it, but I, like many other people in this state, don't want it on top of my state house.

Despite all of that, this is NOT a presidential issue, and it makes me sad to see the people of my state characterized over and over by absurd issues like this.

I dont agree with the flag and what it stands for but I do believe that as Americans people have the right to fly it. I believe that is what Mike is trying to say. He's not supporting the flag.

Well,
If South Carolina Gives their Deligates to either Huckabee or McCain, it will show the rest of the country that Bigots really to still run the south. For all the talk of being Christian from the Preacherman………WOW

Romney, hope this shows these folks you are the Candidate to represent them!

WOW…….and I thought the Obama/Clinton civil war was bad…….

Since when do we let foriegn flags (that is what the Confederate Flag is) fly on government property?

No sir, it was not treason. It was the North’s treason against the Constitution and the Northern sectional government that was the primary catalyst for succession. Slavery was an immediate issue but must be weighed with historical context. The north was engaged with slavery but their industrialized industry found that paying slave wages was more economical. Hah! Even saying that, the North did not invalid the South to end slavery.

No one was tried for treason after the War, as the best legal minds concluded that they would lose the case, and then the War would be shown for what it was, an invasion of another country, as the states’ did have a right to secede. As far as the latter three, the Stars and Stripes would fit that description much better, as slavery was legal under it for over eighty years, it flew over the masts of the New England slave ship masters who brought their prey to these shores after buying them from their brethren, and it also flew over the Buffalo Soldiers who, along with their Yankee counterparts, massacred our Indians using the expertise they leaned so well killing Southern women and children of all races during the WBTS.

To clarify, as a matter of free speech, individuals should be able to possess and display it (although the treason aspect is interestig). Governments should not.

To the many dimwitted above. It ain't about the flag, and Huckabee did not argue the flag pro or can. He argued states rights, that being the right of each state to decide many issues itself and not be dictated to by the feds.

Dear Baxter,

While I certainly understand being proud of your heritage and history, you must realize that flag has been used as a symbol of slavery, racism and hatred. That may not be what it stands for to every southerner, but it does represent that to a great many.

The question then becomes, who has to give up in the compromise: the decendants (and at least some cases current) victums or the decendants (and at least some current) perpetrators of these atrocities. Obviously, the answer is the flag must go.

But taking it one step further, other than my home state, the state I work in, and California (something about that bear) I couldn't identify any other state flag. And I'm sure that's true for most.

I am a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. I display about 25 different versions of Confederate Flags. I am the other side of your argument. I have some GGGrandparents I honor with the Confederate flags, just as I honor my Grandfather and Dad with a US Flag.

Just wanted to point out that those signs being held up obviously said something else before, then had "John McCain" pasted over them. Is playing the victim just another part of southern tradition?

An analogy would be Germans who display the swastika and then explain, "Ja, the hooked cross ist not a hate symbol, das is a symbol for a great road system." Huckabee should choose his battles more wisely.

Ric

Confederate Flag does not represent hatred or racism…it represents State Rights…something that we should all remember now that our Federal government is huge and overbearing.

P.S. – I'm not a southerner, just majored in History in College, so I can base my opinion on actual facts and history rather than the rhetoric spewed to me by the media, ACLU, the NAACP, or any other pundit.

I think that they should give it up! Keep the flag – it's southern tradition!
ps. Go Romney!!!!

The confederate flag symbolizes treason of the highest order. Open rebellion against the Federal Government and institutionalized slavery of an entire race of people should not be celebrated. That fact that some good men were indeed confederates does not change the fact that in this country displaying that flag is the equivalent of Berlin raising the Nazi Swastika over its city hall.

Thank you Georgian. Very well put.

The fact is Huck is burying himself across the nation while trying to get the good ol' boy vote in SC. He will be crushed on Super Tuesday. And, in the unlikely event he does get the Republican nomination, we will be making history by electing the first woman or black President.

Romney 2008 ~ Its the economy, stupid!

Anyone defending the Confederate flag is a treasonist and terrorist at heart if not in action. The confederate battle flag (it's not the real flag of the Confederate states) is a flag that was flown to inspire those who sought to kill U.S. soldiers during a war. Thousands upon thousands of our men in uniform gave the ultimate sacrifice to prevent that flag from flying and to free an enslaved people, as well as keep this great nation together. It is the flag of a stated enemy of the United States. It is the flag of a group that sought to keep the right to enslave humans. It is a flag of a group that sought to destroy the unity of the the greatest nation on earth. I rank anyone waving that flag with al quada, Hamas, and any other group that sought the destruction of the U.S. of A.

rachel lanore January 11, 2008 10:15 pm ET

What does all this say about McCain's character? These blurbs are from goggling his wives…. Carol, Cindy… wow…

According to the newspaper, McCain returned to Jacksonville in 1973 after more than five years as a prisoner of war to find that his wife was a different person. Carol McCain, once a model, had been badly injured in a car wreck in 1969. The article recounts that her injuries "left her 4 inches shorter and on crutches, and she gained a good deal of weight."
By 1979, McCain was concerned that his Naval career was not advancing and pondering his future. He met Cindy Hensley, an attractive 25-year-old woman from a wealthy Arizona family. McCain courted her and married her in May 1980 — a month after getting a divorce.
Carol McCain waited for the return of her husband from his Vietnamese captivity for five and a half long years; as McCain idolator David Grann put it in the New Republic, she was "a kind of modern-day Penelope to McCain's Odysseus." She carried her burden with nobility, and resolve, staying faithful to the man she refused to believe she had lost – even in the face of her own tragedy. It was Christmas Eve, 1969, while driving along a snowbound street, that she went crashing into a telephone pole: the impact hurled her through the windshield. She lost her left leg, ruptured her spleen, and went through a long series of agonizingly painful operations. Before the accident, she had been a statuesque beauty who worked as a model; she came out of it with four inches subtracted from her height, broken in body – but not in spirit. Her love for her war hero husband forbade her from letting him know anything of her condition: he knew nothing of the accident, and she refused to write him about it since it would only make his burden heavier.

From Justin's website;
THE RETURN OF THE INGRATE
Any man would be lucky to have such a fierce, unbending love: she stuck by him, agitating for his release, and living for the day of his return. Her devotion was repaid with rejection. He learned of her accident on the plane home, and wasted no time in getting rid of her. He was soon back to his old tricks of playing the field – "just as he had at the Naval Academy," says Grann – and soon sought a divorce. He openly acknowledges that his behavior was solely responsible for the break-up of his marriage, and seems to glory in the macho role while simultaneously professing at least some sense of remorse: "I think she has reason to be bitter," McCain told one interviewer.

I think this is going to be a problem again for Him, plus the Keating Five.
___
DON'T FORGET MCCAIN SAYING HE WOULD PAY ANY AMERICAN WHO WANTED TO WORK $50 AN HOUR IF THEY WOULD GO TO ARIZONA AND WORK ON HIS RANCH. HE SAID ILLEGAL ALIENS DO THE WORK AMERICANS WON'T DO.

Let them fly their confederate flags in South Carolina. The symbol of the American flag is worn on the uniforms of our brave soldiers fighting in the Mideast, the American Flag flies in the green zone of Iraq, and sadly to say the American flag covers our fallen soldiers that have died for all of us. So if the Southerners feel the confederate flag is in honor of their heritage, so be it.

FI January 12, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Does anybody remember McCain last year in the following:

Illegal Aliens do the jobs Americans won't do. McCain had the nerve to challenge the American people that he would pay $50 an hour to anyone who would come to his ranch and work the fields the way the Illegal Aliens do.

Remember the phrase "JOBS AMERICANS WON'T DO?"

HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT ILLEGALS BUT HE STILL WANTS TO DO IT. IF HE IS ELECTED, HE WILL WORK WITH KENNEDY AND THE REST OF THE CROWD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. REMEMBER LINDSEY GRAHAM ALSO SUPPORTED THE AMNESTY BILL, FOLKS.

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE PUT McCAIN ON THE SPOT AND MAKE HIM TAKE A STAND ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE TO KNOW JUST WHERE THAT MAN STANDS.

I THOUGHT MITT ROMNEY WAS GOING TO DO IT BUT HE IS NOT TAKING THE FIGHT TO McCAIN. AND FRED THOMPSON IS ONLY INTERESTED IN THUMPING HUCKABEE BECAUSE McCAIN IS HIS FRIEND.

THIS NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT OUT BEFORE THE SOUTH CAROLILNA PRIMARY. IF YOU WANT AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS, McCAIN IS YOUR GUY.

Missourian,
I am with you, if this is a huge issue to South Carolinians maybe we should have let them form their own country, it might have died out by now! I really hope this isn't as big an issue to them as it is beginning to seem!

Here is were Sucession Started and BY GOD THIS is WHERE IT WILL END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GEN SHERMAN
AS HE BURNED SOUTH CAROLINA

We The People. Could you honestly handle 'We The Christians'
What a hateful, evil man. Republicans! Send him to the closet!

Any political candidate that is criticized by a guy wearing a confederate flag for a jacket has my support.

Hi,

My name is Laureen Thompson from Sugar Land, Texas. I am asking you to support and vote for Mitt Romney. He is a beautiful man who will be a blessing to South Carolina and America as President of the United States. Romney is intelligent, responsible, and professional. I believe he patterns his life by God’s direction. Mr. Romney has reached a level of quality that many candidates have not achieved. You will see the power of God blessing your state, when you love and support Mitt Romney.

We have always had different religions that taught us more about our God. The Catholics taught us that not just a man, but also a woman could perform miracles through the power of God. The Mormons taught us that Christians could become saints of God by living Holy lives in the image of God. I admire Mitt Romney because he has raised five young men who are married and taking care of their families. He shows leadership in every area of his life. Most people are concerned about the economy today, but they do not realize that social responsibility prevents the downfall of our economy, as well. Children are not in the streets, when we encourage traditional marriages. We need a leader who will encourage traditional family values.

Please say yes to a responsible and peaceful Government in 2008. Mike Huckabee will destroy your economy and America by raising taxes.

God Bless You,

Laureen Ann Thompson

I have been a huge supporter of Gov. Huckabee, but as a black woman in the South this is beyond offensive! If that flag were just a symbol of the South everyone would embrace it but it is used by racist Southerners to express thier feeling about us without using words and cloaking it in Southern Pride! I have known MANY Black who are PROUD to be from the (myself included) and none of them have ever displayed a confederate flag. Utter nonsense. Are there any good Christians candidates who don't support this lunacy??? PLease help me. Who do I support?

WAKE UP REPUBLICANS! – McAmnesty IS NO CONSERVATIVE. Just look at the exit polls. He can't win conservative voters. How on earth is that supposed to excite the base in November?

I find it laughable that John says "I know how to fix borders. I'm from a border state." Huh? If you know how to fix them, why haven't you done anything about them? More illegals cross into the US in AZ than any other state in the nation.

He flipped his finger to the 1st Amendment with that garbage McCain-Feingold legislation he wrote with the Left

He co-authored the biggest amnesty bill ever with that drunk from the left…..but now wants to flip-flop on that and play word games.

He voted against the federal ban on gay marriage.

He voted against the Bush tax cuts twice…but now wants to flip-flop on that issue as well.

He cost the GOP control of the Senate with that despicable Gang of 14 crap. He wants to tell you how he'll put conservative judges in place and yet he was the ring leader of the very undoing of Bush's attempts to put conservative judges in place.

Again I say, McAmnesty is no true conservative. The GOP can't trust him.

I can't believe Huckabee would make such a racist statement and the news media would let it slide. If Hillary had made the comments it would have been plastered everywhere.

His comments just go to show that you can dress him up but deep down inside he still full of garbage.

Is this what Obama have to look forward to if he gets the nomination? I found Huckabee's comments insensitive and synonymous with the racist Republican Party.

“Gov. Huckabee understands that all the average guy with a Confederate flag on his pickup truck is saying is, he’s proud to be a Southerner."

This should read: The average guy with a Confederate flag on his pickup truck is a hick.

This is purely a states’ rights issue. Considering the Civil War was largely fought over that, it’s funny the issue is coming full circle back to where it started. If South Carolinians want to fly a flag, let them! What difference does it make to any other state? If you live there and don’t like it, then make your voice heard, but for the rest of us, it’s THEIR state! In California we fly the California Republic flag which in essence is saying we are a separate republic from the US. I would have the same negative reaction if a presidential candidate or someone from another state told me to take it down.

Yet another appeal to Huckabees white trash legions..The kooky christian,
confederate flag waving, inbred 6 toed hoosier is his fan base..Maybe after
he looses a few more states he can preach on the christian backyard wrestling
circuit..

Well when all else fails, bring out the Confederate Flag. I thought this was an isue that had been dealt with a long time ago. If you choose to wave that flag in your home or on your truck, then do so. That is your right. However, no government buildings should promote the flag because at its core, it represents some of the ugliest apsects of American and Southern history. Hello! This was the flag used by seperatist traitors who later killed and tortured their own countrymen.

Huckabee has shown he will sink to any depths. Bigotry is abundant however, I believe this is something that wil come back to bite Huck in the place he wants people to put that pole. What works in Arkansas may not work in other parts of the South. Huckabee, this is not Gone With The Wind. The South and Southerners are living and leading in the 21st century. Our cities are large, cosmopolitan, and the demographic is diverse. These type of exploitative politics that has become a Huckabee hallmark should be tucked away in his attic with all the rest of his Confederate/KKK junk.

To paraphrase, "Take This Flag and Shove It!"

Is anyone else hearing the two banjos from "Deliverance"?

I feel sorry for the majority of decent people in SC who have to deal with these red necks who think the south is gonna rise up again. They give the state a bad name. Well you had G. Bush, wasn't that enough? The funny thing is, I bet that person in the photo would do much better economically if a Democrat was the President, but he's too stupid to realize it.

"“Gov. Huckabee understands that all the average guy with a Confederate flag on his pickup truck is saying is, he’s proud to be a Southerner,” says the announcer in one of the one-minute spots, paid for by Americans for the Preservation of American Culture.

“Mike Huckabee understands we value our heritage, and why. He understands what while objectively there is no real basis for the idea of 'Southern Culture' beyond (1) agrarianism vs. industrialized states and (2) racism. Gov. Huckabee realizes full well that South Carolina is full of talibangelical extremists and racists, and by God, they can count on him to exploit their ignorance.

Flying the Confederate Flag on the Statehouse grounds is not a decision for the President. It is something that should be debated among the people of South Carolina.

To the people who believe in the Stars and Bars and say it is their Heritage. I understand your beliefs. However that flag is one of the most decisive symbols in this country. It should be taught but not celebrated.

As a southerner descended from Confederate soldiers I can comment. There is nothing about the Confederate rebellion that Southerners should be proud of – except for the bravery of the men who died fighting for slavery.

1. Slavery was the issue. Lincoln's election was the precipitating event.

2. About 25% of the Confederate population was in slavery at the time of the Civil War. One in four famlies owned one or more slaves, but most slave-owning families owned relatively few slaves. A few freed Black men were themselves owners of Black slaves. Native Americans were also enslaved, but much less frequently.

3. The first slave came to Virginia more than 200 years before the Civil War. So, for two centuries, Southern Whites enslaved, controlled, and punished slaves and forced them to work. During that time, millions of Africans and their descendants had no rights and were bought and sold as property. Mothers were sold away from their children and husbands were sold away from their wives.

4. The number of Africans who died of overwork, poor nutrition, treatable disease, and neglect will never be known, but it was surely millions. The number of Africans who were murdered by their owners will never be known. The number of African women who were raped by their owners will never be known. It was a common disciplinary practice for pregnant African women to watch a male slave be tortured to death. the belief then was that the fetus would absorb the terror of the mother as she watched, and this would make the newly born slave more docile.

5. After the slaves were freed, Black Americans were treated terribly. My great grandfather told his granddaughter – my mother – that he watched a Black man being burned at the stake in the piney woods of east Texas. He told her that he was never able to get over the shame of not having the courage to confront that angry mob and persuade them to take the man to the distant county sheriff's office. He told her that the lynch mob was mostly composed of Methodists, but there was a sprinkling of other denominations present.

5. Hitler's 15 year long Third Reich was a Sunday School picnic compared to the old South.

6. There is nothing in this history to be proud of. The Stars and Bars is an embarrassment, not a symbol of anything positive.

Good heavens! Has Huckabee been in a cave for the last 100 years? Proud Southerns do not need this IDIOT portraying or representing anything associated with the South! An idiot is an IDIOT no matter what geographical section of this beautiful country they originate!

A vote for Hucklebee is a vote for a Bush 3rd term.

Don't be stupid, America!!

All Huckabee said is to let the State decide what is on the State flag.

He has said nothing to favor the confederate flag, only that those in other states should mind their own business. Can you imagine if people from other states were telling your state what you should have on your flag? To better understand it, imagine the same situation applying to your favorite sports team…

As the bumper sticker says, they "…don't care how you do it up north!"

Also, just for the record, Huckabee was instrumental in desegregating a church and carried 30% of the black vote in Arkansas as a Republican. He hates racism and has actively worked against it – not in some segregated enclave where it is all about feeling better about yourself, but in the nitty gritty day to day reality of the poor South. Nobody has ANY room to criticize him on race.

I am a Northerner living in Michigan, but I spent a few years in South Carolina. There are distinct differences between racism and State's Rights that folks that haven't lived in the region just don't understand. Some people who fly the flag are racists – no doubt. Some are not, they are simply proud to be a Southerner – not so different than someone who proudly wears a Green Bay Packers jersey.

It should also be noted that the folks that are most proud to be a Southerner are perhaps paradoxically the most patriotic Americans you will ever meet. There are cultural differences – those of us who have open minds can step back and value the diversity of this great country of ours – including the various cultures of the deep South.

John G, the lowest common denominators among us need no help from politicians to come out…

You treasonist racists lost! Get over it!

I know of no other country in the history of the world that quashed a rebellion, and then alowed the symbol of that rebellion to fly 150 years later.

These pro-Confederate troglodytes give all TRUE Southerners a bad name. The South has plenty of heritage to celebrate exclusive of the Confederate flag and the racism and hatred it represents. Honoring the Confederate flag as part of our heritage is like honoring the Crusades as part of the Christian heritage.

Looks like the anti-south bigots are coming out in full force to support McCain and Romney. We can only hope the yankee influence will be rejected in favor of Ron Paul but if Ron does not make it then perhaps the Huck will win but anybody but the anti-south bigots!

General Robert E. Lee once said, "Work is now what we require, work by everybody….By this course the good old times of former days…..will return again. We may not see them but our children will, and we will live over again in them."

Does Huckabee support my right to hang a Nazi flag outside my home and in the back window of my truck because I am proud of my German Heritage? There really is no difference. Both symbolize the persecution and murder of innocent people.

I agree with you, MISSOURIAN. Well said.

Yet more proof that Huckabee could not win the general election.

I mean come on. Where's Strom Thurmond when you need him.

Figures losers who fly that fly the loser flag support another loser. Im sorry this isnt the Confederacy this is the United States. Only the US flag should be flown on top of Federal and State buildings. These are also the same people who complain about people who fly the Irish, Mexican, British, Puerto Rican flags as well. Hypocracy 101 people. But I could care less if someone wants to fly that flag on their own home. Go Romney and McCain.

There goes the white supremecist, hillbilly vote for McCain. Good riddance to them

Leave it Huckabee to bring out the lowest common denominator in Southern politics.

somebody wanna tell these idiots that the Civil War is over??

When the Confederate Flag is being displayed because of an individual's choice – that individual is making some sort of "statement". We can chat with anyone displaying this flag and get their views – after all, it IS their statement, in a way they want to understand it. No problem there.

But when a governing body is proudly displaying this flag, how does the common man on the street find out what the underlying "statement" is? If police cars were to show up in your front yard and men with guns drawn are banging on your door, would you be comforted knowing there is a Confederate Battle Flag proudly pasted to their cars? Or whenever you need to attend court – as a defendant or claimant – looking there alongside the judge – is it the defenders of this flag whom are judging us, or people more sinister?

There is a reason why our flag – that we pledge alliegence to – has 50 stars and 13 stripes. The early flags, with fewer stars on them, have been relegated to museums as proud reminders of who we were – yet, like the Declaration of Independence, will never leave us.

Its true…the Republicans are scattered and not sure who to pick for a nominee – whereas the Democrats have decided that a path of socialism and huge government programs and high taxes is the way to go….dopes

Someone should explain to Huckabee that "Conservative" does not mean he has to be from the dark ages!

Yes, this guy does need to get out more….but I don't think he should leave Arkansas just yet.

OK, Carson, it looks like you are the one with the sickmind!
Get your mind out of the sewer! You have control over what you think! Huckabee never said what you claim that he implied. Secondly, just because someone has a perception of the flag does not make it reality. The flag is simply a battle flag of the war between the states, nothing else. Please stop reading something else into it’s meaning or remove all battle flags!

I agree witha comment made yesterday:

We'll keep the federal government away from your flag if you keep your flag away from our federal government!

Republicans will lose in the fall big time.. Maybee then they can change their ways by supporting the American people instead of big business.

LOL Carson. That's what I said.

To be fair, the Bible DOES specifically proscribe man lying with man, but it doesn't say anything about sticking a flagpole where the sun don't shine. So if you're taking a strict-constructionist view of the Bible, his comments aren't totally inconsistent.

I thought Huckabee had some good things to say although I'm a Democrat. However if he associates and agrees with people who most of America view as racists, then I'm done with him. If he truly made those comments, that was very ill advised. He needs to distance himself from these red necks ASAP. Proud Southerners do not still need display the confederate flag publically. (If you want to put a large one up in your living room feel free). Most would agree it is a symbol of a divided past and our country moved on a long time ago. A decision was made, get over it.

I'm sorry. But what Mike Huckabee said at the end was WICKED FUNNY.

To the neo-Confederates of America: Your side lost the Civil War!

It may be a symbol of Southern pride and represent the glorious war against the Union but you folks lost. As a result the flag should not be flying above state buildings. If you want to fly in on your own property, that is fine. But it is revisionist history to pretend the Confederacy was victorious.

Telling someone what to do with the pole is real Christian-like! The fact he invoked suh a racially sensitive issue in a campaign shows you this guy is a phony snake oil salesman! His comments about flags, gays and the constitution makes his a psycho!!

I hope conservatives see through this liar!

The Civil War is over. The South lost. It's time to catch up with the rest of the country. It's funny to me that these are the same people that scream about a national language when they can't unite under something as simple as a flag. The confederate flag was a flag of insurgents against the Union. How would you feel if Iraq terrorists ran around with their flag when/if Iraq ever reconciles? If you feel so desperate to belong to something, try joining a country club or a fight club or eat a club sandwich.

The longer Huckabee is in the race,
the better chance the Democrats have
of winning the presendential election.

Is there something about politicians from Arkansas that deem it necessary to divide people based on race, gender or regionality?

This type of crap plays into the "dumb hick mentality" that people have which demeans all of the non-hick smart folks who can see through this stupidity.

I wouldn't vote for this loser for dog catcher and if the Republicans are dumb enough to make him the nominee, I would gladly vote for Obama to actually change the divide and conquer thought process.

Congratulations Mike. Three out of every four illiterate southern red-necks support your candidacy.

i warn you america people,first if you fall for this joke that the politicans are pushing called a stimulus pkg. you're more of a judas-goat than i thought. tax relief for who,and who will it benefit. the have and have mores thats what is behind this so-called stimlus mess.the establishment are drooling for that tax break for the profits, they have made off oil, stocks, the war, the saudi backdoor money, etc: and all joe public would get is a 300 to 800 dollar rebate check. what a joke. if the america people fall for this you will fall for anything. DON'T LET THEM FOOL YOU. you will get crumbs while the have and have mores will laugh all the way to the bank w/ millions. come on american people ronnie milshap can see though this you're not that stupid. oh the confederate flag wavers YOU'RE NEEDED IN IRAQ. i bet you won't go over there w/ your white hoods and skirts.no i think not you terrorist are more at home terrorizing in the USA. go over ther where the real enemy is.

I grew up in SC, moved away first to attend college and then to work. I moved back here 13 years ago. The confederate flag issue that still surfaces from time to time just demonstrates why SC ranks at the bottom for education, healthcare, wages, etc. And why it ranks at the top for domestic violence. It is full of some very un and under educated backward people.They are just plain and simply dumb! Mike Huckabee is counting on their dumbness. The man in this article more than likely never graduated from High School.

What a middle-schoolish comment, Huckabee. Maybe try acting and speaking presidential for a change. I don't want to vote for a middle schooler.

I doubt that Romney will win the nomination and here's why: He needs to remember Nixon's "Southern Strategy." The South is pivotal for the Republicans and if the Republicans do not receive support there, then they will lose. I bet that the Republicans will lose anyway but Romney must tout southern issues or at least not counteract southern issues no matter how trivial they seem to him. McCain can not win on seeking the support of independents and those who enjoy how truthful he is to them. The American people honestly do not want to hear the truth but a bunch of good lies that appeal to emotions. That is why I believe Guliani has a strong chance of winning. He has the 9/11 connection. And Huckabee, believe it or not, would be a stronger choice than the so-called frontrunners, Romney and McCain. He looks like a preacher to evengelicals. That is one reason why he appeals to me to be quite honest, though I do not support his candidacy because he will not take my country in the place where I want it to go.

Atta boy Huck. And I'm a northerner. But I DO believe in States rights. State government should reflect the views of the folks of that particular State. That is why those people live in that State and they want their gov't to reflect their views. What is foreign about that? Anybody promoting BIG BROTHER here to take care of all our problems? Less government. More money in the folks' wallet.

Go Huck.

The flag exists because southern states refused to abide by the laws of the land that disallowed slavery. What is there to be pround of? I am a southern whose grandfather fought for the right to own slaves but the sight of a rebel flag only brings me shame.

Everyone grab your shovels and farm equipment. Looks like we're going back to the Middle Ages.

Oh, and don't trip over the rolling heads of the heretics.

I continue to struggle to understand how this issue stays around. I am not from the South, but have lived there and still spend time there, and it comes down to a pretty simple analysis to me:

If a symbol, in this case a flag, represents two conflicting historical situations–neither of which exist anymore–to two different groups of people, how does the group who want to get rid of it not have the better argument? Why does white South Carolinians' pride in the symbol of the Confederacy trump black South Carolinians' shame that is symbolizes slavery? They're both relics of the past–isn't it time the flag got left in the past too?

I agree w/huckabee flag is states right

What a bunch of rednecks. Many people died for this nation to be united under ONE flag. Don't like it? Want to wave another flag? Great. GET OUT. Go to some other country and wave whatever you want. In the US, there's only one flag.

I know I know, the Southerners say "Heritage, not Hate". And to that I say "well I hate your heritage".

I am not from the South, but unfortunately have to live here. Let me tell you, these people talk like there really is going to be some sort of Southern uprising coming down the pike. They cling to their redneck heritage so tightly, as if the South will rise again. Well I got news for these dorks – rise up. We'll stomp a hole into your chest…again.

Sure, there's a lot of Southerners up North…………buried, just outside of Gettysburg.

This cuckoo nutbag will never make it.

I'm a southerner…

I do not pledge allegiance to the confederate flag…but I do honor the memory of the "states rights' issues, and dark period in our nations history it represents–and the thousands of good men who gave their lives fighting for the rights they believed in.

That said–this is not an issue for any Presidential candidate.
States, like S.C. who use the confederate flag as a symbol of their state, don't necessary pledge allegiance to that fact–but to the honor and history of their state, and the pride of S.C. sons and daughters.

That said–the people of S.C. should decide whether to fly this flag among their own constituents–free from Federal involvement.

I would agree with Missourian!

I thought Mike Huckabee was a Baptist preacher. As a christian, I find his comment about what to do with the flag pole offensive, and very un-preidential like, not to mention the christian end. This man has made inaccurate statements about his education , and now he would have me believe that he is not behind, and has no knowledge of the push polling going on in South Carolina. I sincerely hope that the good people of South Carolina, can see through this facade to the real man, and that they will seriously considder voting for the true conservative in the race, Fred Thompson.

Jeez! What is wrong with these people? Our country is facing huge hurdles and they are still fighting over the Confederate Flag? Our country is falling apart, our military is broken, or schools are failing, our economy tanking and they are still going on about this? Very sad indeed.

The Confederate flag is a racist symbol that is equivalent to and used by Neo Nazis. Anyone who endorses it use supports racism. Yes the first amendment allows for it but to support it is racist. I am not a Romney fan but to say condemning this flag makes a candidate out of step with the south and it's heritage, well I for one would support being out of step.

How is the Confederate flag "heritage?" It was the battle flag for a COUPLE YEARS. It's a symbol of racism. You don't see Germans defending the swastika as part of their "heritage."

I suppose Southern California is now officially truly the south. I have seen young men drive primer painted pick-up trucks with LARGE confederate flags screaming to the top of their lungs (unintelligible) driving at high speeds through red lights in small cities in Southern CA. So its not only what is described as the south which displays this type of honor, its in North America…!

So let me get this straight. The Confederate flag, a symbol of treason, is part of your heritage, so you should get to honor it. On top of that, people who love the flag love America…but wait you love the fact that you caused a war that killed the largest number of Americans in the history of the country? Which is it, either love America or honor that flag. You can't have it both ways, because that flag is a traitor's flag. It would have been better if all the traitors in the Civil War were treated according to how the law demanded.

The confederate flag and the nazi flag mean the SAME THING!

Wow, the Republicans hate each other.

It is beyond discouraging to hear these "candidates" (I use the term loosely) debate trivial issues while the war in Iraq continues, our economy continues to spin out of control, health insurance become unaffordable or goes away entirely, terrorism remains a global concern, etc., etc. The candidate who spends the bulk of his/her time talking about important problems and ignoring trivia will get my vote.

Though I doubt this represents a majority of those in South Carolina, if this is a major factor in who the people in South Carolina choose as a presidential candidate than I'd say the state needs to be moved back to Super Tuesday or later and not be an early influential primary state.

I can't believe this is even an actual subject.

the media needs to start calling the flag what it truly is, the Treason Flag. It represents treasonous actions against THE United States of America. Why anyone would glorify or proudly display the Treason flag is incomprehensible. Say it with me “THE TREASON FLAG…THE TREASON FLAG”.

I'm shoked Huckabee made a statement about the flag and what to do with the pole! What could he be talking about, especially with his views on marriage, does he have a sick mind?

haha, yeah huckabee, fuel the fire that hates you!!!

McCain your out come Super tuesday, you cant even get conservatives to rally around you, what a liberal.

MITT ROMNEY
FRED THOMPSON
08

Huckabee is starting to make me sick. He is running only on religion and that is stupid but then to make idiotic comments like this and the one about gay marriage. Just shut up and talk policy for the nation. Economy, Iraq, school, heath care, immigration, heck even guns would be ok since you are a repub.

wow. it's strange how huckabee has such a problem with gay people, but would willingly sodomize someone with a flagpole if they threatened to touch his precious flag… that's pretty scary.

This is probably the only issue that I agree with Huck on, even though it's a fluff-issue meant to pander to rednecks. Keep your flag…freedom of speech.

But…

It's always amazed me that so many southerners vote GOP because of social issues, yet very few such issues are ever touched by a president once he's in office.

You would think that demographic would be more interested in voting their paycheck, in which case the GOP is a big turn-off to working class as Republicans tend to give big tax breaks to the super-rich and corporations while the rest of us struggle. Maybe they actually believe that by making the rich richer it helps the rest of us out (still waiting for that to happen.)

I doubt it though…my guess is the God talk, pro-guns and pro-stars and bars. Good job, southern voters!

OK, South Carolina Voters… Mitt Romney needs a strong showing in the Palmetto State and John McCain needs to lose. Mike Huckabee will burn out all-by-himself. Sorry Fred-heads, not gonna happen. Giuliani's hurting too.

I emplore McCain, Huckabee, Thompson and Giuliani voters to join Team Romney and leave RINO politics in the dust. In November, Mitt Romney can beat Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama on both themes, "experience and change," not to mention family values and financial strength.

McCain was right on the surge in Iraq and earned his Vietnam War hero status, but that's simply not enough with the challenges Americans face economically. Breaking news; a Mrs. Smiths factory is closing in Spartanburg, SC and 525 people are out of work.

McCain is flat wrong, wrong, wrong on tax cuts, illegal immigration, campaign finance reform, and nearly every other issue conservatives care about. If you're squishy on McCain and Huckabee, or tired of losing with Thompson or Giuliani, please vote for Mitt Romney.

We need a real republican on the ballot this fall. We are still electing a conservative, aren't we? Vote Mitt Romney, America needs him, yesterday.

Another reason why Romney will certainly win in the Presidential election.

YadaYadaYada. "We want to hold on to our racial hatred past," Yada Yada Yada.

Let us make an issue out of a non-issue to relieve the damage that "Ol'Pastor Mike" has gotten himself into.

He may be a Southerner, but he ain't no Conservative.

Join the Democratic party Huckster, you'll be more at home there.

How can you support something like the Confederate Flag. Get with the times.

Is Huckabee running for the president of the Confederate?

I thought this is the presidential race of the United States of America.

I am southern and proud. Very proud of that flag. The flag stands for heritage not hatred.

Memo to the confederates:

You lost….give it up and move on with your lives or should we all be waving the Union Jack.