Why won't today's Republicans denounce the confederate flag?

Question

If today's Republican Party still represents the Party of Lincoln and northeastern yankees, why won't they denounce the confederate flag like Democrats?

Instead of denouncing it, they claim "state-rights". Since when was the Republican Party the "state-rights" party?

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"Political considerations color the divergent views of presidential candidates on whether the Confederate flag should be moved from the State House grounds.

For Republicans competing in the Feb. 2, 2008, GOP primary, where white voters will hold sway, the flag is a state issue that the candidates are not eager to discuss.

On the Democratic side, where half or more of the voters in the Jan. 29, 2008, primary will be black residents, candidates have no qualms about calling for the flag's removal.

'Each side is playing to its basic constituency,' said Blease Graham, a political science professor at USC."
http://www.topix.net/content/kri/3154156555288552774125262463641910882421

grumpy,

I noticed you did not answer the question. In my opinion the confederate flag belongs in a museum, not in the state capitol. It is a symbol of TREASON and SLAVERY. It was flown by segregation supporters during the 60s.

truth,

No yankee is flying the hammer and sickle flag. Try again.

feelgreat,

Easy. We don't. However, I will gladly burn a confederate flag.

Answer 1

They don't denounce it because they don't see it as a threat. Their party squashed the threat back in 1865. The Democrats denounce it because they supported it and feel the shame that goes along with it.

Answer 2

Actually today's Republican party does not resemble lincoln's in very many ways. At that time the Republicans were for strong central Gov't, now they claim State's rights more. As for half of the voters on Jan 29 being black. That is just not true or possible. MS and SC have the largest black populations percentage wise of any of the states and both are still less than 40% black. Also, blacks do not turn out well to vote compared to many other voters. Black people make up between 12-13% of the US pop. and I think only about 7-8% of the electorate. But yes each side plays to it's constituency for sure. For years the South was solid Dem. because they hated Republicans due to the civil war, finally they figured out they were more like the Reps. and are solid in that cloumn. The parties have reversed in many ways since the Civil war.

Answer 3

The Confederate Flag is not about slavery or treason or any of the popular reasons taught in today's rewritten history classes. Personally, considering how little you know about the subject, I'd be surprised if you even knew why the Civil War was begun.

Here's a hint. It wasn't about slavery until about halfway through the war when the North needed a new tactic to stop from getting beat on by the South.

The Confederate Flag is merely a flag of a defunct nation that a lot of Americans are tied to by blood.

And if your justification for it [the Confederate Flag] not being flown is slavery and treason...by your own admission the American flag shouldn't be flown either. After all, Americans as a whole practiced slavery for some time. And we committed treason against Britain.

Democrats are always quick to jump in front of popular notion. Do you think Democrats would advocate removing the Confederate Flag is the majority population of the area was white?

Of course not.

Answer 4

As a Southerner and a man of color, I've no love for this symbol. Having said that, I also have no wish for it's banishment. First, it is a testament to me as to what could have, but didn't happen. The alternative could have been that I would be a slave under one of the Confederacy's numerous banners. But I'm free and live under the Stars and Stripes.

Second, the flag is an undeniable part of our history. History is to be learn from, not hidden away as if it never occured. History is the template by which we create tomorrows. Even a dubious history is of some worth to someone.

And finally, I've no grievances with the idea that many causes are heralded by my fellow citizens that I may find disagreeable. It comes with having certain rights as a citizen. If I begin to parse your rights to support certain ideas and symbols, how long will it be before my own rights to do the same will surely be impinged. It is only when we try to force these ideas and symbols upon each other that I find objectionable. Your flagpole is your flagpole and mine is mine.
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Answer 5

If you really understood what the flag it self was all about and did some real research, you'd never have asked this question. People in the north still fly the Union Jack! You and others dont question that! I'm sick of hearing how Lincoln was this slave free'er and was so compasionate to the black man. This was an absolte last issue on waging a how to win the civil war! The civil war went on way before he came into office. It wasn't until a year or so left in his first term he decided on freeing the slaves. And he wasn't the mastermind of this plan either. If Stonewall Jackson doesn't die in 1863; They're wouldn't have been a north victory!

Answer 6

Well, I guess they look at it as a state's rights issue. You said the flag represents slavery and racism. Have you ever asked people that support the flag what it means to THEM? I do not think every person that supports the Confederate Flag is racist and wants slavery back.
Was the 'Dukes of Hazard' a racist show because the General Lee had the Flag on the top of the car??
Were the Dukes rich white southerners that longed for the days of slavery?? I think not.

Answer 7

How do you denounce a flag? The flag is a relic, a part of Southern history. It is important to remember what tore us apart and what binds us together. I am from up north and this has no impact on me but I do not assume to denounce the people of the south who wish to remember and honor the memory.

I have no problem with the flag. I have no problem with my fellow Americans from the south. I honor all who fought and died in the Civil War. I am sure that right or wrong both sides did what they believed was correct. It was a great tragedy and should not be forgotten.

.

Answer 8

Because it is a part of Southern History. We protect historic sites, why not the flag. Also if you did your research--all the hype that the civil war was just over slavery is completely bogus! There were so many more pressing issues and slavery was more of an attention getter from the north to get outside help and force other countries not to help the south. The north had slaves and child labor that was absolutely horrible, but you don't hear about that in your history class do ya? I am not saying slavery is good by any means and it should have been stopped way before it was, I am just saying that the confederate flag doesn't support slavery or "white power" it supported the south in what they felt was freedom at the time and a just cause....

Answer 9

The confederate flag is a very important part of United States history.. It should be there.

Answer 10

Why are you so worried about this flag? I don't see slavery anymore, I don't see blacks setting in the back or having to set out side anymore. It is people like you who deep down hate blacks because you and your kind keep the wounds open.

Answer 11

They have in the voice of senator majority leader Mitch McConnell.
It gets me, all of those who are now denouncing it, up until this time, have been silent.
Senator McConnell has been majority leader for years but not one word form his mouth until now.