Current Events
The debate is not a new one. Many believe the flag represents a racially charged symbol of oppression, while others believe the flag honors Confederate heritage. However, Georgia officials have obviously taken sides and turned a deaf ear to anyone who feels offended by the oppression and racism the flag historically represents.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference represents a large contingency of those who are offended. “To display this is reprehensible,” SCLC spokesman Maynard Eaton said. “We don’t have license plates saying ‘Black Power.’ “
But the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans have a different viewpoint and are actually responsible for requesting that the state issue the new plates.
“We believe that everyone has the right to preserve their heritage,” Spokesman Ray McBerry said, pointing out that the group meant no offense and views the plates as a way for people to honor their heritage. “Southerners have as much right to be proud of their heritage as anybody else.”
Interestingly, Gov. Nathan Deal said the new tag was a total surprise to him. “I had no information in advance about it,” he said.
Current Events
The specialty plate features a Confederate battle flag image in the background, as well as a logo of the Sons of Confederate veterans and a smaller version of the stars and bars. North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi all have specialty license plates honoring the confederacy, but the State of Texas rejected such a plate, recognizing that it would offend many residents. The Texas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sued board members of the Texas motor vehicle agency, and the case remains in the courts.
Is the State of Georgia doing the right thing by issuing plates they say honor their heritage, or would they have been wise to avoid opening such a controversial and old wound?
McBerry:
"Southerners have as much right to be proud of their heritage as anybody else."
The sad truth is, most WHITE Southerners probably ARE very proud of their RACIST heritage..especially older white southerners, who are among the most faithful Republican base.
For me the bigger question is…
What's it gonna take for Blacks to WAKE-UP and become more active in voting in local and state-wide elections, regardless of what part of the country they live in?..but in particular, in the South?
When common-sense Americans don't vote, it leaves the door WIDE-OPEN for Racists, ignoramuses, Kooks and brazen opportunists to get elected.
And then all manner of BS gets proposed and passed into law….smh.