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The question of "Heritage or Hate" has been debated throughout this country probably since the war ended more than 140 years ago. Unfortunately, many of those involved in these debates are attempting to make a point through emotion or impression, rather than knowledge of the topic itself.

For example; the so called "Confederate Flag" is only a representative of belief and issue for the most part. This flag was actually a naval flag, known as the 2nd Naval Jack, flown by the Confederate Navy from 1863-1865 and was also used by the Army of Tennessee during the same time period. While it never flew over an official building of the Confederacy, had never been inducted as the official battle flag of the Confederacy, and was never the official flag of the Confederate States of America, it is the only flag recognized the majority of people. This knowledge is, unfortunately, born out of the flags use by organizations, groups, and individuals, to represent their personal beliefs and attitudes toward other people or society. This does not, by any measure, make the flag responsible for its use or those who strive to protect it to be filled with hate for others.

The country has changed much in 140 years. If you think about it, there are northerners moving south, southerners moving west, and so on and so on. Yet, despite the various migrations southerners are always referred to in the same breath as the flag. It is this point the bothers me the most I think as a southerner. I have seen this flag throughout the country, and yes, even a couple of times when stationed in Europe. For me, and many other southerners, this flag is a representation of the place of our birth, even though I actually fly the "Bonnie Blue, much as the Texas flag is to Texans. It is a flag our ancestors chose to stand behind simply because they believed they were defending "their" homeland from an aggressor. Believe it or not, not every southerner fought for the south, nor did every northerner fight for the north, they simply based their decision on their individual belief. Also, not every southerner was a plantation or slave owner, actually they represented less than one percent of the total southern population. But, should many in the country get their misguided way banning the flag I would hate to see the repercussions of that decision.

What do I mean, you ask. Well, it is quite simple actually if you think about it reasonably. If this flag were to be ban because members of the population felt it was

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