SC Lawmakers Vote To Allow Debate On Confederate Flag’s Removal

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COLUMBIA, SC — Two sides with warring opinions: the Confederate battle flag dividing them on capitol grounds.

“That right here is a constant reminder of slavery,” said one resident.

“It’s my ancestors, and it stands for state’s rights and freedom,” said Columbia resident James Green.

“States’ rights to hold slaves,” said Columbia resident Tom Clements.  “That was what it was about.”

Clements says he came from a family of Confederate soldiers.  In the wake of Dylann Roof’s admitted massacre of nine members of a historically black church in Charleston, he was one of hundreds to gather at the capitol and light candles after lawmakers took the first steps to remove the flag.

“Absolutely it represents my heritage.  Absolutely,” he said.  “But it also represents division and racism and that’s what it’s more come to represent.  So I think it should come down.”

The non-profit Sons of Confederate Soldiers march with a different crowd, asking the public not to connect their flag to Roof or racism.

“That monument was built after the war because half the men died to protect Columbia from being burnt,” said one member.

The House and Senate voted to debate the issue this summer.

“I’m sitting up here, standing here just looking at it and wondering, will it really come down?” said Tanjia King of Columbia.  She continued, “Wow, it’s going to be a relief.”

Many are wondering if two interpretations are possible.

“How can we take those memories of pain and suffering and also of heroines and heroes and forge a new memory that can be a legacy?” asked Dr. Johnny Hill, Ph.D of Clafin University.