Never mind the recent racially motivated mass murders in North Charleston, much less the uncomfortable legacy of Jim Crow that the Confederate flag still conjures up in many Americans’ minds.
Local commissioner Buddy Randolph remained unconcerned when he commented to CNN affiliate WJHL that his proposal to fly the Rebel flag above Tennessee’s Greene County courthouse "has nothing to do with race or anything."
Randolph’s sponsored measure reads:
“Greene County Commission and the citizens they represent are proud to be Americans, but they are also proud to be Tennesseans and whereas, Greene County is conscious of its Heritage and loyalties; one that transcends the usual ties of national patriotism and state pride. Our citizens retain habits that are strong and memories that are long. Our region and its citizens have been powerfully shaped by its history and are determined to pass that history on to future generations…..and where as, the Confederate flag represents state rights, the south, it represents Dixie land, our culture, and our heritage and should be proudly displayed by our County.”
Despite the Confederate flag’s increasing unpopularity in the South, and ironically, the local area’s own historical pro-Union leanings, Greene County will vote on Randolph’s resolution on Monday evening. The meeting is already expected to draw a number of civic protesters.
To those who might take offense at the symbolic revival and reminder of deeply-ingrained racism, Randolph responded: "If people have a problem with it, it's their problem. It's just a part of history."
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