Good Morning.

We come here today with a solution that meets our goal of resolving a long-standing debate in South Carolina.

You see with me a bipartisan group legislators .. business leaders.. … representatives of our educational .. religious .. and community organizations.

Together we are here today to say one thing:

It is time we move the Confederate flag from a position of sovereignty on our State House dome.

We will place a historically accurate flag here … at the statue honoring General Wade Hampton.

There is no more appropriate place for the Confederate flag than beside an honored statesman … solider … and South Carolinian.

It is a simple, appropriate way to resolve the debate.

I have consulted with these South Carolinians … and many others … before coming to you today. We are united in the belief that this is the right thing to do. We want to keep our state’s business climate strong .. including our important tourism industry. We want to send a signal to the nation … and to our children … that South Carolinians can come together to do the right thing. Our plan is simple … and consistent with the resolutions adopted by numerous community, civic, religious and business organizations in our state. It removes the Confederate flag from any position of sovereignty at our State House. This plan enjoys bipartisan support. It is a plan that can pass. And most important, this plan will do what the people of South Carolina want – bring us a resolution that unites all of us.

Thank you.