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Thread-Topic: History, heritage and the flag
From: <governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com>
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Subject: History, heritage and the flag
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2015 18:10:31 -0400
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<APP>CUSTOM
<PREFIX>Mr</PREFIX>
<FIRST>Randy</FIRST>
<MIDDLE></MIDDLE>
<LAST>Ross</LAST>
<SUFFIX></SUFFIX>
<TITLE></TITLE>
<ORGANIZATION></ORGANIZATION>
<ADDR1>1774 Highway Church Rd</ADDR1>
<ADDR2></ADDR2>
<CITY>Elgin</CITY>
<STATE>SC</STATE>
<ZIP>29045</ZIP>
<EMAIL>medicrross@gmail.com</EMAIL>
<PHONE_H></PHONE_H>
<PHONE_B></PHONE_B>
<ISSUE>GOVE</ISSUE>
<SUBJECT>History, heritage and the flag</SUBJECT>
<MSG>
Years ago, I supported the moving of the confederate flag from the dome to its current location.  The current location represents a place where the Battle Flag has the dignity it deserves as well as a place which represents its prominence in South Carolina's history.  There are many points of our history which are distasteful. Slavery is certainly one of those points.  However, as I am sure you realize, the Civil War was not about slavery. During your time in office, you have demonstrated your distaste for Federalism.  I believe you understand that the Civil War was a courageous response to Federalism (I fear we may be nearing the point where Federalism is pushing its limits again), not a defense of slavery. 

With regard to the flag, I understand there are some who misuse the flag as a symbol of racism.  However, that is not the true meaning of the flag.  We must work to educate the public as to the true meaning of the flag, as well as the other confederate monuments. 

Perhaps there is another way to consider this.  One day, when you're not too busy, take a walk around the State House.  As you look at the building, the granite building is overwhelming. The copper dome is spectacular. What many people miss are the bronze stars around the building.  They also represent a particularly unsavory tine in South Carolina's history.  Those stars represent the conquest of Sherman.  If the Battle Flag and other confederate monuments are removed, those stars should also be removed. In fact, we should also blot out the references to the Civil War in our history books as well. How far shall we go? 

In all of this, I am most disappointed in your reactive attitude.  Certainly you, Gov. Haley, are more intelligent than to believe one person's misuse of the flag represents the entire state's opinion of the flag.  Moreover, you have demonstrated, on numerous occasions, your courage in standing against the liberal media and the Federalists in D.C. Either in your lack of understanding of our history or in your complete absence of courage, your response in this matter has been very disappointing. I would like to encourage you to review the history of our state to discover the importance of this symbol of our history. I would like to also encourage you to look deep within yourself and find the courage you have shown in so many other matters. Use that courage to do what is right and protect our history! 

Regards, 
Randy Ross
</MSG>

</APP>