Monday, June 22, 2015

Day 1269: The Confederate Flag

Tonight, Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina called for the Confederate flag to be removed from the capitol.  At the press conference, the governor was surrounded by dignitaries including both of South Carolina's Senators and some of its US Representatives.  Most interesting was the presence of Reince Priebus, the Republican party chairman.

It seems this is a calculated political move because the presidential candidates were floundering around, tripping over their tongues.  They made equivocal statements like, "Oh, it's not my place to tell the citizens of S.C. what to do about their flag."    They were far more worried about losing the votes of the white citizens than actually standing up for an important principle. They are under pressure from the business community, too, because now groups around the country were threatening boycotts.  It's a cynical move with questionable motives.   While I'm glad the flag will finally be taken down, it's because of the tragic loss of nine lives.

The other issue is timing.  Rev. Pinckney is to lie in state in the capitol on Thursday and visitors must walk past the flag to reach the capitol.  Will they be able to take legislative action before Thursday.  My guess is they will expedite it, fearing for the optics of the situation.   President Obama will deliver the eulogy for Rev. Pinckney on Friday.

Today, I finished eighteen miles for the season.  (I made a math error yesterday) My arms and hands are exhausted, but I want to hit twenty-five by the end of the month.  That will put me five miles ahead of last year's schedule.

New blossoms today


Chautauqua Cha Cha


Spacecoast Firestarter


Japanese Iris


No comments:

Post a Comment