Shooting In Charleston Reignites Debate About The Confederate Flag
By Steve Patterson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- At South Carolina's state capitol Friday, both the state and United States flag went to half staff, to honor the lives of nine people murdered on the grounds of a Charleston church.
In the same place, the Confederate flag flew overhead at full staff, protected by the state law that makes it untouchable.
"Enough is enough," said an activist.
In Philadelphia Friday, the Confederate flag was balled up on the grounds of Independence Mall, shoved into a small metal tub and set on fire with lighter fluid.
"I'm extremely happy to burn this flag and this flag represented for generations of fear, it represents hatred, it represents bigotry," said an activist.
The burning Friday afternoon was done by a small group activists without much fanfare, ire or attention. Radio host Mannwell Glenn says none of that is the point.
"This flag represents American terrorism. It represents the symbol of an American terrorist."
Once again, the usual Southern debate has gone nationwide.
Is the flag a cultural marker of heritage, history and tradition, or a symbol of hatred representing murder, rape and oppression?
"Well I think it's a visceral reaction," said Patricia Wilson Aden, the President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. While she says the flag's purpose historically will likely be debated for generations, it's placement as a symbol of antagonism and death for African Americans has been firmly cemented.
"This is an instance where we need to put the past in the past. It does nothing to heal this nation and therefore needs to be put aside."
Friday, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was asked to address the controversy on CBS This Morning.
She responded by saying in part, "...right now, I'm not doing that to the people of my state," saying she wants to focus on healing first.
For the flag to be removed, a policy change would have to go through the state's general assembly.