But the importance of the flag issue tends to undermine that notion. McCain agreed with Bush during the debate that the flag issue should be decided only by South Carolinians. He later issued a statement that tried to appease both sides, but seemed more favorable to the pro-flag forces. Personally, I see the battle flag as a symbol of heritage. Outsiders do not understand the Confederate flag controversy in South Carolina, according to many people interviewed here.
People view it as a symbol of Southern pride.
It tells us about who we are and where we came from. Ravenel has since apologized to mentally retarded people. Although Quinn's Southern Partisan is a magazine focusing primarily on Civil War history, it also has attempted to size up the presidential candidates. Not surprisingly, McCain is the only candidate to receive praise in the magazine. Quinn also editorializes frequently on the flag issue.