On the Mississippi Gulf Coast in recent weeks, where Biloxi is the site of the home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the dialogue on the state flag was a tad more intense than the conversation here in the Delta. For some time, John French of Long Beach, outgoing commander of Sam Davis Camp No. 596 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, has been a strident voice for preserving Southern heritage and symbols. But we are proud people who want to preserve our history. We don't want to forget our past, because when you forget the past, you are forgetting where you come from. French rejects the contention of the so-called black leadership that the Confederate battle flag is steeped in racism and bigotry because the ensign is also embraced by white supremacist groups.
People are very proud of the South and their Southern symbols.
We decided our future, and people should respect that. Don't hold your breath. The anti-flag forces are merely licking their wounds, not wanting to heed the last word of Mississippi voters. There are still those out there who are bent on bringing Mississippi to her knees over misguided racial perception. If history is any indication, this proud Magnolia lady is not going to go quietly into the night when pushed by people with agendas aimed at harming this proud state.