Poppy, most of those, especially from Walton County, who fought and died were too poor to own slaves. In fact, Walton County opposed succession when it was voted on. They fought to protect their homes and state. The remembrance of them is not racist nor does it seek to revive some long discredited belief.
What really bothers me about this is that we are making knee jerk reactions to an unbelievable tragedy while ignoring the really serious issues. Does anyone seriously think that all of this attention to an historical relic is going to end real racism or bigotry? IMHO it is a useless gesture that gives everyone warm fuzzy feelings while we continue to ignore the real issues. Not to mention that in this county we have serious problems that need attention far more than whether or not a 150 year old flag flies at the courthouse. Things like $600,000 "missing" from the Planning Dept or how the protections of our coastal lakes have been changed and if those lakes are now in danger. I guarantee you there are several members of the powers that be that will love debating the flag instead of those issues.
