"Yes, the flag didn't directly cause the shooting, but the attitudes that installed it, kept it up and insist on it still flying are why that psycho thought he needed to kill black people."
I have tried to stay out of this conversation because as Bob Hudson pointed out it is going in circles and thus counter-productive. But this statement by Zebraspots needs a reply.
I understand why someone would want to take the flag down. I also understand that the flag was not part of the original display and I also understand why it should not fly "over" a government building. I have listened carefully to everyone's point of view. But I cannot/will not accept that those who support keeping the flag somehow encourage or support an evil individual killing anyone of any race. I for one absolutely do not support such nor was I raised to support such. My only interest is in memorializing and respecting those who served this county. That flag has been part of that effort as long as I have lived and I see no reason to change it.
Many may not realize that Walton County in 1860 voted NO at the convention called to consider the matter of secession. The clear inference is that many of those whose names are on the memorial did not support secession. But after it was passed, they answered the call to defend their homes and families. As to my personal stake, my Great-Great Grandfather was on the Board of Commissioners at the time. He was wounded in the war and the only reason his name is not on the memorial is that his wife and son traveled north to find him and bring him home in the family wagon.
My Father was not from this area and was as unprejudiced an individual as I have ever known, even during a time when that position was very unpopular with many family and neighbors. He taught me to value everyone and treat them with respect and lived that way in front of me. I have tried to follow in his footsteps as best that I can.
Therefore, as someone who supports the flag remaining over the Memorial, not the Courthouse, I categorically do not support anyone treating anybody disrespectfully or taking their liberty or life. I respect where you are coming from and would ask you to do me the honor of treating my position with the same respect. If at any time you have felt that I treated you with disrespect, then I ask your forgiveness.