No. It isn't political. It's deeply cultural. Many conservatives have come out against the flag, and not just recently. There are mixed feelings on the matter from apathy to strongly wanting to keep it flying for "pride and heritage". I believe Mayor Gillum when he goes into the details for his decision not to attend the conference in Sandestin. He has constituents and family to consider among other thoughts - I appreciate his words and stance on the issue. If only our community could consider the consequences of this flag flying over everyone (not just their pride and heritage) - but Walton County has made its decision - it's a decision we all have to live with but we don't all have to be proud of it.
Secondly, I am not going to Walton County. While the Chamber of Commerce had a business and logistical decision to make with regard to this years' conference, in addition to these concerns, my decision emanates from several additional factors. I serve as the mayor of Florida's Capital City. I am a black man, husband and father to two precious children, who need to look up to their father as an example of moral and principled leadership. I am still grieving over my friend and colleague, Rev. Clementa Pinckney of South Carolina's Emanuel AME Church, having been murdered under the premise of Confederate ideology. I learned from my ancestors at a very early age that if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
