The right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution ratified on 12/15/1791. According to Merriam Webster on-line, a right is defined as "something to which one has a just claim: as a: the power or privilege to which one is justly entitled <voting rights> <his right to decide> ". The right to free speech also carries a responsibilty to express it is a just manner.

Dear Miss Held,

Being as you are from the North and still in high school, it is easy to understand why you have the views you do towards the Confederate Flag. As you grow older, if the urge hits you to do further studies of the aforementioned flag and the real reasons for it's existence, you would ( I promise!) come away with a total different outlook.

Just a few facts to 'wet your whistle'
The Confederate flag was a Soldier's flag, and as such held no political or governmental baggage. Blacks, Jews, Women, Indians, Hispanics, as well as whites fought under it's colors. Pres Lincoln stated he didn't like blacks, didn't want them to vote or hold office, and wanted to ship the whole group back to Africa. Had the South not left in 1861, the original 13th amendment (ratified by 3 northern states already) would have protected slavery forever, and could not be revoked - and this was supported by Lincoln. Finally, since you chose the 'hate' path, and attempted to link it to the Nazis please know that is a lame argument, cause if that is the road you favor, then it wasn't the Confederates who killed 6 million Blacks like the Nazis killed Jews, but the US Govt did exterminate 6 million Indians, The Nazis put Jews in concentration camps, just like the US put Japanese in during WW2, and the Confederates didn't do experimental surgery on blacks like Dr Mengele did on Jews, but the US Govt gave infected blankets to Indians, and the official flag of the KKK - since 1866 - is the US Flag.

Oh BTW, The flag on the roof of the 01 General Lee is a symbol, and just as the theme song of the Dukes stated "fightin' the system just like 2 modern day Robin Hoods" The connection is the Flag in 1864 and on the roof of the 1969 Dodge Charger is those who wield it are fighting a tyannical power.

In response to the post by VaFlagger, I don't think that his/her arguements accurately address the points made in Miss Held's post. I think it's rather clear that her purpose in writing this piece was to objectively discuss the reactions and feelings that the sight of the confederate flag still evoke. Her friends and fellow N CAP board members have every right to react in the way they do, because whether it is accurate or not the confederate flag has become a symbol of the southern regime during the American Civil War. It has come symbolize oppression, slavery and a challenge to equality. In 2005, a study conducted by Western Carolina University found that 74% of African Americans favored removal of the Confederate flag form the state house. The NAACP called for a boycott of South Carolina, urging its members not to visit the state, because of its continued display of the confederate flag.While I don't claim to be an expert in the history of the flag itself, I don't feel that its use as a "soldier's flag" should change anything.

Secondly, I don't feel that the history of President Lincoln, which may or may not be completely accurate is of any relevance to the points made by Ms. Held. She did not indict confederate leaders nor laud the president of the Union. Instead, her points were directed at what feelings the sight of the confederate flag dredges up some 147 years later.

Third, I am confused about your discussion of Nazi germany and the experiments of Dr. Mengele. The article in no way compared the Confederate States to Hitler's Third Reich. In fact, the only reason why Ms. Held even broached the subject of Nazism, was to introduce the precedent of free speech guaranteed by the high courts ruling in National Socialist Party of America vs. Skokie. It was a platform that she used to explain how even though she is not personally in favor of displaying the confederate flag in a community parade (not matter what manner it is done in) she understands what problems arise when we censor things or people simply because we do not agree with them. The quote from Voltaire effectively captures this.

To Jumbo_11

"It has come symbolize oppression, slavery and a challenge to equality."

The Battleflag was used in Victory at the capture of Shuri Castle on Okinawa in Japan in WW2. The Battleflag was used with honor and distinction by the US Army's famous 31st Infantry 'Dixie Division'. The Battleflag was used on the US Navy's Nuclear Submarine SSBN 601 USS Robert E Lee. The Battleflag was used at the destruction of the Berlin Wall. The Battleflag was taken aboard the International Space Station by Russian cosmonauts. The Battleflag is used by the County Cork Ireland's Hurling Team 'Cork Rebels' as a rally symbol. The Battleflag was seen on Matlock, Dukes, Smokey and the Bandit, etc...

"In 2005, a study conducted by Western Carolina University found that 74% of African Americans favored removal of the Confederate flag form the state house"

In January 2005, a Mason-Dixon poll showed clearly that 79% of Georgians were happy with the Battleflag design of the 1956 State flag and did not wish a change.

"The NAACP called for a boycott of South Carolina, urging its members not to visit the state, because of its continued display of the confederate flag."

The NAACP threatened a boycott if the Dome flag was not removed. It was taken down in 2000. The NAACP then called for a boycott anyway for the one Battleflag flying at the SC Soldier's memorial. Alabama has 4 Confederate Flags flying on the capitol grounds and Georgia has pictures of 3 Confederate Flags on the capitol grounds. 8 Southern States have some form of Confederate symbols incorporated in their current state flags. The NAACP are hypocrites and are race agitators.

"She did not indict confederate leaders"

While not an idictment, she did say "I don’t endorse what the Confederate flag stood for, I don’t support secession" and I offered an opposing point of view. One I should have included was the quote from Supreme Court Judge Salmon B Chase that said if they had tried Jefferson Davis, the US would have lost and shown that Secession was in fact legal. I would also hope that Miss Held rethinks her position against secession, as it is a Human Right to leave any oppresive Govt and form one that suits you better, this is in the Declaration of Independence, as well as a quote from Abe Lincoln, but she is young...

"I am confused about your discussion of Nazi germany and the experiments of Dr. Mengele. The article in no way compared the Confederate States to Hitler's Third Reich."

While no direct comparison was discussed, her declaration "Immediately, my fellow N-CAP members said they would look into not including the car in next year’s parade." smacks exactly of Nazi book burning and party censorship of things deemed undesirable. Further was her use of the Skokie ruling, equating the example of the Nazi Party and thier vile hate speech to a replica of the 01 General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard was beyond the pale.

Dear Miss Held

If you have an issue with a TV program, change the channel, if you disagree with a newspaper of magazine, don't buy it. If you don't like a certain vehicles decor or historical symbol, look away.

Banning and censorship is a tried and true method used for years by Communists and for a shorter time by Nazis. This nation is weakened by banning and censorship.

But most telling, in your and NCAP's rush to judge from youth and inexperience, perhaps y'all overlooked a simple fact? You stated "The Confederate flag is not a historical symbol for most living in upstate New York, nor does it have anything to do with celebrating Niskayuna. I wondered for a few minutes why it was a part of the parade."

One answer most likely is that the car they hate is the 01 General Lee, from the Dukes of Hazzard TV Show. The usual driver of the car was Bo Duke. Bo Duke was played by John Schnieder. John Schnieder was born in Mt Kisco NEW YORK - which is just 4 short counties away.

I'm not taking either side here, just wanted to point you to a yahoo page where people post their views of what the confederate flag represents -
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Also, out of curiosity, since nazism has come up. What would be your opinion if there was a car proudly displaying a swastika in the parade?

Mr Goodspeed,

If a car displaying a swastika was in the parade, it would probably be booed, vandalized, and the driver would probably be threatened with harm.

It most likely would be driven by those sympathetic to the American Nazi Party and their vile hate, which has no place in our society, but if they secured the appropriate parade permits, then they too should be allowed, but taste and common decency would not grant them a large audience.

I have fought against the nazis and the klan when they chose to hold rallies on National Park Service lands like Gettysburg and Antietam.

However, FYI, not every use of a swastika is bad. It was and still is used by millions across the globe as a symbol of good luck, peace, and friendship.

Coca Cola and a US Army Regt used the swastika up until the 1930's. It was also used in Indiana Jones and Hogans Heroes as historical backdrops.

I would disagree with such a car, but my support for the US Constitution is my concern.

You caught on to my point exactly. The swastika, like the confederate flag, historically has both negative and positive connotations. Both symbols can be argued as anti-American (though these days, almost anything can). What I'm wondering, is if you see a reason why the confederate flag should be allowed, but not a car with a Nazi symbol. If so, why? What would be the clear difference between the two?

Mr Goodspeed

If Miss Held had just limited her dissertation to the 01 General Lee, then the argument would be thus:

I think the orange color is tacky. Why not include Daisy Duke's jeep? Is that Roscoe or Boss Hogg far behind? Why that flag on the roof? (or some similar point, as the universe the Dukes lived in was free of racism, law enforcement and crooks were bumbling idiots, and good won out on every show) So in the context of the show, the car and flag was benign, except the Dukes were fighting the crooked system - as should we all)

It was only when more was attempted to be made of the car's decor by young minds bent on banning and censorship that a bigger argument can be made.

Taking the car and it's TV meaning out of context is wrong. Banning is wrong. Nothing is racist or hateful about the car and it's roof flag. Leave it in the parade.

Cont....

I am a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and I have studied the history and many facets of the 200+ versions of Confederate Flags. I see no comparison between the Confederate flag, which is a soldier's flag, and the swastika flag, which is the symbol created (tilted on it's side) specifically to represent the Nationalist Socialist Party of Germany. Their philosophies and methods were totally at odds with each other. One wanted peace and to be left alone, the other sought global domination.

As for other items, see my post above, like Nazis killed 6 million Jews, and the US Govt killed 6 million Indians. Jews were an important part of the Confederacy, while General Grant had issued orders to expell all Jews as a class from his theatre of operations. Yes, the KKK used the Confederate Flag sporadically and unofficially since the 1950s to intimidate, but the same KKK has used the US Flag as it's official banner since 1866. Either idict BOTH flags as being a hate symbol, or leave them both alone.

It was the NAACP that declared the Confederate Flag "an odious blight on the universe" and set about PR wise by equating the CSA and Nazi Germany. Such comparisons hold no merit in reality, and only serves to divide the races.

Speaking of the radical NAACP and local NY star John Schneider. Back in March of 2007, it was supposed to be a musical show based on the Dukes of Hazzard starring Mr Schneider (Bo) and Mr Tom Wopat (Luke) singing and dancing to packed audiences in the Cincinnati Pops.

The contracts had been signed, plans had been made. Cast members were lined up. Things were moving along and getting ready for opening.

Then comes the NAACP.

STOP ! NO SHOW! WE ARE OFFENDED! YOU MUST CANCEL OR ELSE! THE DUKES OF HAZZARD ARE RACISTS !!!!!!

Contracts then were shredded, the event was cancelled, and all plans were trashed - simply to appease the radical NAACP.

John (Bo) Schneider stated “It’s a huge shock to me that in this day and age people could be so narrowed minded, especially professional people.”

Duke's show mechanic Mr Ben (Cooter) Jones and NAACP member stated the NAACP actions were "a dangerous affront to the rights of performing artists and their audiences, and the worst example of political correctness I've ever heard of."

He further stated "In my opinion, there are two important issues here, First of all, the original Dukes of Hazzard is a wonderfully benign show, one that is beloved by kids of all ages. My grandchildren love it. If some elitist wants to think otherwise, fine. I think that would be wrong-headed, but that is their right. But to go further and basically blacklist an artist because of a past association with that show is beyond the pale. I'm just trying to get the word out. I've done a lot of "Dukes' things for almost thirty years, and I've met legions of black folks who love the show and its values."

Dear Miss Held,

I would like to know if any of this helps you better understand the other side, and stand ready to answer any queries you may have of me or my answers.

LMK

God Bless

Dear Miss Held,

Just found out today that the 30th anniversary of the Dukes of Hazzard as well as the annual Duke Fest is this year (next Month)- at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

I would invite you to come visit the show, and bring your NCAP friends. NY born John Schneider and the rest of the cast will be there, and they are gonna film a 2 hour movie too.

I still await your reply. My email address is GeorgiaFlagger@Joimail.com

Thanks & God Bless

Hi,

This is Elizabeth. I appreciate your willingness to comment and encourage a discussion, but I feel you missed my point completely. My sole point in this piece was to say everyone (including the Sons of Confederate Soldiers and the NAACP) has the right to free speech.

I cited National Socialist Party of America v. Skokie solely because the Supreme Court determined in this case that everyone has a right to free speech, regardless of their ideology.

I was hurt by your accusation I stand for censorship. As the Editor-in-Chief of my school paper I've fought the forces of censorship (and won) quite a few times. For you to state anything to the contrary is simply untrue.

I, like Jumbo11, don't quite understand why you brought up Holocaust doctors or the fact the Lincoln was a Colonizationist. Believe it or not, I've read a great deal of Lincoln's writings and understand pretty thoroughly his thoughts on race.

Finally, I stand by my assessment that the Confederate flag has nothing to do with Niskayuna. Niska-Day was a day created for our town to come together and celebrate its history, not Mount Kisco's.

Thanks for reading and commenting,
Elizabeth