Scalawags and Stink Faces

The first videos from Appomattox are being posted on the YouTube page of the Virginia Flaggers.  In this short video members describe visitors and representatives of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as “scalawags” and “stink faces.”  How very classy.  Apparently, the SCV’s General Executive Committee issued a resolution requesting that all members boycott participating in the opening ceremonies.  A few chose to participate.  What I don’t understand is why the SCV didn’t encourage more to attend: more units, more flags.  In fact, by the looks of it the MOC did nothing to prevent visitors from carrying Confederate flags on the grounds.

This protest reminds me of the situation in Lexington.  In both cases no one is being prevented from waving a Confederate flag.

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13 comments… add one
  • John Maass Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:53

    The comments seem to have turned bitter on this particular post, and add nothing to any real or productive discussion. That may let some folks unload some bile, vent, or blow off steam—but the rest of us don’t need to see it. I think it detracts from the high quality of the rest of the blog (not just this post).

    • Kevin Levin Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:56

      Hi John,

      I hear you, but I decided to be a bit more lax in approving comments given the divisive nature of the post content. Once in a while it is necessary to allow folks to vent. You should see some of the comments that didn’t make it through. 🙂

  • Andy Hall Apr 1, 2012 @ 9:44

    So the guys carrying Confederate flags are ragging on the other guys carrying Confederate flags, right? Welcome to petty, petty world of Confederate heritage, y’all.

    The large group in CS uniforms with flags is the SCV Maryland Division Color Guard, which attends many such events. The Flaggers explicitly called on that group to withdraw from the ceremony, which obviously they did not, and so for it they’re now “scalawags and stinkfaces.” They really do seem to enjoy picking fights with folks with whom they should be seeking common ground. Keith Olbermann joked once that he doesn’t burn his bridges behind him, but actually sets fire to the river; that’s a good description of what we’re seeing these days with the Flaggers.

    By the way, Ms. Hathaway, nice job of turning to swing a big CBF right in the face of “General Grant’s” horse, and posting a snarky video of the animal’s inevitable reaction.. Funny how you managed to stand still when “Traveler” was passing a few seconds earlier.

    • Kevin Levin Apr 1, 2012 @ 9:50

      No surprise that the SHPG removed the post in question.

    • Billy Bearden Apr 1, 2012 @ 14:44

      What is missing from the shots are the groups and individuals that pulled out due to the actions of others.

    • Margaret D. Blough Apr 1, 2012 @ 23:02

      Isn’t that animal cruelty, Andy?

      • Andy Hall Apr 2, 2012 @ 3:04

        It’s serious and irresponsible behavior since a spooked horse can throw its rider. The real Grant was an excellent horseman, but (in all probability) his 21st century is less skilled in that regard, and jackassery like that really has no place. Unfortunately, staged confrontations and misrepresentation is what we’ve come expect from the Flaggers’ YouTube efforts.

        • Connie Chastain Apr 2, 2012 @ 4:11

          “So the guys carrying Confederate flags are ragging on the other guys carrying Confederate flags, right? Welcome to petty, petty world of Confederate heritage, y’all.”

          So anybody who carries a Confederate flag should be a mental clone of any other guy carrying a Confederate flag? Instant and total compatriots? Must agree on every single thing? What a seriously infantile interpretation of the issue.

          As for the horse, Ms. Hathaway didn’t turn to swing the flag in the animal’s face. The video clearly shows she was to the side of the animal, not in front. How dare she make the wind blow just when that horse came by! It is certainly not inevitable that a horse will shy if a flag is waved nearby. Any animal that shies easily shouldn’t be used in parades and reenactments where there are not only flags waving but a lot more visual movement, not to mention loud noise.

          Talk about petty…. You’re grasping at petty, petty straws, Mr. Hall…

          • Eric A. Jacobson Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:45

            Connie, If you can’t see or admit the problems and controversies caused by all the infighting among “heritage” advocates, then it is your analysis that is truly infantile. No one expects everyone to agree, but this is far beyond simple disagreement. But as usual you love to deflect and argue. I might also add that for someone who constantly criticizes Kevin, Andy, and Brooks for reading your blog and FB page and offering their opinions, you are lately spending an inordinate amount of time doing exactly the same thing.

  • Barbara Gannon Apr 1, 2012 @ 9:37

    This is were Civil War memory and reality part company. The LAST place on the face of the earth that CSA flags should be displayed is Appomattox, they were surrendered there with the understanding that they would no longer be used as a symbol for anything-that why it was called surrender. Because of the generous spirit of successor generations it is allowed to fly in other places as an exercise of the First Amendment, fine. People who see themselves as guardians of the spirit of the CSA should honor their ancestors who signed a surrender treaty at that place and gave their word of honor to no longer follow that flag that in exchange for generous surrender terms.

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