Florida county votes Unanimously to reinstate Confederate flag to council building amid national amid over controversial symbol
A county in Florida has unanimously voted to reinstate the Confederate flag despite national outcry over the controversial banner.
It has been falling from state capitols across the country after the racist shooting of nine black churchgoers by a pro-Confederate 21-year-old, Dylann Roof.
And last week Marion County followed suit, removing the flag for fear of backlash.
However, the move prompted outrage from local citizens who claim it is a mark of their heritage.
Reinstated: The Confederate flag in Marion County, Florida, after it was reinstated by a unanimous vote
Reinstated: The Confederate flag in Marion County, Florida, after it was reinstated by a unanimous vote
Finally, on Tuesday, Marion County's board of commissioners overruled the decision by board chairman Stan McClain, and the banner was raised up once more.
'We are all exposed to messages and symbols that may not connect for us, but we should all honor our ancestors and protect free expression,' said state Rep. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) during a meeting to decide the fate of the flag, according to WKMG.
Bubba Watson says he's painting over the Confederate flag on his car made popular in "The Dukes of Hazzard" television series. The two-time Masters champ said Friday he'll replace it with the U.S. flag on the roof of the "General Lee 01." Confederate symbols have been the focus of debate since nine people were killed June 17 at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina. Authorities say the accused gunman had posed in photographs with the Confederate battle flag. Watson said after his round at The Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia that his decision "was the right gesture for me to do." He also said the American flag sends a statement that everyone is "created equal." An Illinois-based auto museum offered Friday to buy the car as-is from Watson. Church shooting suspect Dylann Roof indicted on nine murder...
Members of the public also attended to share their views.
Buddy Proctor said: 'It should be put back. It's a Southern flag.'
'I don't see racism in the symbol of the Confederate flag,' said Debbie Rotstein. 'I see it was part of the Civil War, and it was part of our history.'
Source:
dailymail.co.uk
