Lynyrd Skynyrd decides it’s finally time to stop using the Confederate flag

[babylonsister]

Sweet Home, Massachusetts?

http://www.salon.com/2012/09/21/lynyrd_skynyrd_decides_its_finally_time_to_stop_using_the_confederate_flag/

Lynyrd Skynyrd decides it’s finally time to stop using the Confederate flag
Let's welcome the band to 2012
By Prachi Gupta



The ’70s Southern rock band has decided that now is the time to to stop flaunting a flag that’s been offensive to people pretty much since its conception. Gary Rossington, the only original member left in the band, told CNN that they will stop using the Confederate flag as a stage decoration because it could be misconstrued as racist:

“Through the years, people like the KKK and skinheads kinda kidnapped the Dixie or Southern flag from its tradition and the heritage of the soldiers, that’s what it was about,” Rossington said. “We didn’t want that to go to our fans or show the image like we agreed with any of the race stuff or any of the bad things.”

Most people have applauded Lynyrd Skynyrd for their decision but there have been a few dissenters. CNN collected responses of fans who didn’t support the action:

“Good luck with your next release ‘Sweet home Massachusetts.’ I am sure it will climb the charts with a bullet in Yankee-land,” said one. “This isn’t the real Lynyrd Skynyrd anyway. They should have taken a name like ‘Obama’s Politically Correct Sell Your Soul Make Believe Impostors’ or something,” opined another.

[tularetom]

1. This is gonna hurt them with the Honey Boo Boo demographic

[spanone]

2. good for them.

[randr]

3. Born Losers

[DinahMoeHum]

4. the current LS is a hideous ghost of what it was over 35 years ago. . .

. . .and although I do have CDs of LS, I've never bought one of their albums recorded after 1977 (except for "Freebird: The Movie&quot .

They were never the same after that plane crash in October 1977.

Nearly everyone from the 70's incarnation of it is now gone.

I prefer to remember them as they were way back then.

BTW, they campaigned for Jimmy Carter back then, and they never supported Southern racism and segregation (they're booing, not cheering George Wallace in their song "Sweet Home Alabama&quot

[babylonsister]

5. Whatever. They are doing the right thing imo; I live in GA and

stands are set up here on roadsides to sell these flags. I'm glad LS took a stand.

[formercia]

6. Stupidity dies hard.

How many Generations has it been?

[babylonsister]

7. I'm glad it died. Maybe someone will be influenced. nt

[nolabear]

8. Catchy Band Name:

Doesn't shorten well, though. OPCSYSMBI.

[babylonsister]

9. You KNEW I'd ask you what that meant, so spill! nt

[stlsaxman]

10. "Who does Gary Rossington think he is- denying his pure, white culture and heritage?!?!?"

He just pissed of a LOT of Southerners.

[central scrutinizer]

11. too little, far too late

nice try, though. E for effort