Pic Of The Moment: "We'll Never Understand" -- Really?

[EarlG]

Suspected Charleston church gunman Dylann Storm Roof sat with victims for hour, then went on racist rant before killing nine

Governor who flies Confederate flag at SC capitol says "we’ll never understand what motivates"

Follow @demunderground

[tblue]

1. Maybe YOU'LL never understand.

Just try, Governor. Just give it one good try.

What is up with that woman???

[calimary]

19. She's a CON, for one thing. These days, that's pretty much all you need to know.

[blm]

55. Nikki Haley(R-Crocodile Tears, SC) made promises to white supremacists that she kept.

She promised to raise their voices above the voices of people of color and goodwill. Making promises like that gets you elected in SC and other southern states.

And I am going to make sure to spread that fact as often as possible.

[Maraya1969]

79. Do you have a link to that information?

[blm]

82. During her campaign she defended it. She signaled to all who flew it that

she would leave it exactly where it was. She had turned down the request by NAACP to remove it.

That flag represents the voice of racists and supremacists. By standing with the flag she stands with the supremacists.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/nikki-haley-confederate-flag-ceos

[Maraya1969]

84. For some reason I thought she was a woman of color and that clouded

my judgement because I could not image that scenario but now that I see she is non-black I understand completely.

[MADem]

85. She is of South Asian heritage, like Bobby Jindal.

She has a very, well, vibrant history. Google her name, followed by "affair" and you'll be reading all night!

Here's a link to get you started...
http://theweek.com/articles/494137/south-carolinas-tea-party-sex-scandal

If this had been a Democrat, they would have prepared the hot coals to drag her over....

What are the odds on two governors in a row taking a hike on the Appalachian Trail?

[yuiyoshida]

2. Are they the last state

to fly that flag officially? Or are there others?

[sarge43]

8. It's not SC official state flag

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina

Mississippi has the Confederate Battle Flag in its state flag's canton.

[yuiyoshida]

10. Thanks for the info...

I had to look up Canton...(I knew it had nothing to do with China! XD ) ...Its still crazy they are flying that flag!

[sarge43]

16. It shouldn't be displayed in front of any US government building.

Not only does it represent forces that tried to split this nation; it's race baiting.

[calimary]

20. Agreed.

It's a symbol of divisiveness and hate. Tells you something VERY illuminating about those who insist on clinging to it and keeping it alive.

[SCantiGOP]

58. saying the flag is a symbol of Southern heritage

is every bit as much bullshit as saying the Nazi flag concerns German pride rather than racism.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

65. Yes, only worse, in a way. The rebels were racsist AND trators.

[daleanime]

25. Hell yes....

[cstanleytech]

53. I suspect they are flying it more as a giant middle finger aimed at

the people who dont approve of the flag more than anything kind of like why some people (fewer now these days thankfully) fly it in my area.
Edit: That and because they are douchebags.

[randys1]

56. A few million of us should show up and burn it, something must be done and now

[Midnight Writer]

83. And this killer will be tried in a building flying that flag

[SCantiGOP]

36. Flag came off the statehouse about 10-15 years ago

The statehouse used to fly the Confederate flag on the dome under the US and State flags. It now flies behind the Confederate monument at the front of the State House.
Two interesting facts: It went up in 1960, when the civil rights movement was beginning to gain momentum, supposedly as a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The people who passed the motion to put it up intended it to fly for just that year, but then it was not taken down and after a few years it became a hot political issue.
Secondly, if you had asked people in the years after the end of the Civil War to draw the flag of the Confederate States of America, few would have drawn this flag. It is actually the flag of the Army of Northern Virginia (Robert E Lee's command) even though the familiar image was incorporated as a part of later flags of the CSA. The reason everyone identifies this flag is Cecille B DeMille opted to use it in Gone With the Wind in the famous train station scene where the flag waves over hundreds of dead and dying Confederate soldiers. His use of the flag was reportedly not based on any historical accuracy, but because he thought it had a more powerful image.

[yuiyoshida]

37. Hey!

Thanks for that interesting info!

[sarge43]

40. DeMille had nothing to do with the film.

This article gives a more accurate explanation.

http://thepointnews.com/2011/10/the-confederate-flag-americas-most-controversial-symbol

[SCantiGOP]

45. you are correct

I was thinking of David O Selznick. He, not DeMille, produced the film and preferred the battle flag over the more accurate national flag.

I have spent countless hours arguing with idiots over whether that flag represents racism. The fact that everyone taking that stance was, to some degree, a racist seems to settle that point.

If the flag wasn't a symbol of racism it certainly became one when it was appropriated by the Dixiecrats, KKK and Southern legislatures to express their opposition to desegregation and civil rights.

[sarge43]

51. During the KKK's massive march in DC, 1928

the members carried US flags -- the irony.

[mercuryblues]

78. it still flies

on the State House grounds.

[dflprincess]

80. Except the war didn't start in 1860 so 1960 was not the centennial

South Carolina did secede at the end of 1860 after Lincoln was elected. But the war did not begin until April 12, 1861 when Fort Sumter was fired on.

[SCantiGOP]

89. SC seceded in December, 1860

Even though the first shots at Fort Sumter were not fired until April of 1861, the secession in 1860 is considered the start of the war.
The resolution of the SC legislature during 1960, when the centennial of the war was being 'celebrated,' was to put the flag up as an honor for the people who fought the war, but EVERYONE understood that it was a symbolic act saying that we will oppose federal desegregation efforts and voter drives the same way we opposed the North in 1860, and, more importantly, that the same people who ran the state in 1860 were still in charge in 1960.

[stage left]

39. Our official state flag is a beautiful flag

Not this emblem of HATE. The damned Confederate flag needs to come down!

[yuiyoshida]

41. That really is lovely, however...

I JUST LOVE our flag!!!

[stage left]

48. California

is a great state. Today I wish I was from there.

[yuiyoshida]

49. I can't wait for Bernie to show up

In San Francisco!

[d_legendary1]

52. I'm embarrased for our flag. Looks a hell of a lot like that scummy

flag they're waving:

[sarge43]

60. That may be a flag some jackasses are flying, but it's never been FL's official state flag

http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-flag/floridas-historic-flags/state-flags

[marions ghost]

91. FL state flag

http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-flag/

[CincyDem]

3. You'll never get someone to understand what they're paid to not understand.

Nikki was "hired" by the great state of South Carolina (and people like the Koch's who fund her campaign) to be a racist. She's can't disappoint them.

Had this been a Muslim, all we would hear is how the killer was the sharp tip of a worldwide terrorist sword aimed at the heart of America because they all hate our freedoms.

But - since he was white - he's a disturbed lone wolf who's motives we just can't comprehend.

It's got to be hard to be a stupid as Nikki.

[samsingh]

4. stupid repugs didn't think planes could be used as weapons and can't connect

the dots with the confederate flag and black people

[Kevin from WI]

5. Is that the state flag of South Carolina?

And are they going to lower that flag? I can't believe that symbol is still being used in the south. I am offended just looking at it. How do they justify it? Seems creepy don't it?

[awoke_in_2003]

13. No, this is

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina#/media/File:Flag_of_South_Carolina.svg

[Kevin from WI]

14. Wow, so why do they fly it over the capital?

Strange... and hurtful for a whole bunch of people.

[awoke_in_2003]

23. Because they are racists

pure and simple. There is no other logical explanation. They want to keep that racist, rebel attitude alive. That is why they are always talking about "taking back our country". They didn't say that shit until a black man occupied the White House. They say it every day by not doing one thing to rein in the police. Our media keeps it alive with things like saying a 15 year old girl at a pool party "was no saint". There are too many things to put here. And white Americans play stupid.

[SCantiGOP]

59. It flies on the Statehouse grounds

Behind a hundred year old Confederate soldiers memorial. It flew on the dome of the Capitol until about 15 years ago. It still has no place being displayed anywhere except a museum.

[marions ghost]

92. Flag of SC

--looks like it might fly over one of the Emirates ....

[tclambert]

15. They see that flag as a symbol of Southern pride and their resistance to Northern aggression.

See, the "War of Northern Aggression" back in the 1860s didn't have anything to do with slavery. They were just defending their rights against Big Government trying to restrict their freedoms, like the freedom to own slaves, and the right of states to secede if you try to take away their slaves. But it wasn't just about slavery. No, sir. It was also about . . . uh . . . well, other stuff, really important stuff, important enough to kill and die for. That's how you know it was really important. And South Carolinians are proud that they were the very first to stand up to Lincoln's tyranny, the first to secede, the first to fire shots at a Northern military position (Fort Sumter).

And the fact that they lost and suffered greatly afterwards is the fault of Yankees and darkies, even though the war wasn't about slavery. So a part of their Southern pride is about holding a grudge against those two groups.

Flying that flag could be considered treason. Lincoln, however, wanted to restore the union without taking revenge on the rebels. Strange. You'd think as a Republican, he would have seen to it that Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis were imprisoned at a dark site and regularly waterboarded.

[awoke_in_2003]

24. That is why Sherman

saved most of his wrath for that state. You think they would have learned.

[MADem]

6. I read that and thought "Tone Deaf Nikki" -- she doesn't get it at all. nt

[ffr]

7. Maybe if voters vote, instead of sitting on their hands, we can get that flag taken down.

Pretty simple.

Change starts by participation in your democracy.

Then maybe these whisper campaigns will get eroded.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

9. The flag of traitors.....

[Ilsa]

12. I think this deserves its own thread.

Send this message loud and far.

[daleanime]

26. +1

[JNelson6563]

46. This is an all time favorite!

Well done.

[Raster]

71. THANK YOU!

[BillZBubb]

77. Beautiful!!!!!

[niyad]

11. some of us have no trouble understanding.

[stage left]

17. This is the first I've seen of this

and I am stunned. And heartbroken.

[eppur_se_muova]

18. Tone-deaf, justice-deaf, soul-deaf ...

but the SAY they're color-blind !

[calimary]

21. They're blind alright. But not about color.

And they're proud of it, too.

[matt819]

22. A comment from the NYT article sums things up very nicely

And is the top reader pick for comments:

From a commenter called Bystander:

" ... we’ll never understand what motivates anyone to enter one of our places of worship and take the life of another,' the governor said."

Indulge me as I throw out a couple hypotheticals:

• Hysterical, paranoid gun culture enabled by states trying to outdo each other with permissiveness

• Hysterical, hate-mongering right-wing TV "news," talk show hosts, web sites

• Foaming-at-the-mouth incitements to racism

• Continued un- and underemployment

Most of these could be addressed by people of intelligence and good will. I wonder where we could find some.

[project_bluebook]

27. lots of Crocodile tears

from fascist, racist, sociopath republicans.

[lovemydog]

28. I look forward to marches to demand

that racist separatist flag be taken down once and for all.

[slumcamper]

29. HELP! If someone knows how--

would you please start an online petition imploring the SC state government to retire this symbol of hate and end their tacit approval and celebration of what is represents?

Thanks.

[stage left]

50. I live in South Carolina

I am, in fact, a native South Carolinian. And I just called her office and let her know I wanted the hateful thing taken down. Her office said she has no power to do so. They referred me to My legislator whom I'm going to call right now. I will be happy to see about an online petition. I ask everyone on this board who lives in SC to call their legislator.

[SCantiGOP]

68. Gov can't remove it

The legislature passed a law, and the then Gov signed it, to take it off the dome and put it on the front lawn of the Statehouse, so the Gov couldn't move it.
Haley's only comment about it up till now has been that "no CEO of a company has ever complained about it" because, after all, they are the only people who count.

Haley really scares me. A smarter and politically savvy version of Sarah Palin, but just as crass and in the pocket of the power brokers as Palin was.

[stage left]

81. Yeah that's what they told me.

SoI called Mike Fair's office, my state senator, and my rep, Hamilton's office. I'm not so sure of her intelligence, but she's definitely in the train of whoever has the money. I'm utterly sick of all these Republican shills.

[gwheezie]

30. I just emailed her

I don't live in sc but I do live in Va. The sight of that flag makes my blood boil. Let Haley know she has to take down that racist flag.

[Scalded Nun]

31. They understand exactly

They are experts on how to stoke this shit just up to the point where they can walk away and put on that innocent look when everything blows up.

They are nasty and they are evil, and they would not have it any other way.

[SunSeeker]

32. Flying the Confederate battle flag (what is pictured) advocates treason and racism.

Flying the damn thing is hate speech. NO governmental entity should be flying it.

[Dont call me Shirley]

33. My skin is white, I am a female, I was never raped by a person of color, only white males.

No person of color has ever done anything to harm me, only people with white skin have caused me major damage.

This is not a "man" who killed 9 innocent beings, this is a coward who refuses to look at the ugliness within his own being!

Take down that horrid flag, that horrid flag is a curse on humanity!

[JNelson6563]

44. I am sad to read of the harm inflicted on you.

Going by your sig-line, it would appear you found a path to healing. I hope so.

Julie

[Dont call me Shirley]

47. Healing path is the Tao (The Way)

Thank you JNelson6563

[63splitwindow]

34. There are none so blind...

as those who will not see. Born into, raised to believe and encouraged to perpetuate HATE!!! And you can bet the right wing-nuts will twist this into somehow being Obama's fault. AFTER ALL, they will smugly begin, the KKK was the product of Southern DEMOCRATS! And then, for good measure, their REAL CONCERN will be that this is another reason they are "Comin' to grab our guns!"

[Cryptoad]

35. US Flag of Hate!!!

[irisblue]

38. I got a clue Gov Haley, want to hear it from me?

[orbitalman]

42. If you don't see the problem in the picture...

you could be part of the problem.

[passnobuck]

43. Remember, the flag is just a symbol of a mindset that refuses to

acknowledge so much of the history of our nation. Our "White House", built by slaves, as the "presidential mansion". When it was built, only white male landowners could vote to select a white man to serve in it.

We have come a little way since then, but not far enough, not fast enough.

As fast as many of our attitudes have changed regarding acceptance of the legitimacy of LGBT folks loving each other, only during my lifetime, I wish we could rid our nation of bigoted attitudes about race which have been dogging our nation for almost 400 years and continue to this day.

[jwirr]

54. We should all send her postcards explaining it to her.

[Zambero]

57. In order for Haley's lie to have been truthful

She would have had to say "admit" instead of "understand".

[Sunlei]

61. I see the confederate flag as a banner of generations of sore losers, nothing to be proud of.

[DonCoquixote]

62. Usually the louder someone says

"we'll never understand what makes people do this"
the clearer they actually DO understand. Yes Miss Haley, you do, and you showed that when you changed your name to "Nikki" to please white voters.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Haley
yes Ms. Nimrata Nikki Randhawa Haley

and don't you dare say "we are in a state of love"

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150618/PC16/150619394/1177/nikki-haley-at-vigil-x2018-we-are-a-state-of-love-x2019

as we know damned well that the Klan and Sympathizers have tried to destroy that same church. They were doing it long before MLK was born, and they are doing it well after he is dead.

because you know damned well that the people using you as a shield want more of this, and then they will hang you from the same tree as the people you worked against.

[captainarizona]

63. we will never forget bumper sticker has been replaced

Maybe soon we'll never understand will be replaced by Oh that is why I got voted out of office!

[The Wizard]

64. Repubics foment hatred and fear for cheap political advantage

And then have the audacity to say they don't understand the hatred, all with a straight face. Lying is in their DNA.

[erronis]

66. Can anyone with talent substitute an ISIS symbol on the SC flag?

Aren't the bigots from one place like the bigots from another?

We have witnessed the brutality of both groups. Guns, knives, lynchings, beheadings. Brothers in arms.

[Bill USA]

67. it's incredible how much damage - to individuals and to a country - one Crazy can accomplish

[jtuck004]

69. ""The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,"

Francis said.

The front page of CNN had this quite from the pope, coincidentally, next to the really large picture of that shooter.

For Nikki Haley and her ilk, it's a calling to make that pile higher and deeper.

[LynneSin]

70. At what point will these idiots realize they lost that war?

clinging to the racist past is never a good way to run your state

[mrmpa]

72. Didn't Trump, yesterday call.............

immigrants "rapists"?

[mountain grammy]

73. The glorious flag of slavery and treason..

fuck that flag... burn it.

[erpowers]

74. Very Easy to Understand

Actually, it is very easy to understand "what motivates" someone to do something like this. It is motivated by a steady stream of hate and fear pushed on the right. How many times did this young man hear the talking point that this country is being taken from its rightful owners? How many times did this young man hear Tea Party members claim the rightful owners of this country needed to stand up and take take back their country?

[VA_Jill]

75. It is way past time

for Dimrata (yes, I said that) to shitcan that rag. If she isn't smart enough to understand why, I can explain it for her in words of one syllable: it breeds hate.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

76. and here's a picture of the front lawn of the statehouse

(Front and center on grounds of S.C. capitol)

"There's not enough troops in the Army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the Nigra race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes, and into our churches.”
-- U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., unrepentant racist, conservative icon and mentor to many a rightwinger in the state

[LeftOfWest]

86. Well said and done.

Thank you.

[lebkuchen]

87. I don't understand why a parent would give a (troubled) son a gun

What a culture~.

[turbinetree]

88. This what happens on last night show with Chris Hayes

and it really shows what this is all about in my opinion:

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/chris-hayes-confronts-mark-sanford-about-confederate-flag-flying-symbol-of-tyranny/

And then there is Nikki Haley

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/roan-garcia-quintana_n_3325885.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/18/nikki-haley-charleston-shooting_n_7612398.html?cps=gravity_2425_3425480905667865275

[JackInGreen]

90. are we sure that there's a moratorium on social acceptance

of the c-word? I mean....there HAVE to be exceptions that aren't 'pints and footy and cute accent'.

[Leah Knight]

93. She should be

sent home until she figures it out. And who are the "we" that will never understand. Most civilized human beings know exactly what the motivation is. This is for those who cannot accept their own hate, racist, and separatist beliefs. We'll never understand what motivates you all to proudly fly that shameful confederate rag!

[gopiscrap]

94. Welcome to DU