Video Local shop owner gets heat about Confederate flag

[gtxvideo vid=”8cmC4XJj” playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/8cmC4XJj.jpg” vtitle=”Ice cream confederate flag”]

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) — An Orangeburg business owner is facing backlash from the community, for something that’s standing in his parking lot. The problem is, the Confederate flag does not belong to Edisto River Creamery. “I’m not lying. read the the public records,” part owner Tommy Daras says. “It’s not my flag and it’s not my memorial.” Daras says the flag has caused him trouble since he opened the business with his family two months ago. Opinions intensified since Governor Nikki Haley called for the one flying in front of the S.C. State House to be taken down. “Right now it looks like just a flag sticking up in the middle of town saying, the hell with you,” Daras says. The flag actually sits in a small spot that was deeded to a chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans by the previous owner. That was Maurice Bessinger of Maurice’s BBQ. Bessinger was known for his controversial views on race and endorsement of the Confederate flag. Daras says Bessinger wanted to ensure the flag would not come down after the restaurant closed. Daras’ daughter, Katie, a part owner of the business says they just want to sell ice cream. “Going forward I feel like people will hopefully get enlightened on the situation and understand, it’s not our property,” she says. “We’re here to be good people and unite Orangeburg.” Daras says he asked the chapter of Sons of Confederate Veterans if he could pay to move the memorial, but they said no. He wanted to make the fact that it’s a memorial, more obvious.