Protesters Rally as Bill Moves to the House

[gtxvideo vid=”Cm42Y60K” playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/Cm42Y60K.jpg” vtitle=”Live Confederate Flag Rally”]

As the bill to remove the Confederate flag from Statehouse grounds heads to the House, those in favor of letting the flag fly say they’re feeling a renewed sense of frustration, while those asking the flag be removed say this is one small step towards unity. Civil Rights Activist Jesse Jackson says “Lets put out all these bridges and go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.” Forward progress for the state of South Carolina, it’s something many feel will only be possible with the removal of the Confederate Flag. Others say the flag is an essential part of the State’s history and their own heritage. Michael Whitaker says, “It’s not as much just the flag as I’m out here trying to honor my ancestors.” Though not surprised by the Senate’s decision to pass the bill, pro-flag ralliers couldn’t stifle their disappointment. Whitaker says, “I knew it was going to happen, the political powers at be we call it a world wind and a new era and I don’t know really what to say it’s just really a sad day in South Carolina if you ask me.” But on the other side of this argument, anti-flag activists are inspired by the bill’s progress. Tuesday, MoveOn and Color of Change members delivered more than 620,000 signatures to the Governor’s office in support of the iconic emblem being taken down. Petition Author Karen Hunter says, “It’s time for this to go. If we can’t do anything else, we can’t bring back those 9 people but we can remove this symbol, we can remove this flag.” With the bill now in the hands of the House, those on both side of this issue anxiously await the decision they say could make or save history. Larry Ware says, “I’m trying to hold onto what little dignity a true southern person can have in the south.” Jackson says, “Everyone has some heritage in the game, but the good news is America won.”