It seems there are still differing opinions on whether or not the Confederate flag should be displayed at the Statehouse in South Carolina. Some defend it as a part of history while others call it a symbol of racism.
One of the defenders is none other than Indian-American governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley(R). She claims that none of the out of state CEOs she’s spoken with have had a problem with the flag. She also mentioned that electing the first Indian-American female governor and appointing the first African-American senator “fixed” racial perceptions in South Carolina. Others, such as Senator Vincent Sheheen(D), disagree.
He claims that the Confederate flag is not truly representative of the people of South Carolina and that it should be sent to a museum. Furthermore he states that everyone should rally together under the “American flag” and look towards the future rather than the past.
Weighing in on the controversy independent Libertarian candidate Steve French was somewhat more ambiguous on the issue compared to Governor Haley and Senator Sheheen. He stated that he was fine with someone painting their house like the Confederate flag but that the Confederate flag represents “division” when the state needs to be coming together. It should also be stated that Mr. French disagreed with Governor Haley when it comes to business.
He claimed that he has spoken with entrepreneurs who refuse to move to South Caroline due to its perceived image of being a “backwoods good ol’ boy network.”