Dear Whyvillians,

I, tikihut13, have written this article to explain my opinion, mine alone, on Confederate flags and their meaning.

As I was looking through the new arrivals, something caught my eye, something I've always disliked and still do. A Confederate flag had been accepted much to my dislike. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. "Why?" "What would the black population on Whyville think?" "What is wrong with Akbar accepting something so vile and racist?" These were a few of the thoughts. As you may be able to assume from these that I don't support the Confederate flag and never have, nor will.

As I sat there thinking this I remembered when my brother got his first Confederate flag. He said he liked the design, that it stood for a strong South and that he hopes someday the South will rise again. I had no clue what it meant, all that stuff he said, having been about 11. He explained it to me, and I decided, already having known that the flag was a sign of racism, to someday tell the world the importance of being kind to blacks, that slavery is wrong, etc.

Well we all know that black people had a rough start in our country, what with slavery and all. Do we really know how they feel about it though? Have any of you stopped to ask what a Confederate flag sends through to mind of our black population? You say you're not racist if you like Confederate flags, but do they know that?

I'm signing off, leaving you to your thoughts. . .good day.
tikihut13