[straightBOS]

I have only been in the South for two months and I can relate partially to Ms. Malveaux's statements. The Rebel flags, bumper stickers, etc. DO make me nervous. Unlike most people would have us believe, such articles from the "good ole days" are not present only on pick-up trucks and double-wide trailers, but --- in my experience can be found more readily on nicer cars and homes. THIS defineitly makes me nervous in ways that walking through South Boston in the middle of the night never have.

Indeed, we all have the right to honor our own ancestors and our own nostalgia in whatever way we choose. But I believe that anyone who is that adament about their beliefs and associations publicly can be a danger. When you are in climate that accepts this behavior, it is easy for others to turn a blind eye when those nostalgic folks use they're longing for the past against people of today. Would not like an apology, in fact, I do not support that, or reparations ( for my own reasons). But, it is not about that and has never been-- and everyone should already know that.