I believe the reason the Confederate flag arouses such rage in some people is the fact that in recent years it has come to represent hate groups because it has been prominently carried by those groups during protests and demonstrations. The handwriting is on the wall. The spinmeisters have won for many reasons. To the overwhelming majority of Americans, the 1860 Conflict was fought ONLY because of slavery. You are NEVER going to convince them otherwise. Period. Save your energy and breath. Bottom line: The Confederate Flag represents hate groups like the modern Ku KIux Klan to the overwhelming majority of Americans today. No one will ever be able to unlink the two. Anyone who honors the Confederate Flag will be viewed as a racist - regardless of whether this is true or not. No excuse or reason will ever be acceptable. No number of bumper stickers "History not Hatred" or beautifully written articles pleading for historical context will ever change it. In fact, I sincerely believe that in the not too distant future, membership in organizations like the United Daughters of the Confederacy or Sons of Confederate Veterans will be unwise. This is just the way things are. Trying to fight it is a losing battle. Just my opinion....................... Belle