Mr Gephardt needs to realize that those flags were bought and paid for with the blood of brave Southern men, and they were not his to take down. I do understand Gephardts motives in this latest attack on Confederate heritage. Gephardt's motives are fueled by blind political ambition. Creating a controversy by attacking one culture to gain the political support of another is a good way to get your name into the public eye. Unfortunately for Gephardt this new found publicity is negative and insulting to the descendants of Confederate veterans. Gephardt needs to remember that these descendants also have a vote. Dave Simpson Missouri Division Son's of Confederate Veterans