To my fellow Vicks' After many months of enjoying the history of the Vicks' contained in the many postings, I'am leaving the list because of my abhorence to the racist nature of the debate over the Confederate flag flying. I am aware of the contradictory statements of Lincoln and the myriad political causes and ramifications of the Civil War, none the less the conflict was a result of the moral debate concerning slavery and it's resultant economic impact upon the Southern culture. The Confederate flag will always be a symbol of slavery and the post-Civil War segregationist policies to the majority of the free citizens of the United States. Think of the ghettoization of the swastika, 90 years ago the swastika was a very common archetypal symbol used in the decorative arts. Building facades, mastheads, fabric(I've seen a sharp photo of a girl's hockey team from Canada with their sweaters adorned with eight inch swastikas) and now it is a symbol of universal evil. Symbols are potent and should be respected for their impact, when a symbol is associated with an era or particular culture it resonates long after it's original and perhaps benign intent as faded. I believe the Confederate flag should not be displayed at civic buildings or events because of it's symbolism to millions of the citizens of the United States. I do not doubt the honorable nature of the Confederate soldier or his belief in the righteous nature of his cause. I do not wish to see the reverence of our forefathers and personal histories abandoned for some nature of political correctness. I do see the economic system that fosters a belief in slavery as a plausible work force as wrong. A whole mess of history is swept under the rug and most of it is very very grey, I hope that our children are taught well and learn the moral and symbolic nature of our icons. Thanks to any who read this rant, I simply can't abide the thinly veiled racism symbolized by the Confederate flag nor the discussion of it's merits as a symbol of a culture founded on slavery. Please unsubscibe me from further postings Sincerly, Anthony Vernon Vick, son of Vernon Bayard Vick, son of Raymond Vick, son of Bayard Vick and many more genrations back to 1790, Dupoy KY to Detroit MI to Denver, CO to currently San Diego CA