On the Confederate flag

Following the recent mass homicide in South Carolina, attention has turned once again to guns. But it’s also turned to the Confederate flag. Mass calls are coming from within South Carolina and without for the flag to be removed from the state legislature grounds in Charleston.

Here’s an idea: ask the people of South Carolina what they want. Since the legislature is supposed to represent the people, put it up for a popular referendum. Simple question on the ballot: “Do you wish to see the Confederate flag removed from the State legislature grounds?” Yes or no, with abstentions counting toward “no”.

Then once the people of South Carolina have had a say on the matter, regardless of the direction they choose to go, the rest of the United States can just shut the hell up about it. There are more important things that require public attention and scrutiny than a piece of cloth flying over a Confederate memorial in South Carolina.