CSA Galleries closing its doors
McConnell brothers' decision stems from changing gift market
By Brian Hicks
There is only one place in town — maybe the entire world — where you can get collectible art prints, gourmet coffee beans, Titanic memorabilia and a Confederate flag cummerbund all in the same building.
The Post and Courier
Glenn McConnell looks for a piece of artwork for a customer Monday at CSA Galleries in North Charleston. McConnell and his brother, Samm, have co-owned the store for 20 years and recently decided to close the doors.
And in another month, there won't be any such place.
After 20 years, CSA Galleries is closing its doors, liquidating its stock and going the way of the Confederacy.
It was a tough decision for the McConnell brothers, Samm and Glenn, who have put their hearts and much of their time into building an impressive stock of art, a custom frame shop, antiques and their own lines of South Carolina and historic collectibles. Despite the economy, this was more about the two brothers finally retiring after two decades of working nearly every day.
"It's sad," said Glenn McConnell, who also is state Senate President Pro Tem. "We could have kept on, but the gift market is changing, not just for us but for everybody. The price of gasoline and electricity changed the market, I think, forever. It's hard for people to have discretionary income."
The store — in the Gaslight Square shopping center at Rivers Avenue and Remount Road in North Charleston — is as much a gallery and museum as a store. In addition to its own line of glasses, Christmas ornaments and clothing that sport the state symbol (a palmetto tree and gorget), CSA Galleries sells historic documents, many signed by Confederate officers, and nylon and cloth flags, as well as such specialties as "Gone With the Wind" collector plates and figurines and "Titanic" music boxes.
McConnell keeps glass cases in the store filled with display-only pieces from his own collection — a 19th century naval telescope, an Enfield musket used by Confederate soldiers and a replica gun used by actor Armand Assante in the made-for-TV movie "The Hunley."
"I'll keep that one," McConnell said of the replica gun.
The Post and Courier
Longtime CSA Galleries customer Cynthia Barrineau of Goose Creek said she is sad to see the store close. 'It's like a second home for me,' Barrineau said.
But mostly, the store — which has been located at several places, including Mall Drive and Northwoods Mall — is known for selling prints from the top collectible historical artists, many of them custom-framed in the store.
On Monday, the store was filled with folks trying to pick up a few last pieces from their favorite retailer.
"I'm going to miss this store. It's like a second home for me," said Cynthia Barrineau of Goose Creek, who has dozens of historical prints from the store. "The work and the quality is just exceptional. It just makes your home beautiful."
Barrineau was buying a couple of prints Monday, not because she needed them, she said, but because this will be her last chance to buy artwork framed so beautifully. Others in the store agreed.
"Never have I seen the quality of work I get here," said Peggy Gagne, another regular customer.
Although McConnell concedes many of the wares he sells, some of which sport the Confederate battle flag, are not politically correct enough for other stores, he said CSA Galleries is not a one-trick pony. This is about history, a point he makes by pointing out World War II memorabilia and prints, as well as a large collection of civil rights and African-American art, depicting everything from the 54th Massachusetts infantry to Martin Luther King Jr. to Gen. Colin Powell.
But he notes that many of his customers have their Southern learnings. He points out one framed print on the wall called "The Forlorn Hope."
"It's a Union print," he said. "We were never able to sell it."
McConnell said there is no set final date for CSA Galleries, but it likely will come at the end of March. To move their merchandise, they have most things marked down 50 percent, but he doubts they can sell it all in a few weeks.
And then there is the rest of the stuff.
"We're trying to decide what to do with a lot of the artifacts," McConnell said. "We may donate some things to a museum."
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com.
Editor's note: Samm McConnell's name was misspelled in earlier versions of this story. The Post and Courier regrets the error.
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Comments
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Sniff
February 24, 2009 at 2:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lois_Lane (anonymous) says...
Thank you so very much, Sen. Glenn and Mr. Sam, for dedicating so much of your lives to historical education. What will we ever do without you?
February 24, 2009 at 5:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
Another Nazi store closing, wait I will shed a tear. He should leave office while , he doesn't do anything for us in SC....
February 24, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
What a shame to see such a one of a kind store go out of business...but nothing lasts forever.
February 24, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
redreader (anonymous) says...
Does this mean the War is finally over?
February 24, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
"Thank you so very much, Sen. Glenn and Mr. Sam, for dedicating so much of your lives to historical education. What will we ever do without you?"
LOIS LANE, ARE YOU NUTS? THESE CLOWNS ARE NOT HISTORIANS,WAKE UP LOSER....
February 24, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
badplf (anonymous) says...
Maybe now that he's retired, he'll have enough time to realize that Civil War has been over for over a hundred and forty years.
If he had realized years ago, maybe he wouldn't have wasted millions of tax payer dollars fighting to keep the confederate battle flag flying over the state house and making SC even more of national joke.
And how much tax payer money did he funnel into the Hunley? Did he ever reveal that or did he manage to keep it hidden by claiming FOI didn't apply to the non-profit agency he created?
SC politicians, they're obsessed with the past and spend money like there's no tomorrow.
February 24, 2009 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Clemsurf (anonymous) says...
It's not racism. It's heritage. If you don't like it, take your ass back where you came from.
February 24, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bohicasc (anonymous) says...
That's too bad. I actually liked that store very much. Now I think there should be a panel of advisers and editorials investigating how his company failed. Maybe he failed to expand, just like he prevented the SCSPA from doing?
So, does this mean he will ask Clemson for more funding for the Hunley while teachers are being put on mandatory furlough?
February 24, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palmettotree (anonymous) says...
Such a great place to go. i will miss it. I wish I had the extra money to throw away to buy a print or two.
February 24, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spyderco (anonymous) says...
"Maybe now that he's retired, he'll have enough time to realize that Civil War has been over for over a hundred and forty years.
If he had realized years ago, maybe he wouldn't have wasted millions of tax payer dollars fighting to keep the confederate battle flag flying over the state house and making SC even more of national joke."
You are kidding me right. So the next time someone brings up Slavery in the South we should just tell them to let it go, it's over with, that was 140 years ago. Sounds good to me but some how I just dont see the NAACP or the "African American" community letting that slide as an answer.
February 24, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
It was the only place in town to buy Union related artwork and materials as well. McConnel was a very strong supporter of the 54th. Mass. African American reenactors.
Years ago, we did a reenactment of the Court Martial of Sgt. William Walker, an African American union soldier in SC. The facts were very complex.
What was interesting is that Republican Glenn McConnell took the part of the liberal defense attorney while I, the big liberal, took the part of the prosecutor demanding Walker's execution for allegedly leading a mutiny over unequal pay. McConnell did a fine job.
They did fine framing work there. The prices were reasonable for what you were getting, not cheap, but a good value.
February 24, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
Gone the way of the Confederacy.......nice line.
A Confederate cummerbund is not Historical education or Heritage.
February 24, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Posted by Clemsurf on February 24, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's not racism. It's heritage. If you don't like it, take your ass back where you came from.
So you are proud that your heritage includes slavery, bondage, human torture, and murder?
February 24, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
lcsaint03 - I am from Charleston, go to school, you moron....Our state leaders are the worst, and all you can think about, is this store is going out of biz, he does nothing for our people in SC, this is a fact.
February 24, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Good riddance to a store that promotes ignorance and hatred. Now we know why he used his position in the legislature to fund the Hunley project.He was using it to line his own pocket!!!!!! I guess in a state that's controlled by the GOP an ethics violation invesitgation is out of the question.
February 24, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sscrussell (anonymous) says...
I don't believe that our country was or is the only place in the world in which slavery, bondage, human torture or murder has taken place.
February 24, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
onedeep (anonymous) says...
One word on why they are having to close: Location
They have always picked the absolute worst places to set up shop. Mall Drive? Rivers @ Remount? Northwoods Mall? Not exactly hot tourist destinations.
You have to be careful that when you choose to set your store up off the beaten path, that you don't end up on the wrong side of the tracks.
February 24, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
watchdog (anonymous) says...
CHRISIII you are the man, I am happy that most of the posters are well read, and know the real history. This bull has been going on way too long, lets move forward SC....
February 24, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
combahee (anonymous) says...
Hey folks, it's a store, just a store. It sells historically related prints, artwork etc.
It is no reason for some of you to get personal. No reason to dredge up the slavery issue. No reason to respond with such asinine comments.
You don't like the man as a State senator, vote him out. Don't like his politics, better watch what you are saying, Mr. McConnell is a very complex man. You are probably wrong about him.
Don't like the State's history? Sorry it can't be changed. The rhetoric of pro Southerners and anti South Carolina is amazing. Seems like some are still fighting the Confederate War here almost 150 years later, and guess what, it is the anti-south that is the aggressor. Watchdog, please get a life and at least get your facts right instead of resorting to personal attacks.
February 24, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCMomof2 (anonymous) says...
So you are proud that your heritage includes slavery, bondage, human torture, and murder?
Wow- I just love your historical facts concerning the Civil War.
For all of you (on both sides actually) even know what incited the Civil War? Or is it a Southern thing to only get up in arms over slavery and unfortunately think that that was the reason for the war? If so, that's sad.
It's a shame that money gets poured into useless crap and not into our education system. If we did that then we could better educate our children on what they need to know or at least give them the facts on the Civil War that their ignorant southern loving/hating relatives have no clue about.
February 24, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spyderco (anonymous) says...
"So you are proud that your heritage includes slavery, bondage, human torture, and murder?"
Since when do you get to pick and choose your heritage? Do you think the Germans were able to change what happened in the past in the concentration camps during WWII? Do you think the African nations can go back and change their heritage of mass genocide, slavery, bondage, human torture and murder (which is still going on today)? Can the American Indian nations of the Cheyenne, Apache, Blackfoot and Sioux go back to the mass murders, slavery and torture and change those for their people now? All this talk of how this "Southern Heritage is nothing but being about slavery" is BS. If you are proud of your heritage then be proud of it but dont pick and choose the parts about another groups heritage just to fit your need at the time.
February 24, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amembersid (anonymous) says...
People google 'the history of slavery'. When this country stopped slavery the countries that were selling became very upset. They thought they had a god given right to sell, and may even today. Can you say pirates.
February 24, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
besttm (anonymous) says...
I will be sad to see them go as they offer a unique shopping experience in Charleston. And listening to the rants on this page from narrowminded imbeciles regarding CSA Galleries and the McConnell's is infuriating. In all the years and the many times I have patronized CSA Galleries I have never once seen shackels or chains or other forms of bondage or opression on display or for sale. I have never seen any merchandise that glorified slavery or opression. I saw many historical memorabilia items for sale (replica guns, reenactment clothing, artwork, books, figurines, trinkets, etc.). Perhaps some of the grumble bunnies that like to classify all Southerns and Americans who are proud of their heritage-both good and bad-should read a history book from time to time instead of regurgitating that truth which makes them feel more comfortable. Believe it or not, Gone With the Wind was a work of fiction and not everyone born in the south is given a white robe birth.
February 24, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jagolet (anonymous) says...
All you hate mongers, get a life!
February 24, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
Everybody acts like the Northern states never had slaves - well they did, and in some of my readings the slaves were treated worse up North than they ever were in the South. The Civil War was fought because of States Rights - something that I wish we had more of nowadays. The federal government is making us into a socialist country, which is really sad.
February 24, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americanheretic (anonymous) says...
Why would I be proud of the stupid acts of my ancestors?
February 24, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americanheretic (anonymous) says...
States Rights?----Name them!
February 24, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
sscrussell
"I don't believe that our country was or is the only place in the world in which slavery, bondage, human torture or murder has taken place."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
but what would you think if you saw a skinhead walking down the street with a Swastika on his jacket sleeve?
February 24, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drdcrimj (anonymous) says...
Nonsense has it right. The Confederacy fought a war for state's rights and lost. Now we have not only lost state's rights, but personal rights as well. Won't be any America left at this rate. All the hate mongers are pushing socialism with thier hands out to a new "massa", the federal gevernment.
February 24, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
That's all we need, another empty store along Rivers Avenue. Fewer sales taxes, no rent for the property owner = less income taxes. When stores and businesses close down their burden is on you. People should not cheer when legitimate businesses close down.
February 24, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
"It's not racism. It's heritage. If you don't like it, take your ass back where you came from."
Hahaha yeah heritage, the slave thing was all just misunderstood, but hey this is the only argument we have. We enjoy being the brunt of jokes. Gotta love it.
February 24, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
The Civil War was about State's Rights. But it was also about money, greed, and the an issue that is more important than State's Rights, Human Rights.
The South wanted State's Rights to own slaves, because free labor meant a HUGE profit. Well, the Union, didn't believe that free labor was humane. Thus a War.
February 24, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
"Seems like some are still fighting the Confederate War here almost 150 years later, and guess what, it is the anti-south that is the aggressor."
Boo-hoo
February 24, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
americanheretic (anonymous) says...
Secession Crisis
States' Rights "Powers Reserved To The States"
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, were adopted as a single unit two years after ratification of the Constitution. Dissatisfaction with guarantees of freedom listed in the Constitution led the founding fathers to enumerate personal rights as well as limitations on the federal government in these first 10 amendments. The Magna Carta, the English bill of rights, Virginia's 1776 Declaration of Rights, and the colonial struggle against tyranny provided inspiration and direction for the Bill of Rights.
The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This amendment was the basis of the doctrine of states' rights that became the ante-bellum rallying cry of the Southern states, which sought to restrict the ever-growing powers of the federal government. The principle of states' rights and state sovereignty eventually led the Southern states to secede from the central government that they believed had failed to honor the covenant that had originally bound the states together.
The nullification crisis of the 1830s was a dispute over Northern-inspired tariffs that benefited Northern interests and were detrimental to Southern interests. The legal basis for the Southern call for nullification of the tariff laws was firmly rooted in states'-rights principles. Northern proposals to abolish or restrict slavery- an institution firmly protected by the Constitution- escalated the regional differences in the country and rallied the Southern states firmly behind the doctrine of states' rights and the sovereignty of the individual states. Southerners viewed the Constitution as a contractual agreement that was invalidated because its conditions had been breached. The Confederacy that was subsequently formed by the seceded states was patterned on the doctrine of states' rights. That doctrine, ironically, played a large role in the destruction of the country that it had caused to be created.
Fascinating Fact: Wartime need for a centralized government that could impose conscription, as well as other measures necessary to win its freedom, conflicted sharply with states'-rights doctrine.
February 24, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
I should have known that this article would have the nuts coming out of the woodwork.
I separate the CSA Galleries from McConnell's rancid politics. His store did stock primarily Confederate themed products but they also stocked plenty of Southern inspired wares, Union Army themed art and South Carolina gear with a few pieces of Black and African art.
A few weeks ago I needed a small desk sized South Carolina flag and I knew that CSA Galleries would have it and they did. I took my brown butt in there and the staff couldn't have been nicer.
I'm firm believer that everyone should learn about ALL history and not just what makes us comfortable or happy.
There's no disputing that slavery was an integral part of Southern History and a large component of why the Civil War began. However there is FAR MORE to Southern History than the Civil War and Slavery and CSA Galleries was instrumental in showcasing that.
As far as blue-eyes and other like minded posters, yes there is a segment of US society, not just Southern society that are racists/bigoted and use the symbols of the Confederacy as tools of oppression, but that is the minority not the majority.
People such as you that rail against such displays only want history recorded they way YOU want.
Life just doesn't work that way.
Again, I'm no fan of Glenn McConnell. But I'm sad to see a small business close down and with those honest American workers losing their jobs.
February 24, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hmm......
Lets think about this.......
This store did generate TAX Revenue for the local economy and it would be interesting to see how much of those DOLLARS came from out of state into OURS.....!!
These taxes went to help pay for all kinds of services...RIGHT??
What's interesting here is that WE ALL are still SLAVES to ......OIL !
Wouldn't it be MORE Helpful to ALL of us here to re-direct these EMOTIONS toward .........
Henry Brown and JAMES Clyburn...???
Obama ...wants ...change.....Right ?? SO, just what have Henry and JAMES done to show "CHANGE" and teamwork in ending OUR .....SLAVERY ???
What has ....
Ann Petersen Hutto or Gilda Cobb-Hunter.......DONE??
Robert Ford or Chip Campsen....... DONE ??
Tim Scott or Mike Rose........ DONE???
.....Once we all step back and think and EDUCATE ourselves about AMERICAN Bio-diesel from AMERICAN Farmers (www.valcent.net) and then look at the position we are in; ...with a little prayer and forethought we may all consider a FLAG to wrap OURSELVES in to unify TAXPAYERS in our state...!!!
So....citizens; who do we all kiss when we go to the PUMP...!?!?! DO ....WE ....have a ....CHOICE ???
If we have no ...CHOICE; then we are....???
SLAVES.....!
Are ....WE .....fed ...UP !?!?!
February 24, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Of course they won't put chains and shackles on display, it's not glamorous glorious enough. I guess you know the reality then.
THank you blue eyes. I love being called anti-south by the regular know it all folks who have nothing else but their sad "heritage of hate" to rest their laurels on and validate their lives.
February 24, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
"It's not racism. It's heritage. If you don't like it, take your ass back where you came from."
************************************************************
Just because someone does not agree with your heritage does not mean they are from off.....I do not support the confederate flag and I am very much from the south.
February 24, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hadenough (anonymous) says...
eyfig
Good post, I always appreciate your voice of reason
February 24, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Posted by SCMomof2 on February 24, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So you are proud that your heritage includes slavery, bondage, human torture, and murder?
Wow- I just love your historical facts concerning the Civil War.
For all of you (on both sides actually) even know what incited the Civil War? Or is it a Southern thing to only get up in arms over slavery and unfortunately think that that was the reason for the war? If so, that's sad.
It's a shame that money gets poured into useless crap and not into our education system. If we did that then we could better educate our children on what they need to know or at least give them the facts on the Civil War that their ignorant southern loving/hating relatives have no clue about.
I never once in my post reference the Civil War or the reasons for the Civil War. That doesn't concern me.
I did however mentioned the fact that his heritage included murder, torture, human bondage, and slavery. I forgot to add the rape of black women and the molestation of black girls that happened on the plantations. Simply because he said it's about heritage not hate. Plus if I had to go back where I'm from that would be Charleston Heights.
February 24, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gococks1985 (anonymous) says...
I just left there and I did not see or hear any of the negative things that are being posted here. I actually purchased a lovely print to hang over my fireplace. They, along with Thomilson's are the only place I could find the framed painting/print. I will be sad to see them go as they were and have always been very hospitable to me when I was there.
February 24, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ThePhink (anonymous) says...
This article went over like Hitler at a Barmitzva. (Or however it is spelled)
February 24, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
racefan2 (anonymous) says...
I for one have had enough of all the ignorant blacks claiming racism and whining about slavery all the time. That stuff is long gone. There is no one who is alive today that had a hand in what went on with slavery 140 plus years ago, so GET OVER IT. You have just as many rights today and opportunities to succeed as white people, however you must USE those opportunities. Instead of using these oportunities, most would rather start a life of crime. There is not one person today who graduates from High School who cannot attend college. There are plenty of programs out there to assist. I am tired of paying high estimated quarterly taxes every year so that you can live off of welfare and all the other handouts you receive from the government. Furthermore, I have had enough of you receiving more on your income tax refunds than you paid in taxes, while me and others are stuck paying more come tax time. I have not received a refund in years, but those blacks who hardly worked or paid into the system sure as hell are. This store was about history....Funny I should mention history as this is Black History Month. Why don't we have a White History Month? I am sure that those idiots Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson, who have nothing better to do than cause trouble, would raise hell if that ever happened. They would probably say it is the white man trying to keep the black man down. The truth is, no one is trying to keep anyone down. You have the same opportunities to be successful in life as the white man, so USE THEM instead of stealing, murdering, and selling drugs. The Confederacy has just as much of a place in history as the Declaration of Independence. If you don't like the history and heritage of South Carolina, pack your bags, move north, and take the rest of the bleeding heart liberals with you!
February 24, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
It's no surprise that many of you don't understand that many black people hate and discontent with the flag has nothing to do with Slavery.
The hurt, hate and discontent these days comes from the KKK using the flag when they torture my great grandmother, great grand father, my grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, aunts, uncle, cousin and I during the 1900's.
Those pains are still around and people like me who were raised on James Island, and did not have equal rights when it came to the law carries the scares. That is why the flag offends me.
I was not around for slavery and none of my family members I know or meet was either.
Do you know how it feels to 8 years old, black and having a good friend that is white he comes an play with you when his mother visit, and then to find out that his big brother and father think of you as the N word and actually call you it in your face. That's the kind of pain that sticks with you for life.
Let it go, thats easy for someone who don't have to go through it to say. It still goes on, but behind your back.
February 24, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
racefan, it is your ignorance of history that is blatant.
To tell anyone that does not subscribe to your way of thinking to move 'north' is ridiculous.
The Confederacy and its flag were not simply relegated to you and your ancestors in the South. There were thousands who lived elsewhere that subscribed to its tenets and were just as proud of it as those who lived in the South.
Please do not allow your anger at Blacks blind you to your inability to be a spokesperson of those who cherish the Confederacy and the Confederate Flag.
It is people like you that make all who are proud of their Confederate Ancestry look like ignorant, rambling bigoted fools.
Especially considering MOST are not.
February 24, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
racefan2 (anonymous) says...
My day is not done by any means. I see people for who they are, not what they are. If a black person wants to become educated, work hard, and be successful...so be it and good luck to them. I have the same views toward lazy white people as well. As for the person who was called names, I am sorry it happened, but please, move on. I have been called many names in my time and I never let it hurt me. I merely state the facts of life and if you can't come to grips that the flag is part of history, I don't know what can be done for you. I don't belong to, nor do I condone what the KKK does for your information as well. I am just a business owner who went to college, graduated, and worked hard all of my life to be successful, and saved my money. I have grown tired of giving away my hard earned money to these no counts who don't want to do anything with their lives except cause trouble for other law abiding citizens. What color are these people named Shanita, Laquita, Chaquita, Demarcus, and all those other stupid and abnormal names you ask?????? Black! Take a look at the inmate population of our jails and see what color most of them are. It is time to wake up and see it for what it is. Instead of dwelling on a flag, get to work, make something out of yourself, and quit asking for handouts!
February 24, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Okay racefan, you've made yourself patently (that means obviously) clear.
You got a "thing" for or against Blacks and you felt compelled to demonstrate that via your rambling rant.
We ALL get it.
So:
Be proud of yourself of all of your accomplishments.
Continue to love "your" history and your interpretation of what that flag means.
Continue to rant and rave against 'us'.
But for Creator's sake stop trying to be the standard bearer for ALL those who cherish & appreciate the Confederacy and its flag.
You make 'em look bad!
February 24, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CompostandWourier (anonymous) says...
Here's a typical racist rant for you...
``there is a physical difference between the white and black races, which . . . will forever forbid the two races living together upon terms of social and political equality.''
Blue eyes care to comment?
February 24, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wucherer (anonymous) says...
Some just want to remain in the past while the majority lives in the present looking for a promising future. All the confederacy representing was diversity and eventually hate but that should have been resolved since the north won the war defeated the south. But some old hate still lives but eventually all must return to the dust from which they came from. The history of american is a combination of both good and bad but unfortunately not all southerns share a narrow minded value. Eventually one day the stars and bars will be removed from the capital where it should be respectfully given a proper burial. Society has matured over time and glad to see the store close putting the history where it should be in dusty books.
February 24, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rednose (anonymous) says...
I hear the shop that carries memorabilia for the Cripps and the Bloods will be open next week.
February 24, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
everton (anonymous) says...
Blue Eyes
You need to chill out, Im sure everyone here is sick of your Designing Women monologues, we get it, you are swamped with White Guilt and are down with the bruthas, why dont you take yourself up to Rivers and start doing your bit for reparations.
February 24, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
I do not support the flag and I was born and bred in the south but I do support theirs abd your right to support it, sell confedrate items if they or your choose. Doesn't make anyone a racist because they collect this stuff any more than someone collecting NAACP, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Obama for that matter, stuff!
February 24, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wucherer (anonymous) says...
Confederate represented racist, lynching, diversity and everything america was founded upon. Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it and those who live in the past will be forgotten under the dust of history. There are those who are ignorant and closed minded but the realization that we as americans have another president in the oval office now. Change has been coming for the longest time and moves at it's own pace even when those who want to try dragging us back in the past is at odds with those who live in the present moving us into future together.
February 24, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
corporateagenda (anonymous) says...
This article and all the inane and bourgeois posts associated therewith only substantiate the claims we Northerners make about the South. Please educate yourselves, stop fighting battles long since lost, and start residing in the 21st century.
February 24, 2009 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
racefan2 (anonymous) says...
I'll bet Blue Eyes voted for Obama.
February 24, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffy1 (anonymous) says...
Speaking of living in the past, Lincoln freed the salves in 1863. How long are the liberal blacks going to use slavery and "racism" as the reason that they have a dozen babies by a dozen diferent men and expect us, the hard working conservatives that believe in personal responsibilty and limited government, to pay for them and their offspring? What is the ultimate irony is how someone like Clarence Thomas, the second black U.S. Supreme Court justice, was treated by the blacks. They despised him for succeeding on his own and for thinking for himself. Rather than being another mindless sheep, he is a prolife Christian conservative, and let be honest, that just doesn't fly. Everyone knows that that if your skin is black you HAVE to be a liberal democrat. The same way that many of my black friends voted for Obama even thought they disgreed with him on abortion, gay marriage, and basicaly all of the social issues..why? Because he is black. Isn't that the ultimate expression of ignorance?
February 24, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffy1 (anonymous) says...
LOL, maybe the "gub'ment" will bail CSA Galleries out!
February 24, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
wucherer: "Confederate represented racist, lynching, diversity and everything america was founded upon"
It's thinking like that sets race relations back countless decades.
Not all those who cherish Confederate History are racists and bigots. Yes, there is a dark side to the flag, but only because there was those who sought to use it as a tool of intimidation and terror. Just as we know that the Nazi Swastika wasn't originated by Hitler. It was a symbol designed and used MANY years before he hijacked it for his own nefarious use.
Not ALL who wore the gray uniform hated Blacks, were slave owners or even believed slavery was righteous.
Just as ALL who wore the Blue didn't fight to 'save' the slaves.
The CSA Galleries had its place and I for one am sad to see it close it doors, for no other reason that I hate to see small businesses close in this economy. There are employees who will be laid off and hard pressed to find work in this economic environment and tax revenues that will be lost.
EVERYTHING DOES NOT WARRANT POLITICAL DEBATE PEOPLE.
SHEESH!
February 25, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wucherer (anonymous) says...
Confederate represented racist, lynching, diversity and everything america wasn't founded upon. Race relations were set back for over a century because of narrow minded white people who wanted to be dominated over everyone else in the south. It was a great struggle and personal sacrifice to those who walked the marches with Martin Luther King and other great people of our time from all walks of life and nationality. Compared between the minority and majority of southerns with the confederacy but the majority accepted their racist dividing principles that remained a struggle not just to be accepted but treated equally in the south. Remains of the past still linger today but as the older portion of society is slowly dying out the practices are not widely accepted or tolerated. The flag was a symbol that was used so it was an accepted representation of hatred and bigotry. The nazi also was known to have use of another system from other cultures but they were also eventually was defeated by both america and other countries who fought against nazi dictatorship. Yes, too bad these employees were let go but they will find other employment. There are jobs out there still in these difficult economical times but only if they put aside their issues and look for work. McDonald and Taco Bell is hiring but they might have a black or other than white boss and must swallow their pride before they fall into the economical pit of forever.
February 25, 2009 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Wow wucherer: you're one of the few that have stumped me.
Any attempt on my part to have a cogent debate with you will be futile.
I respect your right to assert your beliefs and espouse your opinions.
However ludicrous they may be.
The sad part about it is that you had some very sound kernels of truth in your post but you wrapped them in such a thick roll of bigotry that no one will be able to discern what was good from what was trash.
Good luck with that attitude, not sure if it will hold you in good stead. I guess crazier things HAVE happened .
Buenos Tardes!
February 25, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wucherer (anonymous) says...
Your statements are full of insults, it's not enjoyable so keep your head buried in the sand of time while the inputs of assumption on your part never slips by. We can agree to disagree but your insults only prove point that slavery is a ghost in this country that is in the closet of the old guard of confederacy. This century has no room for narrow minded individuals that speaks of acceptance by allowing everyone who has their own opinion and viewpoint on history. History belongs in the museums of the world but thankfully another distorted shop is closed but unfortunately and hopefully the flag that represented bigotry and diversity will be removed from the landscape of the capital into an eternal rest forever. God bless the united states of america!
February 25, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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