Lexington, Virginia goes PC

Confederate-style flags could be a thing of the past in one college town

A new proposal would only allow for city, state and American flags to fly on flagpoles in Lexington.

June 30, 2011

LEXINGTON, Va. — Flying Confederate-style flags could be a thing of the past in one college town.

A new proposal would only allow for city, state and American flags to fly on flagpoles in Lexington.

The issue came to a head during Lee-Jackson day in January.

More than 300 people later signed a petition that expressed their displeasure with Confederate-style flags on city flagpoles.

Lexington's mayor feels this new proposal is a fair compromise.

“People still have their freedom of speech. They can do whatever they want to with their flags,” Lexington mayor Mimi Elrod said. “Not everybody is going to be able to fly their flags from our flagpoles whenever they want to.”
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Traditionally, Lexington flies Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University flags.

If the proposal passes, that would no longer happen. Private businesses will also be able to display any flag of their choice.

Now, you'd still be able to carry any flag during the Lee-Jackson celebration.

But one group doesn’t feel that it’s a compromise.

“Who knows maybe one day we won't even be able to fly the flag of our country,” said Brandon Dorsey of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

You can weigh in on the issue at a public hearing on August 18.

http://articles.wdbj7.com/2011-06-30/sons-of-confederate-veterans_29724383