President Obama Gets Big Surprise From Confederate Flag Protesters In Tennessee
By now, everyone probably knows how Barack Obama feels about the Confederate flag. Like many opposing Americans, he feels the flag is a symbol of history that belongs in a museum and not on a flagpole. But, of course, there are many others who disagree with that notion. So, when he made his way to Tennessee on July 1, he received quite a welcome — from Confederate flag protesters.
According to Opposing Views, Obama visited Tennessee to speak at Taylor Stratton Elementary School in Madison, Tennessee, last week. However, his speech was probably overshadowed by a big surprise he received upon arrival. Confederate flag protesters definitely made their presence known in an effort to support the Confederacy.
An overwhelming number of Tennesseans strongly disagree with Obama’s opinion of the flag and insist it is an esteemed representation of valor and honor as opposed to a symbol of hatred and superiority.
Rick Martin waves to drivers passing. Some honking in support. #obamatn pic.twitter.com/wayLNz4Nk2
— Jill Cowan (@JillCowan) July 1, 2015
Following the Charleston shooting at Emanuel AME Church, the questionable meaning behind the controversial battle flag sparked a heated debate that has garnered national attention. The flag’s double-entendre was also highlighted when Charleston shooter Dylann Roof’s alleged hate-filled, Confederate-pride manifesto was released. Many of the photos he included also made matters worse because he defiled the American flag while glorifying the Confederacy and citing the inferiority of other races.
Rick Martin said "it would be a pleasure to meet the president." But he won't be doing it in the same spot. #ObamaTN pic.twitter.com/VX4wLGRg8s
— Jordan Buie (@JordanBuie) July 1, 2015
There’s no argument about the fact that Roof is to blame for the nine victims that were killed inside the historically black church, but his actions placed the flag’s underlying meaning to the forefront. Now, many Confederate supporters argue Roof committed the murders and not the flag, but the flag’s representation is where the problem lies for most Americans. For that reason, many of the country’s largest retail outlets have denounced the Confederate flag and no longer sell paraphernalia with the flag’s design.
Church officials asked Martin and others to move, saying they did not want to take sides in a controversial issue #ObamaTN
— Jordan Buie (@JordanBuie) July 1, 2015
In the wake of the Confederate flag’s nationwide denunciation, these protesters attempted to confront Obama directly. A number of protesters voiced their frustration with local news outlets. “We just want him to understand that this is heritage, that there is not any bit of hate coming from these flags. We can’t be held accountable for one man making that mistake and shooting up that church,” one of the demonstrators told WSMV.
“Black people and white people fought under this flag,” said Martin, another protester who drove two hours for the event. “It would be my pleasure to meet the president of the United States,” he told the Tennessean. “I served under him in the Marine Corps.”
[Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images]