To answer your question, yes I am a member of the SCV. And yes I am still flying my flag. The conversation on slavery and its meaning to the war of northern aggression will go on forever. But I must say I went to a Confederate Grave Memorial service earlier this month. The speaker before the ceremony began had a very interesting observation. He first asked 3 questions, #1. was who was the Confederate Soldier, #2 what was he fighting for, and #3 was have we done enough to preserve his honor and our heritage. He then answered each one. the answer to #2, was: In 1861 there was no telephones, no cell phones, no radio, no TV, and no internet. The issue of slavery was just that an issue, states rights was an issue, taxes and tariffs were issues. But the men from rural areas of the south did not know all these issues, because there was not the ways of communication we have now, so why did they march off and leave their families, their farms, their whole way of life to fight the war? His answer was short and simple: "because the south was invaded". They left home and family to protect their home and family.
But as I said, as long as were are allowed to observe our heritage, there will always be the argument of why the war. I have my own opinions as most of you do, but there is no reason to argue about it now or here on this message board. The main thing we should be doing is honoring the brave men that did march off to war, a lot never to return home again. We have to honor their sacrifices, and sufferings, and the women and children they left at home. We have to preserve our heritage, or soon it will not exist any longer. enough said. tom