Maurice Bessinger has proudly flown the Confederate Battle Flag over his famous chain of BBQ restaurants for nearly a decade but now he says the poor economy is forcing him to remove the flags due to the rising cost of Dry cleaning! 

   The Confederate Battle Flag will be coming down at his Columbia, SC locations but will remain flying at other restaurants. The South Carolina state flag will remain flying above his Columbia restaurants.  He did indicate that if the economy picks up the flags will return. Mr. Bessinger apparently stated that his decision was in no way an attempt to drum up additional business from those that opposed his Southern patriotism.

Read the article at Slashfood

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     Webmaster comment –

     I am fully aware of the many sacrifices that Mr. Bessinger has gone through because of his show of Southern patriotism at his restaurants.  I’m sure these sacrifices have taken a profound financial toll but to take the flag down and blame it on “Dry cleaning” costs is just embarrassing. 

     If it was about dry cleaning costs wouldn’t it make sense to remove ALL of the flags and not just the so-called “politically incorrect” one?  I’ve always admired Maurice’s stand on this matter and am sorely disappointed on his decision to remove the flag.  I hate to admit it but I suspect that Mr. Bessinger’s decision is based more on getting his products back onto the shelves of big box retail stores than his “dry cleaning” bills.

     I humbly ask my readers to let Mr. Bessinger know that we are not happy with his decision to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from his restaurants and would like him to reverse his decision.  You can email Maurice’s BBQ at mail@mauricesbbq.com.

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

For Further Information contact:
Attorney Fred O’Neal
(407) 719-6796

Sons Of Confederate Veterans
Heritage Plate Chairman John Adams
(407) 302-1297

United States District Judge John Antoon II has issued an order that will clear the way for the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) to obtain a specialty license plate from the State of Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The order, just released by the Federal Middle District Judge, upholds the First Amendment right to have the plate issued by DMV, regardless of the inaction of the Florida Legislature in failing to consider or approve the plate and rules
against DMV’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

The case (Case No. 6:09-cv-134-Orl-28KRS) SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, FLORIDA DIVISION, INC. JOHN W. ADAMS -vs- JEFFREY H. ATWATER, LARRY CRETUL, ANDY GARDINER, RICHARD GLORIOSO,and ELECTRA THEODORIDES-BUSTLE was filed nearly a year ago following two (2) years of legislative inaction to approve the plate.

"We followed all the procedures, paid the fees required by the state, and did absolutely everything that was required by law and the politicians in the Florida Legislature failed to follow their own statutes. Now it looks like parts or all of those statutes may be stricken by the Federal Court as an unconstitutional infringement of First Amendment rights," stated John Adams, Chairman of the Confederate Heritage Plate Committee of the SCV."

"All Floridians who support the heritage involved with this plate could soon have an opportunity to put this plate on their cars and show the pride they have as Floridians who support our state’s history and heritage," stated Douglas Dawson, SCV Florida Commander.

"Judge Antoon’s order is a huge step forward for our case and the ruling will pave the way for the Confederate Heritage plate to become a reality," stated Attorney Fred O’Neal. "In response to the State’s motion to dismiss, we had to lay all of our cards on the table and present our evidence, which was compelling. The State did the same and the Judge ruled for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights… we’re very pleased with Judge Antoon’s ruling," O’Neal concluded.

Florida’s specialty plate program consists of a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit Florida based organization providing a $60,000 license fee; conducting a survey that requires 30,000 or more Floridians that will purchase the plate (SCV actually
obtained over 45,000); a short-term and long term marketing plan; a financial plan for plate proceeds distribution and an audit of the survey by the Auditor General’s office.

Orlando-based Advantage Consultants was retained to produce all
the components for the proposed plate. Advantage Consultants has produced twenty-five specialty plate’s and maintains a 100% acceptance rate by the DMV and the Auditor-General. Advantage also produced the Martin Luther King "I Have A Dream" plate.

This is truly my favorite Southern patriotic song and stands only next to Dixie in my heart. I hope you enjoy this outstanding rendition of The Bonnie Blue Flag

Cover of sheet music for "The Bonnie Blue Flag" words by Harry Macarthy, New Orleans: A.E. Blackmar & Bro., 1861

From Wikipedia:

The Bonnie Blue Flag", also known as "We Are a Band of Brothers", is an 1861 marching song associated with the Confederate States of America. The words were written by Ulster-born entertainer Harry McCarthy, with the melody taken from the song "The Irish Jaunting Car". The song’s title refers to the unofficial first Flag of the Confederacy, the "Bonnie Blue Flag that bears the "single star" of the chorus.

"The Bonnie Blue Flag" holds special significance to the Texas brigade. The song was premiered by lyricist Harry McCarthy during a concert in Jackson, Mississippi, in the spring of 1861 and performed again in September of that same year at the New Orleans Academy of Music for the First Texas Volunteer Infantry regiment mustering in celebration.

The New Orleans music publishing house of A.E. Blackmar issued six editions of "The Bonnie Blue Flag" between 1861 and 1864 along with three additional arrangements. The "Band of Brothers" mentioned in the first line of the song is a reference to the St. Crispin’s day speech in William Shakespeare’s play Henry V.

The Bonnie Blue Flag

Below is the text of an email sent by Mr. Dewey Barber, founder of Dixie Outfitters, asking for our help in this matter.  Lets all do out part and call or write the folks at the bottom of this email and let them know that we don’t appreciate this decision and want it reversed.

This email has been posted here with permission from Mr. Barber.

Dear Southern Compatriots,

I received the email below from concerned parents. Dixie Outfitters has sent emails to the parties involved, sent free protest bumper stickers to these concerned parents and supplied contact information of support organizations. Please help us stop this discrimination against our children and our heritage by writing, calling or emailing Principal Veita Jackson Carter and Superintendent Dr. W. Daniel Boyd Jr. at the addresses below.

If your emails, letters and calls do not change the minds of the school administrators we are prepared to support marches, protests/rallies and engage the media to end this blatant discrimination against our Southern children.

Dear Mr. Dewey Barber,

My name is Terri Sneed and I am writing this letter in regards to a meeting that JoAnne Justice and myself held on 8/28/09 at Hawthorne Jr./Sr. High School in Hawthorne Florida.

The morning of 8/28/09 I received a phone call from Hawthorne Jr./Sr. High School. They called to inform me that my children needed to be picked up or that I was to bring a change of clothes to them so they could continue their day at school. Due to the fact that my children have nothing that is not permitted in our dress code, I immediately asked what they wore to school that was not appropriate for our schools attire. Libby Hartwell (V.P.) informed me that the shirts my son has been wearing for 6 years was not appropriate attire and the same for my daughter that has been wearing hers just as long. That same morning I find out that JoAnne Justice has also been called to pick up her child that has also been wearing the same shirts for many years. Much to our surprise we find out that many other children have been forced to remove their shirts, to turn them inside out or to be sent home if they had these shirts on.  We are totally appalled at what is taking place. Can they take from us our heritage?

This is who we are!!!! The Confederate flag has been in our home-town and our school for as many years as I can remember.

When we meet with the Principal Veita Jackson Carter, M.E.D- P, Vice
Principal Libby Hartwell and the Dean Laura Green I specifically asked them all if there has ever been an issue, fight or controversy over these shirts being worn. The answer was NO.

We live in a small town where these children black and white have grown up together from Pre-K to 12th grade. Everyone knows everyone and NEVER has there been an issue with the Confederate flag. When I asked WHY these children could no longer wear their shirts their only response was that it offended them. Not that it offended the children but it offended them.

Politely they were handed the information that you made available to us. We figured that since they were new to our school that maybe they were ignorant to what the Confederate flag stands for. So I asked that the information be read aloud so everyone could get a "Short History Lesson". They informed us after reading the article that their minds were made up and that they rule the school. Last to my knowledge we pay their salary and the History books can not be changed.

Personally, I think it is a true sign of ignorance as to what the Confederate flag stands for. It truly disturbs me to think that there is one person that can change the lifestyle of many. Taking from our children who they are and what they stand for. Proud to live in the South, black and white. In our town it has never been a racial thing and my question is why make it one now?

I hope that there is something that maybe you can do to stand behind us as parents that mean no harm to anyone but wanting to stand up for the rights of our children and what they believe in. Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon.

Truly yours

Terri Sneed

Here is some of the information that we have found for the school and school board:

Superintendent:

Dr. W. Daniel Boyd Jr.
supt@gm.sbac.edu
352-955-7880

Deputy Superintendent:

Sandy Hollinger
hollinsh@gm.sbac.edu
352-955-7880

Principal:

Veita Jackson Carter, M.E.D-P
jacksovl@gm.sbac.edu
352-481-1900
FAX 352-481-4859

Vice Principal:

Libby Hartwell
hartwelles@gm.sbac.edu
352-481-1900

High School Dean:

Laura Green
352-481-1900

School Board of Alachua County
Kirby Smith Administrative Center
620 East University Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 3601-5498

Hawthorne Jr./Sr. High School
P.O.Box 40
Hawthorne, Florida 32640

The email below was written by Mr. Bill Hinson and distributed via email.  I just wanted to make sure my readers were aware of Mr. Rucker’s feelings regarding the Confederate Flag.  This “country music artist” is very popular with the Nashville crowd right now but I know he won’t be getting a cent of my money and I hope my readers will feel the same way!

How soon we forget!

Hootie and the Blowfish (Darius Rucker)

In the article below you will read about Hootie and the Blowfish protesting the Confederate flag in SC.

Remember and never forget that Hootie and the Blowfish’s lead singer at that time was none other than Darius Rucker who now is a recording artist in country music.   Rucker has had three number one hits this past year (2009).  The songs are:  "Don’t think I don’t think about it," "It want be like this for long," and "Alright."

Please pass this information on and on we must spread the word and remind people that Rucker is against your heritage!

If you are your children or grandchildren buy his music, you and them are helping make this guy rich!  Again please spread the word about Rucker.

He is trying to sneak in under the radar!  It won’t work, not on my radar gun; I am one who never forgets!!!

Pass it on!!!

Bill Hinson

Below is the article and the lyrics to Rucker’s hate song

Here is the link to the story involving Mr. Rucker participating in a march against the Confederate Flag in South Carolina.

Darius Rucker marches to protest the Confederate Flag

Darius Rucker as Hootie of Hootie and the Blowfish in the 1998 album Cracked Rear View lamenting the South Carolina Flag.

Drowning lyrics

Trouble with the world is we’re too busy to think about it, all right
Why is there a rebel flag hanging from the state house walls?
Tired of hearin’ this shit about heritage not hate
Time to make the world a better place

Why must we hate one another?
Well no matter what we gotta live together
Just that you don’t look like me, tell me what do you see
When we pass on the street what do you wanna see

P.E.’s coming is all I gotta say
Wanna turn and run away
They’re just telling you how they see it
Right or wrong they don’t care, you wish that they would quit

[chorus:]

Drowning in a sea of tears
Hatred trying to hide your fears
Living only for yourself
Hating everybody else
Cause they don’t look like you
Nanci singing it’s a hard life wherever you go
About some fat racist living in Chicago
Trying to teach his kids to hate everyone
Well tell me why is that something you wanna teach your son?
Why must we hate one another?
When the people in the church, they tell me you’re my brother
You don’t walk like me; you don’t talk like me, saying
Go back to Africa, I just don’t understand

[chorus]

I’m trying to be someone that he could look up to, but
When I walk down the street, tell me what do you see
I’m a man, I’m a man, I’m a man
No I’m not like you
Why do you hate me so
I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know
Hating everybody else cause they don’t look like you.

Lyrics Submitted by:  Compatriot Greg Stewart

     Ringgold Telephone Company and the City of Ringgold are proud to host the First Annual Ringgold Gap Civil War Festival, featuring the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of Confederate General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne.

     The events will be held in historic Ringgold, Georgia on Saturday, October 3rd. It was November 1863, Ringgold, GA. The Confederate Army was in retreat and pursued by Federal forces. Confederate General Patrick Cleburne was charged with the task of holding off the approaching Union troops, so the Confederates could safely withdraw. Cleburne sent his 4,100 men into Ringgold Gap to occupy the bluffs above the very narrow pass, unbeknownst to the approaching union troops. Hooker and his troops of 21,000 began their pass through the gap. After several assaults from Hooker’s men, Cleburne’s troops were able to hold the gap until all the Confederates had safely withdrawn.

     For his service, the Confederate Congress voted a resolution of thanks. Now, with help from renowned sculptor Ron Tunison, and with financial support from Ringgold Telephone Company and the General Patrick Cleburne Society, the revered Civil War hero, General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, will again stand guard in Ringgold Gap.

     The unveiling and dedication of the statue of Cleburne will be held Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. in Confederate Park, off Highway. 41, Ringgold, GA. Due to limited space, people wishing to attend the ceremony will be required to park on Robin Rd. Shuttles will be provided to the statue site.The Ringgold Gap Festival will be held in conjunction with the unveiling ceremony. Storytellers, historical lectures, sutlers, plays, an experience camp, and an appearance of the Hunley submarine replica, will all be included in the festivities.

     The events, which will take place on Robin Rd., are free to the public. The festival grounds will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. To conclude the day’s events, a period ball will be held at 7:00 p.m.

For information about activities, directions, festival maps and schedules, visit www.RinggoldGapFestival.com.

Contact: Marcy Cirlot Ringgold Telephone Company (706) 965-1249 Mcirlot@rtctel.com

Date published: 8/17/2009 – Fredericksburg.com

BY PETE CIHELKA

Original Article

About a year ago, Jackson Lee Sulcer (above), 7, came to the Confederate Cemetery in Fredericksburg looking for a dirty grave. He happened on the grave site of Virginia soldier Samuel Davis, which appeared unkempt to the boy, so he decided to tidy it up.

"The [headstone] looked scraped and I was kind of putting spit on my finger and cleaning it off," the Stafford County youth said.

Since that day, Jackson–who was voted "history hero" in his Ferry Farm Elementary second-grade class–has become a frequent visitor to the historic cemetery.

About every other week, he checks in on Davis’ grave to make sure it’s tidy. He removes any weeds that may have popped up near the Virginian’s tombstone, and brushes away any leaves that may cover the site.

On a recent visit, he placed a small Confederate battle flag at the base of Davis’ headstone and made an arrangement out of pine cones. Then he paused and said a prayer for the fallen soldier.

Jackson has tried to find information about Davis on the Internet, but hasn’t had any luck. Nonetheless, he believes Davis was a good man who deserves the respect of having a clean resting place.

"I’ve been wanting to do something like this for years," said Jackson’s father, Jason. "I think the fact that he’s remembering this soldier this way is amazing."

Webmaster Comment

  God bless this child for remembering those who sacrificed for what they believed in and God bless his parents for teaching him the importance of honoring those who served.  We can all learn something from his example.

It seems that a gentleman living in has Brooklyn decided to hang a novelty Confederate flag from the balcony of his 16^th floor apartment. The man who would only give the name of “Mike” has done this because he says he opposes “Political Correctness”. Mike was quoted as saying, “People who are politically correct don’t agree with that flag – It’s my one-man protest. The left likes to say they celebrate diversity, I guess that’s what I’m doing.”

“Mike insists that when he hung the Confederate flag more than a year ago, he wasn’t trying to promote racist views, but merely to show support for Southern heritage and values in a hotbed of Yankee liberalism”

According to the original article, his Yankee neighbors are none too pleased with his actions. One resident of his apartment building had the following to say.

“I want to stay far away from those people [who have Confederate flags],” said one resident of the Towers who requested anonymity. “We’re free to fly any flag we want, but I’m not crazy about it. We won the war. You should fly the American flag. It makes me feel angry and extremely uncomfortable,”

Isn’t that just like a Yankee to tell a Southerner or someone who loves the Confederate Flag what to think and do? I guess 148 years hasn’t changed their demeanor much.

Mike countered that sentiment by saying “I see other flags flying, so if they fly their flags, I’m going to fly my flag,”

It is unfortunate that Mike chose a novelty flag to display from his apartment building instead of the real Battle Flag. I am sure we could find him a proper Confederate flag to fly from his apartment building instead of some cheap nylon thing with a football mascot on it but unfortunately he didn’t give his last name or Contact info but I’m sure glad he’s making his statement! Kudos Mike, keep that flag flying and Deo Vindice!

Webmaster – GoodOldRebel.com

     The organization had previously been granted approval by the county’s superintendant of schools to distribute the literature and had paid for its publication out of their own funds.  The Superintendant then reneged on his approval and refused to allow the distribution of the educational brochure after they had already been delivered to the schools.  His reason for not allowing their dispersal was they were “Covered in religious symbols”.  The Board of Education also has refused to refund the organization the money it has spent to have the brochures printed.

     I can only guess that by the Superintendant’s statement that the brochure was “Covered in religious symbols” that he must have meant the pictures of the flags themselves.  Most Confederate flags contain Christian imagery! Examples of this are the famous Saint Andrew’s Cross of the Battle flag of Northern Virginia and the Roman Crosses of the Missouri Battle Flag and the flag of the 3rd Kentucky Mounted Infantry. These flags contain Christian Imagery because they are indeed Christian Flags and were carried by the armies of a nation that had declared itself to be a “Christian Nation”! The symbols were placed upon its flags to emphasize that they were fighting against what they saw as the invasion of a Godless and heathenistic Federal army that sought to impose its will upon the South.  You might have noticed by the distinct lack of God in our schools today that they unfortunately were not successful.

                                            Missouri Battle Flag

3rd Kentucky Mounted Infantry

     It is absolutely ludicrous that the Superintendant of Schools would deny the education of the counties children on this basis.  It is no different from him refusing to educate children about art history because some of the paintings contain religious imagery.  This whole thing smacks of someone looking for any conceivable excuse to back out of something they had already agreed to do.

I implore you to contact the School Board of Allegany County Maryland to let them know your opinion on this travesty of justice. 

Contact Information

Superintendant David A. Cox can be reached at 301-759-2000 or by emailing him at ”david.cox@acps.k12.md.us”.

By Calvin E. Johnson Jr.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Originally posted on the SCV Blog

Monday, July 13th, in the year of our Lord 2009, is the 188th birthday of American legend and Southern Hero–Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

President Obama continued a century-old tradition, on Memorial Day, by honoring American Servicemen and women buried at Arlington National Cemetery and sending a wreath to the Confederate and Black Union soldier’s section.

Some criticized Obama for remembering the Confederate soldiers buried at section 16 but, like his predecessors, the president did the historically-correct and Patriotic thing in remembering ‘All’ American Veterans.

Almost a century earlier, on June 4, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson spoke at Arlington National Cemetery on the occasion of the unveiling of a new Confederate Monument by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. His speech echoed praise for the Confederate soldier and he received applause from a crowd of thousands that included Confederate and Union Veterans.

Will the circle, of remembering our American family, be unbroken?

Some, today, seek to ban the Confederate Battle flag, the blood-stained soldier’s banner of many hard fought battles, from Veterans Day events and the soldier’s monument at South Carolina’s State Capitol. There is also a push to ban the Confederate flag at all NASCAR races.

Some groups claim the Southern flag is offensive to Black people.

But, what do they say to Black folks who call the Confederate flag a symbol of Southern Pride like Nelson Winbush of Florida who is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans—www.scv.org? Mr. Winbush speaks truthfully and from the heart about the War for Southern Independence, 1861-65, and of his grandfather who fought for the South. He may even ‘proudly’ show you a picture of himself, as a child, with his Grandfather, Louis Napoleon Nelson, who rode with Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest in Company M of the 7th Tennessee Cavalry and was buried with his Confederate uniform and Confederate flag draped casket.

Gen. Forrest said of the Black men who rode with him, “These boys stayed with me … and better Confederates did not live.”

You might also ask Black Southern-Historian H.K. Edgerton who marched across Dixie from North Carolina to Texas attired in Confederate uniform, carrying the Confederate flag and educating many Black and White people along the way about their Southern Heritage. Edgerton is also past president of the local NAACP Chapter in Asheville, North Carolina.

Was Gen. Forrest an early advocate for Civil Rights?

Forrest’s speech during a meeting of the Jubilee of Pole Bearers is a story that needs to be told. Gen. Forrest was the first white man to be invited by this group which was a forerunner of today’s Civil Right’s group. A reporter of the Memphis Avalanche newspaper was sent to cover the event.

Miss Lou Lewis, daughter of a Pole Bearer member, was introduced to Forrest and she presented the former general a bouquet of flowers as a token of reconciliation, peace and good will. On July 5, 1875, Nathan Bedford Forrest delivered this speech.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the Southern states. I accept it more particularly as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God’s earth who loves the ladies I believe it is myself. (Immense applause and laughter.) I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man, to depress none. (Applause.)

I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I have not said anything about politics today. I don’t propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to us.

When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I’ll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand.” (Prolonged applause.) End of speech.

Nathan Bedford Forrest again thanked Miss Lewis for the bouquet and then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Such a kiss was unheard of in the society of those days, in 1875, but it showed a token of respect and friendship between the general and the black community and did much to promote harmony among the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee.

Some people have claimed that Forrest was associated with the Ku Klux Klan but he officially denied participation. He encouraged the friendly reunion of North and South and the remembrance of both the Confederate and Union Dead.

Forrest died on October 29, 1877, in Memphis, Tennessee and is buried with his wife at Forrest Park.

Lest We Forget!!

A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson, Chairman of the National and Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Confederate History Month Committee—Scv.org lives near the historic town of Kennesaw and he’s a member of the Chattahoochee Guards Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is the author of the book ”When America Stood for God, Family and Country.” Calvin can be reached at: cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net