The national controversy surrounding the Confederate flag made barely a blip in the state of Illinois, which did not have the flag flying at any government offices; in fact, the state's legislators passed a resolution in June encouraging South Carolina to remove the flag from its statehouse.
"“It belongs in a museum, not on the grounds of the state capitol. It’s an offensive image. People can still analyze and look at their heritage, but in a museum, not on state grounds,” Rep. David McSweeney
told the Chicago Sun Times. “I’d like to see it come down anywhere it flies on state grounds, not just in South Carolina.”
Vote Now: Should the Confederate Flag Be Removed From All Government Buildings?
Not all organizations in Illinois agreed with South Carolina's eventual decision to do just that. When the Confederate flag was removed in that Southern state, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp Douglas
516 in Chicago, posted on Facebook: "The Sons of Confederate Veterans is dismayed that the politicians of the great state of South Carolina have traded their integrity for the fleeting benefit of appeasing those individuals and groups who do not let facts stand in the way of their objectives."
The group went on to point out that removing the flag was a "breach of trust" after assurances were given the Confederate Battle Flag would stay at the monument when it was moved from South Carolina's capitol. "It also evidences a capitulation to the malicious campaign that has fanned the flames of divisiveness for the sole purpose of political gain. It is a politically convenient insult to the legacy of millions of South Carolinians," the group said.
Confederate flags continue to be flown at private residences in Illinois, the News-Gazette reported, noting the Constitutional protection for such symbolic displays of free speech. In talking with leaders in several communities, though, it appeared as if few people were flying the flags.
One South Elgin man, who flew the flag outside his home, took it down on June 28 after a neighbor posted her concerns on
social media, the Chicago Tribune noted.
The man noted his fears for his family and also his home, and told the paper he flew it as a nod to his ancestors who are from Arkansas and also his anger at the government, which he said has overstepped its bounds by stepping on state's rights, the paper said amid national outcry.
Urgent: Should Government Buildings Be Forced to Remove the Confederate Flag?
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