Removal |
While we would love to see the removal of this banner that celebrates an army that attacked and killed United States soldiers, seamen, Marines, and civilians, we understand that freedom of expression is paramount in a free and open democracy. We do not seek to eliminate this symbol through legislation or other government order. Our primary goal is to create a culture that understands and acknowledges the abhorrent nature of this flag specifically, and the Confederate cause in general. Through this understanding, we hope to create a public pressure so great that supporting the cause and symbols of the Confederacy becomes an untenable position.
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Education |
While removal of the flag and memorial located at exit 16 is our ultimate goal, this cannot happen without a conversation involving multiple viewpoints. As it stands, those who support the Confederate States' attack on the United States, its military, and its citizens have a monopoly on the view being expressed on behalf of our community. They have taken it upon themselves to tell residents, travelers, and businesses a false tale about the nature of our community. We aim to establish a counter-narrative to set the record straight. We have established a Go Fund Me page to assist in the purchase of land near the monument that is highly visible to those traveling on the interstate. Our hope is to erect a sign, billboard, monument, or other type of visible opposition to the views and ideas represented by the flag. You may donate directly to this fund by clicking the button at the bottom of any page on this website.
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Growth |
Since the flag at Exit 16 was erected, home values in the area have stagnated. Additionally, there has been an increase in the amount of time that each home is on the market, as opposed to the increase in real estate values and home sales seen nationwide. It is also worth noting that there has been no major business growth in the area in this time, and many business proposals from outside corporations have stalled. We hope that removal of the flag or, at the very least, erecting a counter-narrative nearby will be one of many steps in turning the area into an attractive place for high-wage, innovative, community-minded businesses.
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