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Stars and Bars Confederate battle flag proposal constructive compromise to old debate The use of the Confederate battle flag to represent Southern heritage throughout the South has been a center of controversy for years. Four states ? South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi ? fly the flag over their state capitol. However, Georgia is in the process of removing it from the state's flag. South Carolina started flying the battle flag over the Statehouse in 1961 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Civil War. However, many critics of the flag argue that it was raised over the Statehouse as a protest to desegregation. And it has been the source of much debate ever since. But a possible compromise about the flag in South Carolina could be reached in the near future. Charleston Sen. Robert Ford, who has led the opposition to the flag, is planning to propose a compromise that would remove the current battle flag and replace it with the Stars and Bars, which was used by the Confederacy from 1861 to 1863. Sen. Glenn McConnell, a vocal supporter of the the battle flag staying where it is, said Ford's proposal has some merit. Ford's plan seems to be the perfect solution to an otherwise heated and, in someways, pointless debate. Both sides feel very Stronflv ahflllt whnt thp? floo mpnnc r\r?A ciHfl cny,c- ; mnMpanto ; -V, ^ v. v T.wui U1V nut; 111VUIIO, V/11V OIVIW 11 1CJJ1 L^LIIl?5 heritage, the other side says hate. The Stars and Bars is similar to the U.S. flag; it has a blue field in the upper left-hand corner with 7 white stars, and three broad stripes, two red and one white, across the rest of the Hag. The Stars and Bars is even more representative of the South and its traditions since it was the original Confederate Hag. The battle Hag we recognize today became the Confederate's new war flag in 1863 because the original one was difficult to decipher from the American Hag. In addition to representing the heritage of the South, the Stars and Bars does not have the highly negative connotation the other flag has. Many people, especially minorities, find the Confederate Bag offensive because of its use by the Ku Klux Klan and other racist organizations. The Stars and Bars does not invoke the same type of reaction. Ford's proposal to replace the current Confederate flag with the original flag used by the Confederacy is an excellent way to end a debate that has gone on for too long. Southern heritage is very important to many South Carolinians, and should be respected. But the sensitivities of the many people who are offended by the flag should also be taken into account. The Stars and Bars still represents Southern tradition, but it is not offensive. And, hopefully, it will eventually be flying over the Gatehouse, representing all, not just some, South Carolinians. University should stress racial, cultural harmony The Rodney King civil rights diet brought eruptions of violence and fear to the most PATRICK volatile parts of Los Angeles. V I L L E G A S But this year it was different. ________________ There were no riots, no uproar. :,.i uiauiiiil, UIl IIJC >UCUU iivnn, no nothing. bas a | w tQ Q It s kind of tunny. With such Ifs 1993 and no onc sccms to a negative ellect occurring alter care ,ha( we ^ have ^malm year s verdict, why >sn t e(, sororilies anU fraternities, theie a visible positive ettect Although it would be tough, taking place . ? integrated fraternities and sororiNow, I know people aien t (ies wouid effectively shape how going to run out ot their houses some people think when they to hold hands and sing spirituals ,eave college m(i enter rea, |Uc in the slieet, but think the p any0ne is bold enough to trv nation needs to see something to break the mol(l i su;sesl lh'c extremely positive to he p (all 0f 1993 is a great o^Jxmun.improve relations between the (y dilteient races. The hiring of black faculty Through federal or state lund- and s(a|T also nceds improvc. ing, each locality needs to expe- mcm In order tor 01hers (() lience some kind ot cultural understand some of the struggles awareness so that events such as of ,ifc tVom a b,ack perspective, the King beating will be curbed. SUldcn,s need t0 have an insight, hducation courses in schools. vvhjch a)uRj comc fn)m a black government otlices and munici- professor or a counselor, pa services such as fire and Thcrc are many ideas, but police orces needs to be imple- idcas arcn-t good uniess action mented. City events that pro- is (akcn , t aclion begin mo e iacn lversity also need vvjdl S()ineone with real power more coverage and promotion 1 ... . r.?. c ttc^. , here at the university ? the lacEven here at USC, racial ten- j sions could be improved. . " V. , , l ?. .. .. ' 1 lie laculty here can make USC has one ol the highest t. . r . . .... . sorfoc waves. Ihev have duect percentages 01 oiacKs on campus in die nation, yet this .school Mill "J1" lhe :idinill.ls"a"\c lends lo he perceived as a eood l'iin.cs that various student lend ole hoy institution. We nec-d to "nl> wlsl' 1 hc stttrt chanuinc the itnaue ol* this lucidly memheis haw i . ~ more advantages because lhc\ ^ ' fl.'IV'i* linro lAiinot* am/I h'i\ ,< Bu. events like mend taunts mw g ^ lhim ;i arc not the way to begin. VVe ,11 s|m|cm w|u) wj||, f know that racial lorums aic noi c),ne^ vcars successful because it is usually a , U)^y ^ ^ c;m one-sided ordeal. be made before another beaiine Instead, the university and the has,() (akc ,Qc students need to start vvorkinii on programs that will benefit Patrick Villegas is editor in chief outers in the lime to come, l or gfThe HERE AT U&C, Motro is "it T~s CLA V m EP r as Smoking, oth< Maybe it's just me. but aren't cig tueltcs the damnedest phenomenon? Within three-and-a-half inches of rolling paper and an attached filter, a pile of chopped tobacco influences our daily routine. For me. I start my mornings out by brewing a cup of coffee, lighting a cigarette and reading the daily newspaper. But, if I were to not light a cigaI'D f to T iimnlrl n a( Fpp 1 rirthf 1 VVV/U1U II wi 1VV1 1 I would feel like a crying baby without its pacifier. And that's the strange thing about dependencies. We examine then wonder how we could ever get by will 1 ask myself how could I get by w: friends, coffee or cigarettes and so on. Some people would say develop dependencies is bad and points out a son. I disagree; I think it's just a cha of who you arc. We all have flaws. Some of us much. Some of us eat too much. Some SGA forums needed to involve students To the editor: Lea Clayton's stance in the April 16 Crossfire raised some valid points that I believe should be addressed. Student government forums provide an opportunity for individuals to question student leaders and administrators about campus issues. The Vice President's Panel held Tuesday, April 13 was publicized through Student Affairs to more than 200 organizations across campus. For the 30 people who participated. die panel was a chance to questi/\n *1/Im i m v:t r'llMfc 'iK/mi! \*i ci t'?tir\ri academic integrity and minority status based on sexual orientation. It is somewhat discouraging when only 30 people attend a forum dial was publicized to every organization on campus. The message conveyed by apathy is clear; administrative decisions can be made with minimal student criticism. Student government is an attempt to fix a rallying point lor students to express their concerns and lobby the university for NEWSROOM 777-7726 P.O. BOX 85131 I alitor in Chief Associate Iklilors Viewpoint I ilitor Copy Desk Chief News i-.ditors \.. i m,.?. . I o. I . lAIIll'In I ('arolina! IU.iitor Assl. ('arolina! I Alitor Spoils Pditors .Assl. Spoils I-.,.liior Pliolo I Sliior Assl. Photo IaIiIoi Graphics I Alitor Asst. (ira pines I Alitor ('arlooinst Cop\ Ptlitors Sttulcnl Media Coordinator Production Manager Asst. Production Manager Advertising Manager Asst. Advertising Manager I:acully Adviser Graduate Assistant Darkroom Technicians OUR HEVJ ss is more" I OTHER WoR[>S: SS -PACK?F> SSRooMs MEMS \E OF AN / VCATlON P v jr depend m?mm?mm?mm?mm \ T I G E ; WATTS < rt. and we relates to evei tout diem. der the Natf ithout iny peace pipe so remarkable, ting such Another th weak per- way, you can iracteristic with a simple For those drink too point is, I'm of us are here. It's just change. Instead of partic this mechanism and incr effectiveness, many stude SCiA of being exclusio label its leaders as "uncar climbers." This places stu eminent in a precarious p a leader works to achie thing that is beneficial t< dent body, it is often vit "political scheme." If n accomplished, then the a lion is ineffective. Unfort is a no-win situation. Student government i strong as its numbers. ( ^lovdnn ctoto/1 Alio' v^ia^u/u >>uuv.u, i nu v/mv cannot fight 'the system' has the voice and will of I behind it." 1 could not a*! If students are willing behind its leaders, then pi day llie student body pre.be able to stand at a trustees meeting confi 26.000 students are read} their demands are not r then. SGA forums ;ue an get students aware and im Brij International studies s< UNIVERSITY O Patrick Villi Lee Clout/.. 1.1. Wagon I Gordon Mai Brian Garl lack Dunn. Melissa Toi .ea Clayton. Rochelle Killingl lonnit'er I t Meliiula Wak Nancy Salomonsky. Tim Tho Roh Rodi Stephanie Ne' l'.II. i,a,. lXV^I I \ " V "I II (iregory I' Chris Milkl Paul Chris Davis. Thorn I lar Jim McK? I .aura lim Gi Renee Gil Michael Van Bei Erik Co Brian McG . Erin Galloway. Rika Ilashin less epuca' For More m0ne4. encies a na perfectionists. and others are s And some of us have depet cies, like smoking. But can you get on the bac those who smoke? Think aboi times when you see somi smoke. I know that 1 like to si when I'm out with my friends ing a good time. It heighten; sense of comfort and relaxati also smoke when I'm worrie uneasy about something, an ous sign of discomfort. Thus, you have this drug y situation that you're in. No ve Americans passed arounc much: they found something ling about cigarettes is that, exhale all that is bad inside o puff. It's a truly symbolic reh who are still wondering wha sony that I've been ramblin that when I hear those who r,;,?,'" Writer shoo nts accuse from labelir nary and >ng ladder ? *he editor: idem gov- a,n writint osition. If Jet trey Turbitt' ve some- C(),npare..." CO a the stu- ' read. I fount -*wed as a 01 a resP^ctfuJ t iotiiing is Marian Anderson dininistia- ct' c, 'l'que of rap unately it Mr. Turbitt set right track whe s only as "Anderson's d< As Ms. reminder of . . ials really Alrican-Americ; unless it American music, i he people ue^ 10 s,ate a m free more. 'aken seriou to rally repetitive and > .'rhaps one sa-v. l'lal characit iident will African music in hoard of '"""led to. voca dent that ca" a"d tcsintn < to act if s>ncopation and net. Until ?' which can he attempt to ,m,sic. lOlved. n?w. then, ca that native Alric m Comer a^'c to identify tpliomore , , , , 1 evolved directly I llfllcOl F SOUTH CAROL ;gas The Gamecock land South Carolina ar ancn Wednesdays and I >eck weekly during bo !llcr vcrsitv holidays ai Irop r\ lscn Opinions expres: usky author and not the kvlin The Board of 5 ,son publisher of The 'ore/ ! me parent organiz jun Change of addrt man respondence shou :iiar The University of Subscription ra kson Columbia, SC. Th oen of the University < llins dent activity fees. uire lolo rioM - Ha Vpo, t: ^ .j J 6EE, 1 W^A*f itural part of life ilobs. the ami-tobacco front stand up on their soap box iden- and start complaining about the "evils of smoking," 1 develop a little twitch, ks of You just can't understand what it's like to it the have a dependency such as smoking, No one eone knows what it's like to have a drug that's a noke "catch-all." hav- I'm not here to strike against those who coms the plain about smoking, I just wish those who on. I argue against it try to understand. And I know -d or it's hard to understand why a four-inch piece of obvi- tobacco controls a person's lifestyle, but it does. It controls you just like jogging does to some^at one who exercises. It controls yon just like a won~ baseball game does someone who likes sports. It's a part of you, and you grow with that trait. So, next time you think smokers are agents of n Satan, think about a trait that dominates your ' lifestyle and try to understand. D m o m Kn t- ire tr\ inrl rta t K or\ I /-\ nnrlar lxv^niv^min^i, 11 o tadiui iu iuuxw uuui iv; uiiuwiixer. * ? l my slandig on lead Tige Watts is a columnist for The Gamecock Id refrain Furthermore, forms called hollers and work songs were die predecesIg milSiC sors of Negro spirituals, and were based upon repetition and simplicity. What does Mr. Turbitt want ? ; in response to coloratura singing and hemiola in s "Rap does not p0p music? lumn ot April 16. There is a world of difference \ myselt jolted out between classical forms of music ribute to contralto and folk, pop and rock forms. All i into an uneducat- music is in a constant state of music. renewal, and rap just makes tliis all ;med to be on the die more evident. 1 can empadiize :n he stated that with your dislike of certain music *ath serves as a forms, Mr. Turbitt, but, in the contributions future, please refrain from labeling ins have made to lonns as "hardly music." " I li> iIkmj rnnlin. sic form couldn't Melody l>. Edwards isly when it was Vocal performance senior simplistic." May I JHTHEBEEHBCn : lis tics ol original elude, hut are not The Gamecock will uy to print I forms includina a" 1,c.""sJne",nved-?Lel,ers should be 200-250 words maxise. polyihythins, mum. Full name and profesimprovisation; all sional title or year and major, if : identified in rap a student, must be included along with an address and n Mr. Turbitt say phone Gamecock J reserves the right to edit for ans would not be style, possible libel or space with the music ol limitations. The Gamecock will n the rap form not withhold names under any from them? circumstances. k ADVERTISING 777-4249 INA COLUMBIA, SC 29208 is the student newspaper of the University of td is published three times a week on Mondays, -ridays during the fall and spring semesters and th summer sessions, with the exception of uniid examination periods. seel in The Gamecock are those of the editors or >se of the University of South Carolina, iludent Publications and Communications is the Gamecock. The Student Media Department is ation of The Gamecock. ;ss forms, subscriptions, requests and other eorld be sent to The Gamecock, P.O. Box 85131, South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208 tes are $46 a year. First-class postage paid at ie Gamecock is a registered student organization [>f South Carolina and is partially funded by stu