Not so proud of Pickens

Dear Editor,

Normally, I am very proud to say that I am from Pickens, a peaceful little town in the upper corner of South Carolina. Today, though, not so much. Let me tell you why.

Last Monday night, there was a demonstration — a peaceful protest, if you will — marking righteous outrage over the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a man who betrayed the trust we place in all police officers.

These protesters were polite, peaceful, respectful and courteous, and at no time did they get belligerent, combative or destructive. So, why am I not proud of Pickens, you ask?

During this peaceful protest, no less than three pickup trucks flying flapping Confederate flags slowly drove past … multiple times … as if to make a point.

We have all heard the attempts at rationalizing the rebel flag. “It’s heritage, not hate” or “It’s pride, not prejudice.” That doesn’t work now, if it ever did.

To way too many people, regardless of color, that flag is a “heritage OF hate” and it’s a symbol of the “pride OF prejudice.” It has no place in society other than history books and museums, and it definitely had no place being flown at a peaceful march protesting the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a racist cop.

Not now. Not ever. Not in the Pickens that I know and love.

Steve Anderson

Pickens