Can't we all agree that it is high time we move the banner of apartheid in this country from our government properties and into museums along with slavery bills of sale, "colored entrance only" signs, and other vestiges of slavery?  The claim that the Confederate Battle Flag is a symbol of states' rights is disingenuous as it was the rallying point of states which wanted the right to own and subjugate the black race.  The CSA vice president said as much in his Cornerstone Address, and organizations promoting segregation almost exclusively identify with either the swastika or the stars and bars flag. 

As with everything context is important. Years ago there was a push to remove the confederate flag from every state owned property in the state of FLorida. I know your first reaction is "Hell yes!", but nothing is ever that simple. The places it was used on state owned property also had the British and Spanish flags flown along side of it. They showed the history of the Florida and which country the land the now state of Florida belonged to. If it were the only one besides the US flag flying, of course it should have come down.

Our history isn't always pretty, but to completely remove any symbol of even the ugly parts, removes the reminder that we can and should do better. Yes there are people who use the symbol to perpetuate hate, but to take it from them isn't changing what is in their heart. And only makes it harder to spot the fools.