Dylann Roof, the man accused of killing nine black people during their church worship at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, has been charged with committing a federal hate crime. Roof has posted racist remarks and a photo of him holding a Confederate flag on the internet, sparking nationwide debate over whether the Confederate flag is symbolic of racism. Roof has now been charged with a 33-count indictment under federal hate crime laws, convicting him of nine murders, three attempted murders, and illegal use of firearm in the shooting. Prosecutors have not said if they will punish Roof with the death sentence. Do you think they should?
What do you think about amendment that would allow Confederate flag imagery on federal land?
The presence of Confederate flag imagery continues to be the subject of hot debate. California Representative Ken Calvert announced a GOP amendment on Wednesday, that if voted to pass on Thursday, will allow Confederate flag imagery to remain displayed on graves located on federal land in certain circumstances. The Confederate flag, flown by the Confederates during the civil war, is associated with racism and slavery by those opposed to the usage of its imagery. Many that continue to support the usage of the flag believe that it is a tribute to their Confederate ancestors that bravely sacrificed their lives rather than a symbol of racism. What would be your preferred outcome to the vote on this amendment?