My "issue" regarding the Confederate Flag

 

 

This was filed with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission July 1st/2015. While the U.S. media seems able to routinely trash the Confederate flag, I thought I'd see if we are able to get away with it here in Canada:

To whom it may Concern,

I am asking your organization to investigate a serious incident of discrimination that occurred June 23^rd, 2015 in the province of Saskatchewan.

Unfortunately a very disturbed white kid in Southern Carolina killed nine black people in a church the week prior. Due to the young idiot taking pictures of himself with guns and the Confederate flag, once again in the United States there was a mad dash by left wing radicals to tie racism to the Confederate flag. Attempts to discredit and degrade the Confederate flag have existed since the end of the American Civil War, along with the propaganda that all white southerners are racist. For this reason, a son/daughter of the Confederacy is usually deemed a racist/white supremacist if attempting to take pride in their family or their family’s past. Most Canadians have little to no idea of true American history, because mainstream education in North America speaks of the winning side’s version.

I am Dale Vincent Pippin, and my family arrived in Saskatchewan, Canada 110 years ago. We are direct descendants from one of the Seven Blackbirds from Tarboro, Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The Seven Blackbirds were seven brothers who fought in the American Civil War for the Confederacy. Pippin (Pippen) is a huge name in the south, with several historical landmarks honoring the substantial sacrifice made by the brothers. I firmly believe anybody would agree that one of the very few “positive” memories of any war is to honor the feats and valor displayed by individuals under extreme conditions and duress of battle. If you are from the south and your family fought for the south, it is their belief to never forget (nor to refrain from taking pride in being southern). There is a song written in dedication and memory of the Seven Blackbirds which is easily viewed on Youtube should you be interested.

I can say with 100% certainty that the Pippins that came to Canada 110 years ago have substantially contributed to Saskatchewan/Canada, and are not racist. The contributions to the community were made with good old fashioned resiliency, honesty, good work ethics, pride, and integrity (a few of the many great southern traits brought north to Canada).

I am a former CUPE Union Local President, Member of the CCLA for seven years (Canadian Civil Liberties Association, recently quit); and have been a private advocate for Human Rights/Fundamental Freedoms for fifteen years.

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