Confederate Flag: No Honor in Fighting for an Unjust Cause

Bill Starr has a South Carolina lineage that predates the Revolution, and ancestors who fought in the Civil War for the Confederate States of America. He wants the Confederate flag to come down. [ MORE: www.storyofamer... ]
Annabel Park of Story of America spoke to Mr. Starr during the ceremonial lying in state for slain Civil Rights leader and State Senator Clementa Pinckney at the South Carolina state capitol in Columbia, SC.
The Confederate battle flag was raised over the South Carolina capitol dome in 1962 as a symbol of defiance of the Civil Rights movement. In 2002, a compromise in the state legislature moved the flag to a Confederate war memorial in front of the dome, with the United States flag and the South Carolina state flag replacing the Confederate flag atop the dome.
In the wake of the June 17, 2015 massacre at the Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, lawmakers including both US Senators and the governor of the state (all Republicans) asked the legislature to vote to remove the flag from state grounds as a symbol of healing, unity and inclusion.
"It’s unbearable to think that a hundred and fifty years after the end of the Civil War, fifty years after the end of legal segregation, that people are still being murdered for the crime of having been the victims of the greatest crime in history, which is what slavery was” begins Starr. He recounts his Confederate ancestry but explains that they weren’t slave-owners, just poor people drafted “sent to fight for a bunch of rich slave owners to defend the most unjust institution in history, and there is no honor in that, there is nothing to be proud of in that. The 300,000 Confederate soldiers soldiers who died in that war were murdered by slavery just as surely as the millions who died on the plantations.”
MORE: www.storyofamer...

[@jimrhyne4218]

As well stated that can be imagined.

[@jackduncan8561]

Dear Brother, may the God of justice, mercy and all wisdom shine an extra ray of light on you and yours. Though rare in today's environment, your honesty and profound decency is astounding and worthy of acknowledgement. You are a gem! Jack Duncan

[@chrisjackson2080]

This is a very profound explanation. A very intelligent gentleman here. I would love to hear more from this individual. I don’t even know him but I have a deep amount of respect for him.

[@seangreenwood6307]

He just said the southern men fought for nothing.you respect that.im a northern my boy and I even know that's a crook of shit.they fought for freedom that the union tried to take from them.it had nothing to do with slavery .black,whites,Chinese all fought on the Confederate side.if they were fighting to abolish slavery then why do so many colored soldiers fight for the Confederate?.this guy is what's wrong .he just goes and repeats all the same bullshit he was taught by other dipshits who had no clue what they were talking about

[@oneprettycookie7446]

He seems like a good-hearted man.

[@thuglife9197]

The U.S need more white men like him

[@jackkelley5681]

Ok thug life

[@jeriwho]

This man absolutely nails it. There is no honor in the history of the Confederate flag. It is the emblem of a feudal system that was horrible and backward, and when confronted, it was willing to see its own sons killed off rather than turn itself around and become a benign, morally upright system.

[@cuchulain1647]

jeriwho Fuck you.

[@steelbill1834]

This video should be part of the curriculum in every school district in the country.

[@holyfreeholy2329]

Very conscientious and educated man

[@seanfarrell5341]

Wow this man is amazing

[@brando3023]

And to think that the majority of poor white people from the south who didn't owned slaves were told to fight and die for the rich corrupted evil owners, had a crime committed against them also; but now some claim those evils as their heritage is extremely disappointing.

[@eldwdubu6968]

Bill Starr you a good American, too bad its not enough people like you.

[@jimrhyne4218]

There are...we are. The media doesn't generally seek out sanity or truth, but sensationalism. This man represented the rest of us eloquently.

[@lovejangie1]

Jim Rhyne Point taken. Well said.

[@brianholland1996]

Incredibly insightful...well spoken!

[@hunterkco]

This guy really gets it. Bravo sir.

[@derekdugger2321]

This guy needs to learn the true history of the civil war. It did not start over slavery, Lincoln didn't care about freeing slaves, he only emancipated the southern slaves to hurt the south, while the north kept slaves until the 13th amendment was past. The Confederate army was integrated, while the north was segregated. What a doofus

[@derekdugger2321]

@Good Shepherd your as inept at history as this uneducated buffoon. He obviously cant read. The north had slaves, so how were they fighting to free slaves, when the north kept their slaves until the 13th amendment was passed? Our uneducated system at work again.

[@vernonsanders371]

He doesn't get u don't get it the bigger picture here

[@seangreenwood6307]

@@derekdugger2321 this guy has the nerves to say they fought for nothing.

[@jamescarter8699]

@@derekdugger2321 YOUR THE " DUFUS" HERE. The South was the aggressor they attacked 1st and not just at Fort Sumpter S.C. They had attacked several Union based Banks throughout the South and military encampments before the North fired a shot. 7 of the Confederate states stated and declared that it was all about the Slaves along with the Confederate Vice President. Hell the guy that made the Confederate flag said it was over Slavery. And some 83% of the South's economy was fueled and based in and by Slavery. And Confederate unpaid labor "Camp Slaves" not allowed to carry weapons is not integration. You need to study history and stop spewing KKK trailor park false propaganda thinking you can trick people into thinking it was an immoral Northern invasion. Your racist stupidity is showing BUTTWIPE! As well as your immorality.

[@LeahHannahSpeaks]

This is very powerful information things that my older relative was telling me all along. I truly thank this wonderful man Mr. Bill Star for setting the tone for excellence. I truly appreciate Mr. Star for taking the time to explain the history of the Confederate flag. Thank goodness it wasn't a Black person explaining it for the simple fact it will be as if we were lying and not telling the truth about history. Go figure.

[@alanmorris7669]

Leah Hannah I totally agree with you!

[@marcusholloway5979]

I guess those 41 dislikes don't want to hear the truth and love that flag

[@derekdugger2321]

What truth is that? That blacks fought for that flag? That the war wasn't about freeing slaves, since union slave states kept their slaves until the 13th amendment was passes, with one union slave star voting against it? That 90% of people have been uneducated by the US education system and continue to get their miss information from TV, to lazy to attempt to lean the truth. Sad, this is how they tear us apart, with their narrative and agenda. Nice job

[@stephenberry3551]

There is no flag in the world that is not stained in blood and a certain amount of shame. Atrocities are evident in every culture. This man spoke the truth as he saw it, allow him that right without clamour or distain

[@saymoremccalman4974]

Respectfully put without being confrontational or disrespectful.

[@deangelofoster9045]

I'm a black man that appreciate to hear this but facebook won't let me post it the other can understand

[@TheBatugan77]

@david nichols So?

[@debraa.155]

A smart educated southerner! Rare!!!

[@jackkelley5681]

Wow, that's a big generalization to make about such a large group of people.

[@imageofdafatheradamahlight3105]

SLAVERY NEVER STOPPED... IT'S STILL GOING ON, BUT ONLY IF YOU KNOW WHAT SLAVERY LOOKS LIKE... DA END

[@ernestturnage3653]

Yep, it's called pimp'n.

[@johnmcmunn5698]

I understand this man’s viewpoint but I’m not sure he understands the basis for the Civil War. While most people equate the Civil War as a war against slavery, that is far from the truth. Slavery was only one of the issues that resulted in the Civil War. The fundamental underpinnings of the Civil War was the debate over how much power the individual states ceded to the federal government. All of the 13 states that seceded from the Union had strong feelings that the federal government had usurped too much power that was NOT granted to it by the Constitution. Actually it is ironic that 13 colonies declared their independence from England and 13 states declared their independence from the U. S. over fundamentally the same issue: an abuse of power! Another ironic fact is that initially Lincoln was not concerned with slavery. He was an advocate for a strong central government. A further irony is that had the South Carolina militia not bombarded Fort Sumter, Lincoln would NOT have had a basis for declaring war on the CSA. The 10th Amendment to the Constitution would have prevailed. Unfortunately most people think the War was about slavery and therefore they equate the Confederate flag with racism. But for many Southerners it is about their heritage much like Irish take pride in their heritage which is why St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated.

[@snkvgn1984]

U understand nothing about economics of slavery......cotton tobacco and rice were the main exports of the south. Very very profitable....the cotton exports alone were large due to the fact that Europeans bought all their cotton from the south. Lincoln had no problem with slavery in the slave states ( he later stated that if he could keep slavery and save the union he would )... the big argument was the EXPANSION of slavery into the newly purchased western territories ( lousiana purchase). Since Lincoln ran on " no expansion of the institution of slavery into those states " ...and won the south saw him as a threat to the institution of slavery. Look.....don't believe me...research it on your own. Check out the official statements from each succession state. States rights are not mentioned once....slavery and the institution of slavery is mentioned many many times...read it...

[@snkvgn1984]

In old school money.....the institution of slavery was worth...wait for it....4.5 BILLION dollars.....in today's dollars it would be in the mid to high trillions....

[@TB-hq1ub]

Well said. But the haters won't listen, just accuse

[@kennethcordero21]

Good video!

[@BigDaddy4Real]

What a very intelligent well spoken man! You simplified it so eloquently and got straight to the point...thank you for sharing that...more people need to hear your message...it makes perfect sense.

[@stephenberry3551]

There is honor in the fact they fought for the right to choose for themselves, not to have some one tell what they what they have to do. The monuments are a reminder of our past. That must be understood, not written out of the history books

[@bobowillyp]

Stephen, Exactly, brother. I agree

[@georgecuster9167]

Hats off to Mr Bill Starr! He's absolutely correct!

[@OK-mb7cy]

Amen to everything he said!

[@MGTOWPaladin]

Why is there a controversy? As South Carolina and other States legally seceded from the Union, the North invaded the now-Confederacy for control of southern cash crops that fed the US Treasury (to the tune of 70%), secured bank loans as collateral, supplied northern industries with raw materials and, across the Atlantic, supplied their industries (The Industrial Revolution) as well. Three non-Confederate Sources: English author, Charles Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist: "The Northern onslaught upon slavery was no more than a piece of specious humbug designed to conceal its desire for economic control ( cotton and other raw materials) of the Southern states." This short telegram, from William Tecumseh Sherman to Abraham Lincoln, is dated December 22, 1864. “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition and also about 25,000 bales of COTTON,” Sherman wrote. In 1924, the US Federal Reserve issued their report on the History of Cotton. Please note in 1800 there was no cotton production. By 1850, COTTON supplied 53.36% of the Treasury's funds. By 1870, COTTON supplied a whopping 60.28 %. fraser.stlouisfed.org/files/docs/publications/FRB/pages/1920-1924/26396_1920-1924.pdf The North invaded the Confederacy for control of southern cash crops and the money it supplied. For 160 years, the North has hid behind Four False Causes or UNCONSTITUTIONAL LIES! 1. Secession is illegal 2. The South rebelled 3. Preserve the Union (Treasury) 4. Slavery - legal under the Constitution: Migration and Importantion Clause, Fugitive Slave Clause, 3/5 Compromise Clause, 4th Amendment and 5th Amendment and 10th Amendment.

[@68weav]

Simply the truth. Someone mad going to call him a lie. It wont work though.

[@mochawitch]

This gave me chills. Spot on.

[@alanmorris7669]

mochawitch It gave me chills too. This interview should be heard around the world.

[@redmoonspider]

What a powerful speech. And it's just off the top of his head.

[@oscarnaranjo8197]

His observations are correct. The CSA soldiers did not fight for slavery. They were conscripted and fought Yankees who invaded the South. The politicians and planters advocated for slavery. Yet Lincoln's motive was primarily preserving the union and whist Grant did somethings for reconstruction and civil rights there was no real effort until JFK came to power and his motive was political too. Perhaps RFK had genuine motives. Either way, from the Yankee's perspective it was about money and keeping the union ( except for abolitionists) and from the Rebels' perspectives it was planter slave owners and conscripts. If you had the money you could pay to get out of being conscripted. I guess not many planters' sons fought in the war. All in all 650000 died for nothing. It could have been resolved and today is evidence of the lack of social reform.

[@TB-hq1ub]

Well said

[@southernchristianwhiteman6224]

Every war is always been about money and power

[@janetburke8327]

Please share this important and moving video. Not only is this man thoughtful and well spoken, but his family background makes his message even stronger! Everyone who watches this should SHARE it.

[@GregoryCunningham]

Very educated man.

[@SummerAnderson-je8kl]

Sorry you are 100% wrong I was born and raised in South Carolina in the war wasn't about slavery it was about states rights.

[@charlesmoore4244]

This man does not realise that lincoln sent 75,000 troops to bring The Confederate States of America back for the wealth that he was receiving from the Southern states. He might be from South Carolina but he sure does not have a southern accent!

[@lovejangie1]

Very good interview! Very thoughtful.

[@jefffetzer9985]

You are right but I think you can remember those who were drafted and forced to fight as fellow countrymen

[@tallen4520]

"unjust"? Name a "Just cause".

[@boatercsa]

Our soldiers, our Confederace Soldiers fought for liberty, and democracy. I feel you betrayed your ancestors.

[@RagingCajun985]

Slavery was wrong but sovereignty was right it was a different time it was a different era. The Descendants of Rome were the light of the world but that didn't give them the right to put other people under them though.

[@bobowillyp]

An inanimate object. People are silly and immature

[@snkvgn1984]

This guy is correct.....

[@simonjones8486]

"SOME ppl have forgotten this historical fact,That America was neva eva built for Black" -Krs One On why the shits keep on poppin...

[@jackkelley5681]

American slavery is not the biggest crime in history, this guy doesn't know what he's talking about

[@stevenbass732]

Sorry buddy but you are so wrong. I recommend that you do some research outside the Authorized history books. Are you not aware that there were 11 all black, all free men regiments that fought for the South? The war of Northern Aggression was not fought against slavery, it was fought because the South exercised its constitutional right to dissolve a federal government that was exceeding its Constitutional powers.

[@RicardoRose]

Excellent feedback for sure!

[@jameshassel5838]

Same thing happened to Americans in Vietnam. So tear down both flags

[@lollmemmSm0keweed]

Lenin's Mausoleum. I wish Pinckney was alive, because this ain't sad or tragic -shit is super creepy. Da fuck is wrong with America?

[@wealldieatthehandsoflovedones]

You would have to cut the flag off my arm been its tattooed. I'm not racist but I fly out flag and my black brothers down in GA fly it also. Cause they know the truth

[@ninamartinez5596]

Very well stated

[@useyourbrain3765]

Sorry bud, slavery was not the "greatest crime in history".

[@CharlesSmith-ye3fv]

It’s History,It’s A Tennessee Army Battle flag,👍👍👍

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

THE SOLUTION:vIf you can change the meaning/definition of marriage you can change the meaning/definition of the Confederate flag. Re-define it to mean love or peace and tell those against the re-definition they are bigots, closed minded and not progressive.

[@Stiglr]

What an idiotic attempt to equate two things that have no relation to one another. The Confederate flag CANNOT be "re-defined". If you would bother to just READ the secession documents of the 13 traitorous Rebel states, you'd see the REAL reason for secession and for the existence of the Confederacy. SLAVERY. Pure and simple. Somebody sold you a big bill of goods when they told you it was "your heritage". Which brings me to another question: Why is it that so many southerners would rather double-down and support a **clear** symbol of hate, slavery and oppression, and can't find some other, **any other** symbol that ALL southerners, white, black and every other race, religion and creed can get behind that defines TRUE southern pride, but is completely divorced from the "old South" of slavery, bigotry and racism? Why is it you can't manage to do that?

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

@@Stiglr Anything can be redefined if marraige can be. When abnormal can become normal and normal become abnormal.anything is possible. Its time to re-define the Confederate flag and anyone who is against it is a bigot, intolerant racist and Southernphobic.

[@spartanwarrior1]

goldsilverandiamonds dude congrats on making yourself an idiot

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

@@spartanwarrior1 Looks like I triggered another soy boy.

[@GGSBTBOFTL]

You are a RIGHTOUS and intelligent man. Thank you and God bless you, Jesus's name, Amen!

[@kingfooliesavage8277]

LOVE TO THIS ELDER GOD LOVE 4L+♾️

[@chezdusa5767]

Sorry bubba but the war between the states wasn't over slavery at all...please check American history for the events that resulted in secession...and yes l love that flag

[@petergrossett6763]

Maybe they didn't see defending their homes as unjust. Perhaps you're using hindsight not available then. Defenndinf your kin is just!

[@benden5095]

Much applaud to that gentleman, I couldn't have said it better.

[@jameshassel5838]

U.S. flag ain't worth shit, after what was done to all the guys that were in Vietnam.

[@markprice8503]

I don't know anybody anything 600000 men died for that war that's enough

[@GGSBTBOFTL]

I'd vote for you as president. Thank you sir, I truly appreciate what you've said. Thank you!

[@tylers6611]

Shout out to this man. His wisdom his is so refreshing.

[@whocares5188]

Oh so Confederate flag bad. But American flag good? That's red white blue flew over the union army as they killed native Americans in their sleep, raped their women, killed their babies. Did you know the union killed the southern slaves? Because most liked their spots and they would try to attack the union. You are in no place to judge my ppl you fucking degenerate. BLM is burning your union down. The south is rising

[@tylers6611]

@@whocares5188 you are a fool. The Confederate flag isnt just offensive because of slavery. The men who wore that flag FOUGHT AND KILLED AMERICAN SOLDIERS. And if you support that, then you're a traitor as well. Get the hell out of my country you pathetic imbecile.

[@alanmorris7669]

Wow! Such an attractive blonde, just over his shoulder- at 3:00.

[@essencemg]

This man is telling the truth. These people are very sick in need of help.

[@kevinasantiago8799]

This guy is saying what so many have tried to tell people.

[@PurposeOfTre1]

As a Bi-Racial millennial who has lived in the south this is how i see the confederate flag! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKjIhHarlqiBpMk In this video I explain how the majority of Blacks view that flag

[@oldreprobate2748]

Well said. Thank you.

[@stevengraham779]

Because thats all they had

[@MysterD515]

Very well put!

[@Greg-vd5om]

Very well said!

[@debraa.155]

A smart educated southerner!

[@spartanwarrior1]

Down with the traitors and up with the stars.

[@jackkelley5681]

Down with the eagle and up with the Cross

[@josephnewton8944]

Dam, that was really powerful!

[@mateot7170]

Like most “white” Southerners, if they dig deep enough they’ll find an African ancestor somewhere and this gentleman is likely no different. Sadly the ignorance of racism will negate their own past. Good man here!!

[@barbararoland6166]

So one man opinion we are a nation that is suppose be lawful Mr Star is not a king . I don"t let it brother me and if something offends me I have the right not to look at it. So he can do the same

[@TJ-gt1zz]

God bless you 🙏🏾....

[@markprice8503]

Why are the Northern cities burning when the south is okay

[@Stiglr]

Relevance check; you're making NO sense.

[@spartanwarrior1]

Go ask uncle Billy Sherman

[@southernchristianwhiteman6224]

@@Stiglr I know it makes sense the north is run by immigrants

[@Stiglr]

@@southernchristianwhiteman6224 You say that like it's a bad thing. May I remind you that all Americans of European descent are immigrants? This country was founded on immigration (if that's indeed the term you want to use for stealing Native American land.

[@vernonsanders371]

Was it a unjust cause for fighting for states rights slavery was not the main reason perfect example of not knowing what u are talking about in spreading your false message

[@abdulfobbs]

Embarrassingly unjust!!! States rights were about the right to own human beings as well. If you want to ignore that fact...so be it but I don't have that privilege. The truth of the matter is, if those you wish to celebrate had actually won the war, my family and I would not have our freedom today. So, your confederate heritage can die as far as I'm concerned.

[@vernonsanders371]

@@abdulfobbs less than 10% of southerners owned slaves who fought that is a fact . yes slavery is wrong .there are slaves today in countries an it's the 21st century why is this a issue for people like u bashing this country in present day,when slavery still exists in this world.

[@abdulfobbs]

@@vernonsanders371 you are uninformed about how racism works. Poor whites were just as racist as the wealthy...just didn't have the money to buy a human being.

[@uuuugh891]

Good man!

[@therealrednecktrr5213]

haha he said that poor men were drafted against there will but so many men tried to sign up for the south that they had to send them home and there are stories about teenagers that cried when they were to young to join. and there were black slave owners in the south as well and rich mens sons fought to

[@Stiglr]

There were young lads on BOTH sides that were disappointed they couldn't join up, for one. For two, the CSA eventually went to conscription, just as the North did. And, the fact that SOME rich men and their scions fought for the Confederates (some even financed and fielded their own regiments) doesn't change the fact that they still were fighting for the WRONG CAUSE. As a bonus, no one was drafted against "there" will, rather against "their" will. Your ignorance shows in your writing as well as your inability to make coherent points.

[@redarrowhead2]

Ok, I guess that is opinion.

[@dannycorsaro546]

Well give them your money!

[@gregbrown9354]

Does anyone realize That the initial reason for the war was states rights? The Southern states had all rights to succeed from the Union if they wanted to but Lincoln had others ideas. The North was losing interest in the war so Lincoln made it a slave war. This has gotten lost in history and like one man said, The winner of a war writes the history books. What A lot of people don't realize it that most Southerners are proud of the flag because of heritage and not slavery. It's really sad that you have some idiots that wave that flag with hate in their hearts and gives it a bad image. The Civil war was a very bad time for Northern and Southern people. Lincoln was not the greatest and if you'll do your research you'll find that out. I learned a lot of this from My Son who majored in political science in college. I'm just a high School guy myself and never heard any of this part of history in school.

[@anselmo4952]

That was wasn't about slavery but industrializacion.

[@rickglisch3459]

This guy is a joke it wasn't a civil war at all when the south secided from the Union of states and the war begain its name was "War Between the States" The illegal representation of taxation was one of the main reasons as the northern states of the Union wanted to tax the southern states on their export of textiles. Plus the south seen that the"Government" of the time just wanted to control all! And the south also felt they would do a better job running their on government and wanted nothing from the norths big steel manufacturing Monopoly. It had nothing to do with fighting for slavery. Yes there was slaves down south and there was slaves up north. The issue of slavery was introduced 3years into the war as the north needed soldiers. Get it right please nowhere in time has a people's came as far as fast as these people have in 200 years faster than the white Americans. What we ought to be rallying for is our poorest of poor only natives of this land our American Indian who was lied to, stolen from. We are all a Heinz 57 mixture now a days and I don't see why everybody doesn't see that it's other forces at work trying to create a black and white issue let's live peaceful all g each other and don't play into this conspiracy let's live in harmony with each other as God tells us to come on people this is the greatest country in the world lets all work together. God bless us all. God does bless America let's thank him by stop all this slavery . If their ancestors had not been brought here as slaves they wouldn't enjoy all the accomplishment's they have worked so hard for!!! It's only a flag and some soldiers who fought for their cause it was not to keep slavery.to much time wasted on this issue tht is not really an issue it is jus history

[@XP3RTL3G3ND]

It was about slavery. You are referring to the lost cause story that the confederates put out after the war to make them look better.

[@dannycorsaro546]

Bah! This is so stupid! Let’s move on! Cover up? Lmao! Who’s covering anything up?

[@cuchulain1647]

Slavery was evil, no question. They weren’t defending slavery. ( the elites were, the average man wasn’t) Read the Corwin amendment. I love the flag specifically because I hate this system of government that only supports the rich. If it is wrong to want self government, then it’s wrong to love the American flag.

[@wilfordmurray]

Bullshit!

[@ralphrice3644]

Free speech is an unjust cause?

[@meadeskelton3350]

God bless the Confederacy! God less Dixie!

[@rogerstacey5689]

The great myth is that the south fought for slavery. Lincoln proposed the 13th ammendmant that would have protected slavery in perpetuity . But the south left the union anyway . It was the higher and higher taxation levied on the south that caused seccession .

[@spartanwarrior1]

Roger Stacey another believer in fairy tales?

[@rogerstacey5689]

@@spartanwarrior1 it's no fairy tale.the real fairy tale is about how noble Abe Lincoln and the North were .

[@markprice8503]

Lies lies and More Lies

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

It was about states rights .

[@tylers6611]

It was about owning slaves bro. Do some more research.

[@madmarx1983]

Read section 1 of the Confederate constitution... It was ALL about slavery.

[@markprice8503]

South is okay leave us the hell alone

[@gerrylk9]

The south is shit. Always was