So many comments here, on this topic, are in the sense of "Oh great we're talking about a symbol, while not fixing the root causes like guns and racism". I have

So many comments here, on this topic, are in the sense of "Oh great we're talking about a symbol, while not fixing the root causes like guns and racism". I have a sense that's a POV of West Coasters, simply unable to fathom the depth of this symbol and its importance to racists, anti-racists, and its presence permeating everyday life in the South. Removing this symbol is a traumatic step even for many people of good will. The symbol is everywhere, and usually is employed innocuously. So getting rid of the symbol, even where used innocuously, means that even the people who intend no harm by it, have come to be conscious of the pain it causes to black descendants of slaves, every day. It's a big step for the southern "middle".