Atlanta man’s act of defiance

An Atlanta man, identified as 22-year-old James Blitch, allegedly embarked on a near three-hour journey to South Carolina with the intention to lower the Confederate flag flying over Interstate 85 South. Deputies of the Spartanburg County confirm they apprehended him while trespassing onto a property late Saturday night.

After questioning, Blitch reportedly confessed to planning to lower the flag, which was initially hoisted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 2022. The territory where the flag stands belongs to the organization’s Spartanburg chapter. Bitch was subsequently released from custody Sunday afternoon.

Understanding the Confederate flag

The Confederate “battle flag” features a red backdrop, a blue “X,” and a white star for each of the 13 Confederate states. Regardless of its association with the Confederacy, it was never the formal signet of the confederation. The flag has since become a contentious symbol.

For many, the Confederate flag is a symbol of pride and an emblem of Southern heritage, meant to serve as a reminder of the American Civil War. However, others see it as a representation of division, hatred, and promotion of slavery.

Following the Civil War’s end, President Abraham Lincoln moved forward with the abolition of slavery. However, the flag retained its power as a divisive symbol, as it has been carried for decades by the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi groups, and various white supremacist factions. This has furthered the interpretation of the flag as an emblem from a past where not all Americans were free.

Removal of Confederate symbols in Georgia

There have been numerous attempts throughout Georgia to remove Confederate flags and statues from public locations, especially prominent in 2023. However, these efforts have often been met with backlash and legal retaliation. In response to these removals, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans filed suits against several counties, but these lawsuits were all dismissed.

In June, Antonio Lewis, an Atlanta City Councilman, stated his intention to change local street names associated with the Confederacy. This sparked protests, but the motion is still ongoing. Meanwhile, in October, more friction arose when the popular Stone Mountain Park moved several Confederate flags closer to a smaller park featuring a statue of a Confederate soldier, sparking more controversy and threats of legal action from the Sons of Confederate Veterans.