Friday letters: Clinton was on the right side on Confederate flag

Many Republican presidential hopefuls were hesitant to call for the Confederate flag’s removal from the State House grounds following racially motivated killings of nine innocent people in Charleston, instead waiting for others to take a stand. Leadership has never been about waiting to follow in the footsteps of others or taking action only when it’s politically convenient; it’s about boldly and unapologetically standing up for what is right and correcting injustices, no matter what.

That’s what makes Hillary Clinton a true leader. On this issue and so many others, Hillary was on the right side of history, long before the rest of us. Back in 2007, Hillary said the flag should be removed from the State House grounds, believing that “we should have one flag that we all pay honor to, as I know that most people in South Carolina do every single day.” After the Charleston tragedy, Hillary reiterated her support for removing the flag.

Whether it be in a voting booth or on a playground, Hillary Clinton believes that “America’s long struggle with race is far from over,” and that we as a country need to do all we can to continue the fight for civil rights and equality.

When it’s all said and done, a flag is just a piece of cloth. Our country, on the other hand, is a tapestry, woven together by generations of Americans of all colors and backgrounds, many of whom have aspired to do great good toward each other and confront the hatred that divides us.

President, S.C. Democratic Women’s Council

Pawleys Island

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 7:35 PM.