http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT
"It has become a distraction all over the country right now," Bentley said. The iconic Confederate battle flag in particular "is offensive to some people because unfortunately, it's like the swastika; some people have adopted that as part of their hate-filled groups."
altho i agree that the flag should not be flown on public property, the above isn't correct. the flag has always been a symbol of racism and white supremacy in this country.
now, other hate groups outside the country use it as the fill in when their flag isn't allowed-nazi's and white supremacists for instance in germany.