District One South Carolinians opposed moving the flag

The state lawmaker representing District One in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Bill Whitmire of Walhalla, says most people he represents were opposed to the state removing the Confederate flag this summer from the grounds of the State House.  During an interview with 101.7/WGOG NEWS, Whitmire explained his position.         “I’m not against supporting taking the flag down because I have a lot of friends in the legislature who are very sensitive to this…If it had gone to the proper committee process, I would have voted to take it down,” Whitmire said.  According to Whitmire, following the committee process would have entitled members of the public to speak in formal hearings. South Carolina became the focus of national and international attention when a white man turned on nine black worshippers in a Charleston church and shot them dead.  The toll of those killed included a state senator, whose funeral service was attended by the President and the Vice President.  A photo emerged of the accused killer and the Confederate flag, and in the hours, days, and weeks that followed the legislature, heeding the call of the governor, voted to take down the flag from the state grounds and move it to a relic room of the state museum.  Many in South Carolina and outside applauded, but flag supporters said a piece of cloth should not be blamed.