Hillary and That Bitter Remnant of the Monstrous Past

Today, Hillary Clinton triangulated the Confederate flag, arguing that the Confederate battle flag should be taken out of the South Carolina state house but not claiming that the flag was a symbol of racism and reaction. Instead, she that Americans should be fighting together under "one flag" during a time of war.

This gives something to liberals, African-Americans, and conservatives.

African-American Democrats and white liberals got half a loaf. Hillary gave them a statement opposing the Confederate flag. However, not saying that the flag was objectionable because it was racist and reactionary is a big concession. From the anti-flag perspective, the brutal racism of the slave system that the Confederates were defending is the only reason to oppose the flag.

Conservative flaggers get a slice they don't deserve when Hillary justifies the removal of the flag through the patriotic language of fighting under one flag. In giving up the Confederate battle flag, conservative South Carolinians wouldn't have to plead guilty for the monstrous behavior of their "glorious" ancestors.

That's triangulation, striking a course that speaks to both sides. In this case though, the triangulation works to the advantage of African-Americans and liberals. If Hillary gets her way, Southern conservatives would make the enormous cultural concession of giving up the Confederate flag. African-Americans and white liberals would not be exchanging anything nearly as important.

And that's why conservatives will reject Hillary's offer.