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COLUMBIA, SC -- I know I'm jumping on a third rail here, but having spent a few hours yesterday in the shadow of the Confederate flag on the capitol grounds reflecting on the issue, I really do think it's long past time to take it down.

Obviously, as a federalist, I support the state's right to display whatever it wants on the grounds, but my personal belief is that we'd be much better off if it were no longer given such prominent placement.

Sure, to many, it's a symbol of Southern heritage, and I don't think society should be at the mercy of any group that claims to be offended by something. But I do think that blacks in South Carolina have a legitimate gripe when it comes to the Confederate flag. It is a constant reminder of a time when blacks were owned as property, and white supremicist groups have adopted it over the years, so it has taken on a different meaning to many. It's one thing to have a museum commemorating the Confederacy, or for people to display the flag on their own property, but its presence on the capitol, giving it official state sanction, is unnecessarily divisive and makes it more difficult to overcome the legacy of slavery and racism.

Also, as an endnote, I will say that I think some of the supporters of the flag give their cause a bad name. Across the street from the capitol, there were some pro-Confederate flag demonstrators. One of their signs read, "Yankee Go Home!" I mean, come on buddy, are we living in 1860?