Dems float compromise linking Confederate flag to voting rights

[struggle4progress]

By Mike Lillis - 07/16/15 03:26 PM EDT

... "I'm here to say to you that the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the full Democratic Caucus are willing to sit down with the Speaker and work out a way for us to allow the proper display and utilization of ... the flag in certain instances if he would only sit down with us and work out an appropriate addressing of the amendments to the Voting Rights Act," Clyburn said during a press briefing in the Capitol.

"We believe that there's a proper place for all of us to honor our heritage, and nothing is more of a heritage to African-Americans than the right to vote."

The Democrats have been pushing a VRA update unsuccessfully for two years. With their new strategy, they're hoping the high-profile controversy surrounding the Confederate flag — which has only deepened since last month's racially charged killing of nine parishioners at an historic black church in Charleston, S.C. — will give them leverage in that fight ...

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/248222-dems-float-compromise-linking-confederate-flag-to-voting-rights

[struggle4progress]

1. House Dems offer the GOP a deal on Confederate flags

07/17/15 12:48 PM—UPDATED 07/17/15 01:40 PM
By Steve Benen

With timing running out before Congress’ August recess, the House of Representatives is supposed to be working on must-pass appropriations bills. Thanks to a bizarre fight over Confederate flags, that’s not happening, though Democrats are offering GOP leaders a way out – if they want it.

To briefly recap, Democrats introduced a measure curtailing the display of Confederate flags on graves in federal cemeteries and the sale of Confederate flag and national park gift stores. Southern Republicans balked and the mess has brought the entire process to a halt.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters last week that members are going to have to figure something out, but when asked what the remedy may be, the Republican leader replied, “I have some ideas. When I firm them up in my head, I’ll let you know.”

In reality, of course, Boehner hasn’t the foggiest idea how to get out of this mess, which is why the appropriations process is facing an indefinite hold. The Hill reports today, however, that House Democrats are offering the GOP leadership a way out ...

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/house-dems-offer-the-gop-deal-confederate-flags

[Faux pas]

2. boner lives in

an alcoholic haze, he's usless.

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. The bottom line is that it is more important to the republicans to keep blacks.....

from voting than trading off an old flag to appease racist. They will always have the racist.

[spanone]

4. republicans are a disaster for America. they are a do-nothing 24/7 congress.

[babylonsister]

5. I think this is brilliant; their move now. nt

[Uncle Joe]

6. I believe this is a great step for healing, democracy and empowerment.

Start moving our nation forward on substance and quit letting symbolism get in the way.

Thanks for the thread, struggle4progress.

[meow2u3]

7. Does this sum it up?

Dems to GOP: you can have your Confederate flag if we can have our voting rights.