DAN LORBER: Mind Mississippi's coffers and change the flag

My wife and I drive out to New Mexico and Arizona from Florida each winter.

We have always stayed at a hotel in Biloxi while eating out, buying gas and often buying items in local businesses. Until your state changes the design of its current flag, we will not be patronizing any business in your state (we will even buy gas in Alabama or Louisiana).

Supporters of the flag cite that the Civil War was not about slavery but about states' rights. What a ridiculous contention -- yes, states' rights to continue the abhorrent practice of slavery! Supporters say the flag is not about hate but about honoring those who died fighting for the South. But they were fighting to defend something most people believe is a disgusting, horrific practice.

One would think Southerners would not seek to glorify that aspect of their heritage by flying the Confederate flag, which is an insult to all African-Americans and many non-black citizens, including me and my wife.

Well, if your consciences won't guide you, perhaps your coffers will. You and other Mississippians might say, "Who cares about someone who visits our state once a year?" Well, I will be posting on Facebook and Twitter to urge everyone I know not to do business with or in Mississippi.

DAN LORBER

Fernandina Beach, Fla.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "DAN LORBER: Mind Mississippi's coffers and change the flag ."