Confederate flag supporters declare truce, for now, over policies of South Carolina utility

Picayune Item ^ | 25 August 2002 | AP

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Leaders of the Sons of Confederate Veterans backed off plans for a campaign against the state's largest utility Friday, saying they are satisfied for now with the company's rebel flag policies.

"I am guardedly optimistic about our future relations with big business in South Carolina," said Don Gordon, a local leader of the group, said during a news conference outside the downtown headquarters of Scana Corp.

A newspaper report last week said Scana, parent company of South Carolina Electric & Gas, had prohibited employees from parking cars with Confederate emblems on company property. It also reportedly barred them from driving company vehicles to the barbecue restaurants owned by outspoken flag supporter Maurice Bessinger.

Scana later clarified its position, saying employees could display Confederate symbols, including bumper stickers and license plates on their personal property. The company said it would address displays "on a case-by-case" basis if there is an "intent to harass, intimidate or provoke other individuals or groups in the workplace."

Gordon said that given the company's latest stance, SCV would pull back on plans for a concerted protest. The campaign, he said, "at this time does not seem to be required."

SCV officials were unable to withdraw a previously purchased ad announcing the campaign that is to appear Saturday in Columbia's The State newspaper.

A Scana spokesman said Friday afternoon the company had no comment on the news conference.

Earlier this year, eight black employees sued SCE&G claiming racial discrimination in promotions and said the company ignored racial insults by white workers.

After reports about the Confederate symbol ban, Scana found itself in a battle with flag supporters, including state Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston.

Scana Chief Executive Bill Timmerman wrote to McConnell saying there never was a written policy on Confederate emblems.

Bessinger, who attended Friday's news conference, said he likely will discuss that issue with Scana officials himself in the near future.

In the meantime, he said he would offer free lunches to SCE&G employees who show up at his restaurants in company cars. He also offered half-price meals to SCE&G employees who showed their company ID.

One flag supporter at the news conference Wednesday said he is a Scana shareholder and doesn't like the policies of the Fortune 500 company.

"We're not really happy with the actions they've taken up here," said Rob Honeycutt. "They need to stick to the power business and stay out of local stuff like this. Get off Maurice's back, too."

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Anyone think the discrimination lawsuits are related to SCANA's latest attack on the CBF?

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More SCANA info.

[dixie sass]

What is going on?

[Twodees]

They're directly related. The whiners threatened to sue as a wedge to get SCANA to institute a flag ban policy. This civil rights crap is courtesy of the GOP. You boys need never forget that. Don't vote for them, don't join their party and don't give a dime to their treacherous scalawag candidates.

[CWRWinger]

Leaders of the Sons of Confederate Veterans backed off...

[aomagrat]

The company said it would address displays "on a case-by-case" basis if there is an "intent to harass, intimidate or provoke other individuals or groups in the workplace."

Translation: "Looking for a better time to stick in the knife."

[PirateBeachBum]

Maurice stepping up and pouring gas (or bbq sauce) on the fire with free lunch!

[stand watie]

i, for JUST one, SCV camp commander will NOT cease "beating on" SCANA until they FLY the BATTLEFLAG over their facilities!

it's called PAYBACK!

free SC & dixie NOW,sw

[Colt .45]

Whereas the Republican party of the 1860's gave us the screwing of our freedoms, the Democratic party of the 1990's/2000's has taken their place. I would sooner vote Republican than to ever vote Democrat because the damn DemocRATs are nothing but Socialists, leftist Commies masquerading under the guise of being about "liberty", and caring about America. They are the ones who want an elitist group running our lives. They want bigger government, and more control. They are the ones who initiated the Civil Rights crap of the 1960's! They are the ones who over the last decade launched several attacks trying to gut the 2nd Amendment (our most important Amendment), and they are still attempting to do so.

No sir, I will NOT vote for a damn DemocRAT!!!!

[archy]

So, are there any good target shoots coming up in the area in the near future where a former SCANA-logo-marked vehicle might be used as a suitable target? And has anybody got one at a right price in their local junkyard?

I understand those folks in Texas are getting set up to have their *UN Blue Helmet Taerget Shoot* on UN day. Might make a nice touch if a similar event was put on in the Carolinas...indeed, in ALL the former Southron states....

[Joe, I swiped your pic!]

-archy-/-

[Twodees]

I've never voted for a democrat, and what you say about them is true, but it applies to the GOP too. The GOP is not conservative and never has been. The democrats were conservative once, a long time ago. That's the only difference between them now.