I agree that the flag wavers are motivated by hate. And I agree that using hate in response won't work. But I don't think greater employment and opportunity, or a unity-minded president will ameliorate Lost Cause racism.

I grew up in the south in the segregated 1950's-60's. The flag wavers had good jobs. They weren't lashing out at blacks because they were in any real way threatened. And there was another class of racists--not overtly racist, but equally convinced in their hardened hearts that their race was inherently superior. (MLK points out that these so-called moderates were more injurious to the cause of civil rights than were the Bull Connors with their attack dogs.) One of these racists--a friend of my family--was the admissions officer at a community college, comfortable in his salary and community status. The problem, he once confided to me in a lowered voice, was that those people didn't really want equality. He wasn't against equality (in his mythology), but it would be wasted on "those people."

The more absurd someone's belief system is, the harder it is to change their mind with reason and logic, or with love. I don't know what will turn these people around, but I think we must do as soon as possible.

This is just one person’s perspective, of course. In any case, I deeply appreciate your devout and compassionate response to one of the most serious of problems facing us today.