Staff reports
Four former governors issued a joint statement today, as highlighted in a Facebook post by Gov Jim Hodges (1999-2003):
“As former governors of this great state, we support the call by Governor Haley and state and federal elected leaders to remove the Confederate Flag from the statehouse grounds. Last week’s tragic events at Mother Emanuel AME Church have reminded us of the important bond we share as South Carolina citizens. We should fly only the United States and South Carolina Flags on our Statehouse grounds- flags that represent us all.”
— Governor Ernest F. Hollings
— Governor Richard W. Riley
— Governor David M. Beasley
— Governor James H. Hodges
In an explanatory paragraph before the statement, Hodges wrote this on Facebook:
“Below is a statement put together by a group of former governors on the Flag issue. Great work by citizens, community leaders and elected officials in moving this issue forward. Most importantly, thanks to the family members of the victims for showing such grace during the tragedy. They make me proud as a South Carolinian, and are an inspiration to all.”
Former Gov. Mark Sanford, now a U.S. congressman, called for the flag to come down in this statement following Monday’s press conference by Gov. Nikki Haley to take down the flag:
“Rather than having on the State House grounds something that divides some of us, I think we would be wise to take the wisdom of the Apostle Paul there in Corinthians. We should indeed look to build on the unity I have witnessed since the tragedy of Wednesday night, and I believe what the governor has proposed would be a consequential step toward doing so.”
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!