The Corridor Weighs in on Flag Debate

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (CBS 2/FOX 28) -- The brutal killing of nine church members in South Caroline left a community and nation in shock, but when pictures surfaced of the accused killer holding a Confederate flag, it left many questions. One of those questions: Should states still fly this controversial flag after such a heinous act? Although many southern states are contemplating taking it down, one Cedar Rapids historian argues that it serves as a deeper meaning of the nations history. "It was meant to define that particular region of our very young country, so it represented the ideology of the American South before the Civil War, Mark Stoffer Hunter, historian, said. Theres one aspect of the flags history that has the nation divided. "It represented the southern ideology of the southern way of life in the United States, that meant the flag symbolized what that way of life was, which did include slavery, Stoffer Hunter said. Should the flag still be flown since we consider ourselves past that part of history? "My personal opinion, it should be shown as an exhibit perhaps in the history of any place that has it, Larry Dawson, Marion resident, said. I don't know that it needs to be flown because it's not an official flag of this country." "There's no point in taking it down, Stacy Coghlan, Marion resident, said. It kinda made us who we are. There are some people who probably could take it too far but this is the 21st century and people just need to grow up." Stoffer Hunter said its a matter of acknowledging the flag for all of its historical value. "People really need to consider the appropriate historical perspective on this issue in relation to other historical issues that the U.S. has been involved with," Stoffer Hunter said. On Thursday, Apple confirmed that it removed a number of games and other apps from the app store because they contain images of the Confederate battle flag.