There are plenty of  Haywood folks who care about honoring their Civil War roots. But the political drama about displaying the Confederate flag on the courthouse lawn is a cause being directed by groups from outside the county.

It is the Raleigh-based N.C. Sons of Confederate Veterans, not its local chapter, threatening trouble if county commissioners don't meet their demands. Controversial Black Mountain attorney Kirk Lyons, a Black Mountain attorney who has represented those charged with hate crimes, and the WNC Flaggers, a group contending the Confederate flag is a symbol against federal tyranny, not racism or hatred, have been driving forces in the sidewalk protests and meetings. Flags placed at the Confederate monument in Waynesville state they are the property of both groups.

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