NM Tea Party displayed Confederate flag

Associated Press

Updated: Jul 10, 2012 2:49 PM

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima has vowed to review next year's parade rules after the Las Cruces Tea Party displayed a Confederate flag on a float during a July 3 parade.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the mayor said he was caught by surprise by the float and offered apologies.

Jo Wall, secretary of the Las Cruces Tea Party, says her group didn't intend to offend people, but rather to accurately present the area's history.

Wall argues against the notion that the Confederate flag is inherently offensive.

Patrick Davis, executive director of Progress Now New Mexico, a nonprofit group that's asking people to petition the city to denounce the float, says the flag is a relic of hate and division.

___

Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.