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Homeowner hangs Confederate Flag in Manitou Springs; neighbors voice concern

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- KRDO received an anonymous tip about a house displaying a Confederate Flag in Manitou Springs, and neighbors say they're concerned about the message it signals on the street.

The anonymous tipster said, "My feeling is everyone has a right to their opinion but what is distressing is a biracial couple lives directly across the street from the house displaying the flag."

The neighbor, who wishes to remain anonymous, also notes that they have seen several Black Lives Matter (BLM) signs appearing in the Agate Hill area of Manitou. They say shortly after the BLM signs were posted, the Confederate Flag was hung at one home in Manitou Springs.

KRDO reached out to the homeowner, John Webster, who confirms that this flag is new. He says that while they've always had Confederate Flags that "this is a new one. It's been out for a few weeks."

Webster clarifies that he is "not trying to make a statement of any kind, other than this is my ancestry, this is my heritage. I’m not protesting anything or trying to make a statement or provoke anybody.”

Webster adds, “It’s our heritage, it’s not about racism. It’s our heritage.”

Speaking to if the flag could be offensive, he states, "Well I don’t understand why, because they were never a slave. I was never a slave owner. It’s history. It’s part of our country. It’s not for racism and why they’re offended by it is beyond me."

While Webster vocalizes that "all lives are important" and that he respects people of color, some neighborhood residents reveal their frustrations with the demonstration.

Local resident, Leon Reyes says, "Absolutely disgraceful, I don’t think it upholds the values of Colorado Springs."

Another neighbor, who wishes to remain anonymous says, "The Confederate flag being so offensive right now, there’s no reason to have it out. It’s obvious that it's bothering people right now and it shouldn’t be flown, in a town like this, in our own little town."

They continue, "I think it’s there to cause aggravation. There’s no reason to have this division at this time. I mean it's 2020."

Article Topic Follows: Local News

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Kerjan Donovan

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