Did Anyone Notice The Table?- UPDATED

Look again at the McDonnell confederate flag photo.

It's clear the confederate flag is on a flagpole.  Sitting on a table. 

Now, look which booth that table runs into.  It runs under the "Sportsman for McDonnell" banner.  In addition it is clear that table does NOT run into the next booth over.  You can also see from the booth on the right, that it is not a table that is in every booth.

Clearly that is a table the Sportsman for McDonnell placed in THEIR booth for THEIR flag.  If the flag wasn't in their booth as they claim, why can't they come up with a photograph to prove it.  Over a multi-day gun show, not a single McDonnell supporter took a picture of their booth? 

Bullshit.  

UPDATE:  Interesting first comment in this thread!

"Just saw all of these stories across the blogosphere about this photo. I was at the show and can clear a few things up.

The flag is not owned by the Sportsman for McDonnell group, it is owned by the confederate group to their left. However, I also had the same reaction when I saw the flag right next to the Sportsman for McDonnell table and approached those working it to inquire. They were not concerned, and told me they had requested the confederate guys place the flag there so it would be a part of both booths. That's probably why Tucker Martin is in the Washington Post saying he spoke to their volunteers instead of letting them speak directly to the reporters. One of the McDonnell volunteers even had a flag t-shirt on with the "Heritage Not Hate" slogan on it.

So not the McDonnell flag, but also not the non-story my conservative blog friends are trying to make it out to be, probably in an attempt to keep reporters from talking to these McDonnell rednecks who were working the booth."

PS- For the McDonnell-bots who think this is a "non story", check this out.

Comments

[I Was There]

Just saw all of these stories across the blogosphere about this photo. I was at the show and can clear a few things up.

The flag is not owned by the Sportsman for McDonnell group, it is owned by the confederate group to their left. However, I also had the same reaction when I saw the flag right next to the Sportsman for McDonnell table and approached those working it to inquire. They were not concerned, and told me they had requested the confederate guys place the flag there so it would be a part of both booths. That's probably why Tucker Martin is in the Washington Post saying he spoke to their volunteers instead of letting them speak directly to the reporters. One of the McDonnell volunteers even had a flag t-shirt on with the "Heritage Not Hate" slogan on it.

So not the McDonnell flag, but also not the non-story my conservative blog friends are trying to make it out to be, probably in an attempt to keep reporters from talking to these McDonnell rednecks who were working the booth.

[VA Blogger]

This is just getting pathetic.

[Brian W. Schoeneman]

Deeds should run a commercial condemning McDonnell for allowing this...

...so we can run one with his quotes about having a Confederate flag in his bedroom growing up.

Seriously, if this race has devolved into abortion and rebel flags, you all might as well just give up now.

[History Lesson]

The main reason that Ben doesn't understand Civil War history is that he missed that page in his coloring book.

[BlueAngel]

Funny how the Republicans here don't want this campaign to be about abortion and rebel falgs. Never seemed to bother them in years past when their party had control. Seems they can dish it out but they can't take it when the shoe's on the other foot. Aside, this isn't that big a story (about the rebel confederate flag) becuase how surprised should we be that the Republican party and candidate is made up of and supported by a bunch of redneck yahoos? Is this something new?

[kelley in virginia]

you know, i consider myself a redneck. but i also have a law degree, so i do not consider myself a "yahoo".

insulting people is not the way to win favor.

[Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh]

Paging Sheila Johnson,
Paging Sheila Johnson.

Please report to the front and pick up your candidate. Remember to use the back door.

[Not VaBlogger]

VA Blogger, go back to your little hole in the wall where Bob McDonnell writes ya'll check to say nice things about him

[Brian W. Schoeneman]

Regardless of the number of page views, it's still a non-story. And it's still an hilarious example of how desperate you guys all are.

[I.Publius]

As a Deeds supporter, this campaign is really getting discouraging. Granted, I really like both candidates, and Virginia is guaranteed a fantastic governor, but this is quickly turning into a rout.

If all the leftwingnuts can do is scream about the rebel flag and Bob's stance on abortion, they've really thrown in the towel early. I expect to see Ben crying about McDonnell supporters stealing yard signs any day now.

[Va Blogger]

How do you know he doesn't write me a check to say nice things about him here, too?

Same thing with Brian, and kelley in virginia.

Really, every conservative commenter on any Virginia blog is paid for by shadowy, corporate-run groups like Americans for Prosperity, a subsidary of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. Its brave of you to play the whistleblower and uncover the deep, dark, hidden secrets of what's really just a natural extension of the Skull & Bones and other related secret societies. What you don't know is that we're actually all connected to the Knights Templar. I hear Dan Brown is writing his next novel about us.

[Va Blogger]

I also faked the moon landing. Sorry about that.

[still voting for deeds]

i pubs-

im a deeds supporter and think this tactic is pretty useless too, but i dont see the campaign really pushing this issue much so dont give up on him yet

[NotVaBlogger]

Good clarification, VABlogger. Since McDonnell is paying TC for positive coverage, I'm sure there is no stipulation in the contract requiring you to only be a paid spin artist at one web site.

Keep up the paid spinning.

[NotVaBlogger]

Also, you've received two payments from RPV this year? Do you want to continue suggesting you don't get paid to do this stuff or should I provide the link?

[Brian W. Schoeneman]

VAB, let the boss know he's late on my check.

[Va Blogger]

NVB, since you're my first stalker, I'll do you the honors of explaining everything to you via email. Shoot me a line:

vablogger@gmail.com

[NotVaBlogger]

VAB, considering you are spinning that the confederate flag in modern politics isn't an issue by strongly saying you don't get paid, I just think the record should be set straight.

Here's what you just wrote.

Really, every conservative commenter on any Virginia blog is paid for by shadowy, corporate-run groups like Americans for Prosperity, a subsidary of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. Its brave of you to play the whistleblower and uncover the deep, dark, hidden secrets of what's really just a natural extension of the Skull & Bones and other related secret societies. What you don't know is that we're actually all connected to the Knights Templar. I hear Dan Brown is writing his next novel about us.

------

Now that's clearly BS. Just acknowledge that you indeed get paid by RPV and others to be a paid online hack and we can call it a day.

[Va Blogger]

I think if it were that strong of an issue, Deeds and Jim Webb's previous support for the flag should also be an issue. As it is, I largely don't care about this flap, and I don't think it will affect anyone's vote.

Since you've apparently unearthed my secret identity (I knew my mild-mannered disguise should have been more than just a pair of glasses before I stepped into a phone booth to change!), you can even check the VPAP records that you're referring to: I *was* paid by RPV, and it was for a campaign. I am not currently paid. Vince, who is a Bob McDonnell employee, is paid. TC, and the people that post there or comment there, are not paid.

I do have a job (and am thereby paid), I do post online, and I am as much a hack as nearly every other partisan blogger, but I'm not all of those things put together. Is that sufficient to call it a day?

[Not Larry Sabato]

NVAB- no one is getting outed here, so don't even think about it.

[Not Michael Jackson]

VA Blogger,

TC is paid as well. He is a campaign manager for a delegate up in Northern Virginia.

[NotVaBlogger]

So you're paid by RPV and others and the paid online spinnery just comes along with the deal after a wink and a nod?

[Not Michael Jackson]

NVAB, do you not realize this always happens.

Rumors were that NLS was promised a job by Mike Henry, thereby the reason for the positive t-mac coverage.
Now you also have to take his Cuccinelli-Shannon posts with a grain of salt because of Mike Henry and other 'relations'.

Its not that shocking.

[Full Disclosure?]

Maybe Ben needs to give us all "full disclosure" as to who or what is (or has hinted at or has promised to be) paying him (directly or indirectly) for posting all this drivel.

[Not Larry Sabato]

No one is paying me anything for posting on this blog.

You can see who has purchased ads on the right toolbar- which are open to anyone of either party who wants to advertise (but usually only Dems do).

[Not Michael Jackson]

But did they offer? and...

Are your ads pay per click:?

[Va Blogger]

Actually, three of the four ads for Google Ads are currently pro-GOP.

[Mr. GOP]

Ben, see your doctor (if you still have one by the time you read this) and ask him if he thinks you need Ritalin. I do.

On second thought, maybe Ex-lax would help you more. People tell me with your condition that it provides them with that “gentle, dependable overnight relief” that would make your days less full of the waste that spills out on this site.

[Dan J.]

Sort-of off topic, but I wanted to draw a comparison to illustrate why I think this whole "flap" over the Confederate Flag is ridiculous.

In 1861, the US War Department issed a demand to the Governor of Virginia that he deploy the State Militia to "suppress the rebellion in the Southern States." Posted below is his reply.

Sir:
I have received your telegram of the 15th, the genuineness of which I doubted. Since that time I have received your communications mailed the same day, in which I am requested to detach the militia of the State of Virginia "to serve as infantry or rifleman for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged." In reply to this communication, I have only to say that the militia of Virginia will not be furnished to the powers at Washington for any such use or purpose as they have in view. Your object is to subjugate the Southern States, and a requisition made upon me for such an object - an object, in my judgment, not within the purview of the Constitution or the act of 1795 - will not be complied with. You have chosen to inaugurate civil war, and, having done so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the administration has exhibited toward the South.

-----
As an opponent of the Iraq War, I wish that state governors had possessed the same fortitude and issued similar replies to President George W. Bush when he federalized their National Guard units for use in Iraq. To me, the Confederate Flag represents a defiance to federal authority and an assertation of states' constitution rights under the 10th Amendment.
But I also recognize that it serves as an offensive symbol to many people. Both sides need to respect eachother and stop trying to turn the flag into a political football. There are many citizens who regard the Confederate Flag in the same way that they regard the Gadsden Flag, and hold their confederate heritage equal to their Revolutionary War heritage.

[Mr. GOP]

Hey, let’s do this like Ben would if this were a Republican…

DEEDS BREAKS LAW; 2ND TIME IN JUST 3 MONTHS!!!

ENDANGERS PUBLIC AND KIDS THROUGH LAWLESS ACTS INVOLVING EXCESSIVE SPEED!!!!!!

HOW DARE THIS MAN PUT HIS POLITICAL GAIN OVER THE SAFETY OF HELPLESS CITIZENS ON OUR ROADS!!!!!

AND HE WANTS TO BE GOVERNOR!!!!

But, alas, we will have none of that, will we….

For the less excitable of you, here are the details…

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/12/deeds-in-hurry-on-campaign-trail-gets-ticket/

[Full Disclosure?]

At this point, a cynical person can say that Ben is making a fool out of himself out of the goodness of his own heart. (And bless your heart, dear!)

Left unanswered are

1) If someone has indicated or promised Ben that he will be paid or otherwise rewarded, and/or

2) If Ben is getting remunerated indirectly, via, say, a company that is paid for these postings Ben then benefits. (Pun not intended.)

[change]

Hey, congrats on all the hits.

Unfortunately for all the elitist trolls with no understanding of history, this issue (or non issue) only has a potential effect on those who either do not understand the true meaning of this flag, or are already rabid liberal progressives.
Unfortunately, those who choose to believe this symbol only represents a desire for a return to “slave days” miss the entire point and will never understand the basic tenets of the foundation of our country and our constitution.

As we have seen proven in these posts, Deeds seems to understand our history and has used this symbol in the honor in which it is meant and not the demeaning and bigoted nature in which some of those here wish to propose.

Politically, this issue is a danger for Deeds and he will not go there.

It is unfortunate that our “public” schools no longer teach a true history of our heritage.
Political correctness has sadly become historical incorrectness.

[Rtwng Extrmst]

Still a non-story...