Wednesday, January 31, 2001

Please allow me to respond to the recent article regarding state Rep. Lynn Westmoreland and his involvement in the Georgia flag situation.

The article stated that copies of e-mails from members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans indicated that they (the writers) felt "betrayed" by Rep. Westmoreland in response to the reported story that he had cut a deal with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The reported deal would be changing the flag in exchange for the Chamber helping Rep. Westmoreland with the upcoming reapportionment battle.

I would like to go record and let the public know that these e-mails were written by two or three individual members who read an erroneous article by Atlanta political writer Bill Shipp.

Rep. Westmoreland, has been, is, and will continue to be a supporter of the Georgia flag. He has the support of the LaFayette McLaws Camp 79 which serves Fayette County.

Rep. Westmoreland is held in high regards by the SCV, and that will not change even if our flag does.

Scott K. Gilbert, Jr.

Commander Gen. LaFayette McLaws Camp 79 SCV

Fayetteville

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