My family is originally from Virginia and we had quite a few family members die under the Confederate flag in the Civil War. I find it very disturbing and embarassing that hate groups have decided to use the flag of the Confederate States of America as their symbol of hate. Instead of representing a proud nation that wanted their independance from the United States. It has become recognized as a symbol for hate.
Did slavery exist under the Stars and Bars? Yes it did, but slavery existed a lot longer under the Stars and Stripes of the United States Flag.
Original Flag for the CSA
Confederate Battle Flag after 1863 (I believe)
The reason for the switch was that the original looked to much like the stars and stripes of the USA and was confusing in battle. There were two differant flags in between. Basically a white flag with the stars and bars in the upper corner.