"...and while historical facts may play a large part, ultimately it comes down to how they "feel." "

Yes, you are correct. The ultimate deciding factor is who is louder, and who has refined the use of threats to a fine art.
Even in a community, any discussion toward the 'Confederate' viewpoint is tossed out as 'trash'. This is the world we live in every day. This is what we deal with on a regular basis. No one wishes to hear our reasons. Some of these are basing these decisions on 'facts' learned in the education systems all over the country.

Pam