TRACE ADKINS caused some controversy by wearing a Confederate flag earpiece during his performance at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday.  (New York Daily News)

Thoughts?

Trace issued a statement saying he meant no offense by wearing a Confederate flag earpiece on NBC's Christmas tree lighting ceremony.  He said that he "objects to oppression of any kind" . . . and that the Confederate flag "represents" his Southern lineage.  He also said, quote, "Those who view the flag as a symbol of racism, that was not my message and I did not intend offense."