State needs a flag that unites
Mississippi needs a new flag. This is not because it is politically correct to do so but because it is just plain, flat-out correct to do so. The present flag is offensive to a large number of the people in our state. Should we not treat all our citizens with kindness and respect? Most of you already know this, believe this and act accordingly except in regard to the flag.
How our state voted in 2001 is no longer of significance. As you know there have been seismic changes since then. To paraphrase a great Mississippian, everybody wants progress until they realize it involves change. It is now time for progress and change. I beg our elected officials to rise to the occasion and not put their reelection ahead of what is right. I urge them to exert positive leadership and go on record supporting this inevitable change. This is on the shoulders of Gov. Bryant and Lt. Gov. Reeves and each of our representatives and senators. We do not need another statewide vote enraging emotional responses rather than reason, fairness, dignity and love. Do our leaders want to pass the buck and be part of the problem or do they want to be part the solution? Each of us individually also needs to be part of the solution.
Our historic flags should forever be in museums and military parks. However, we need a state flag that unites us and that can be flown proudly by all of us.
Albert “Chance” Laws, M.D.
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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