Thinks flag wording excludes too many

Even though I appreciate the efforts of many fine artists, I can’t refrain from commenting on the content of the two finalists for the Mississippi state flag announced recently. Both of them include the seemingly universal phrase “In god we trust”. We all know that this saying refers to the Christian god. We also all know that some large segment of our population does not believe in the Christian god, rather believing in other gods, sometimes many gods, and sometimes no gods. This could include many other religions or belief systems. Apparently this phrase was added to our currency during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950’s as part of the demonization of atheistic communism. My major point is that people who belong to these other groups can be just as moral, upstanding and successful as many Christians. Yet in this instance they are summarily excluded from inclusion in a statewide motto and emblem.

A common response from supporters is “just move away if you don’t like it.” To me, this is un-American. The reason our country was founded over 200 years ago was to be a big tent for all kinds of belief systems (hence the motto: E Pluribus Unum). When a majority chooses a motto for a state flag that excludes a substantial segment of the population, this seems to automatically assign people with different belief systems to a second class status.

I believe that any such motto on a statewide symbol should be inclusive of its entire population, not just a reflection of the beliefs of the majority or of those in political power.

Bill Parker

Columbus

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.