For many reasons, support the proposed flag

Why in the year of our Lord 2020 is our flag still in discussion? I was asked over and over about it on my political campaign, much to my bewilderment. When the SEC and the NCAA ruled that the 1894 flag was a muzzle for postseason play, I figured it was a done deal. Yet, the conversation continues. And at this point, the conversation itself is the problem.

I get it. I grew up going to Civil War re-enactments, listening to the “heritage not hate” discussions. I remember it all. In a perfect world, there would have been a referendum, and people would have voted together to adopt a more unifying symbol. Instead, the crap finally hit the fan and Jackson did what Jackson does.

This issue is on us. We voted for our legislators. Their commission kept the designs in front of us, and took seriously our input and polling all along the way. Now, we get the opportunity to be a part of history and close the deal.

This is not a partisan matter. A new flag is a green light for economic development. It will quell a lot of endless negativity. I like the commission’s design. It’s got a classy, regal vibe to it. Yet, even a bad design would be better than letting this issue rage on. At this point, I would vote yes even if it pictured a possum eating a pine cone.

Let’s all win together. If you are undecided, please vote yes. And if you like the 1894 flag, vote yes so Ole Dixie can have a respectable retirement. That emblem is not coming back. And I, for one, am okay with it.

David M. Chism

Lowndes County

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