Wednesday, February 19, 2003

Flag at odds with Ga. motto: Wisdom, justice, moderation

I agree, we, the citizens of Georgia, should have the opportunity to vote on which flag we would like representing our state.

The problem is, the Confederate battle emblem should not be part of any flag that the citizens should vote on to represent their state. The state flag of Georgia should reflect the spirit of each citizen and of the state motto of Georgia.

The Confederate battle emblem is viewed in the context of bigotry, hatred and intolerance. Each of these three views is in contrast to the state of Georgia's motto: Wisdom knowledge of what is true and right; Justice the administration of what is just according to the law; and Moderation opposing extreme views and actions, especially in politics or religion.

The Georgians who feel that the Confederate battle emblem is the state flag of their heritage are misinformed. The Confederate battle emblem was only used on a flag during the Civil War and then again during the racial fight over segregation. It is the flag of bigotry and intolerance, not of their heritage. The Confederate battle emblem represents a state wanting to tear itself away from the rest of the United States.

I ask you, and all fellow Georgians, why would you want a battle emblem to be placed on our state flag? It does not represent our state as part of the United States of America.

Our state needs a flag that will be respected by all Georgians and Americans. Our state is no longer in battle. Our state must stand united with each other and the rest of America. It would be disrespectful to offer the Confederate battle emblem as a choice for Georgians to vote on. Let us have a flag that we all can be proud to vote on, respect and wave proudly at our homes and businesses.

Nancy Shields

jnjn@bellsouth.net