Editor, Commonwealth:
Sadly, I now agree with redesigning our state flag of Mississippi. Even though I was for keeping it as is back in 2001 and worked to help get it approved by a statewide vote, today I do not have a problem with the removal of the Confederate battle flag from our banner. This portion of this piece of cloth, which should be a symbol of pride and honor in who we are, has been denigrated over the years by the white supremacists and Neo-Nazis, who have adopted it as their own.
What I do have a problem with is the way it is being forced down our throats! What really has gotten in my craw is this push to completely remove not only the Stars and Bars battle flag but also all the monuments and anything pertaining to the War between the States from every instance of public showings. This separation of our union that divided our country and caused the deaths of 620,000 Americans, making the lands run red with their blood, is a part of American heritage. Are they just going to keep pushing, say the Civil War never happened, and erase it from our history books?
The Confederate flag is down, so all be good now, right?
By the way, until the state powers that be change our flag, the elected officials of city and county do not have the authority under law to disavow it and remove it in its official capacity, no matter anyone's views on its content or design.
Ronnie Hamilton
Schlater
