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Statement from the Lt. Governor on the Mississippi Flag
Jackson, Miss. — The below is attributable to Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann:
“I rise before you today to discuss the flag of our State.
This discussion is not prompted by fear of loss of economic development, although virtually every economic developer in our State has indicated opportunities and employment of our citizens will be adversely affected. Further, it is not prompted by the impending loss of student athletes’ ability to compete for championships, although that has occurred. Further, I recognize many of our citizens are proud of their individual ancestors, some of whom fought in battle 150 years ago. I am one of those citizens.
While important, these issues are not controlling.
What is compelling to me is the future of our children and grandchildren. They will learn together, they will work together, and they will worship together. Those who wish to fly our flag should not be typecast in any fashion. Similarly, those who are offended by our flag are sincere in their beliefs. The physical acknowledgements of our history are our guideposts and buoys which helps us to avoid reefs in the future. Destruction of history fails to change it and, over time, opens us to repeat it.
However, now we must look to a flag for our collective future to be flown over our collective assets. I, like the majority of Mississippians, am open to changing our current flag.
In my mind, our flag should bear the Seal of the Great State of Mississippi and state “In God We Trust.” I am open to bringing all citizens together to determine a banner for our future.
Some distrust the will of the citizens and fear the public dialogue which comes with a ballot. I am not one of those people. Changes in our hearts and minds arise from conversation, and in our Republic by the finality of the ballot box.
However, the Legislature in 1894 selected the current flag and the Legislature should address it today. Failing to do so only harms us and postpones the inevitable.”
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That’s not what you said before the election, Mr. Hosemann.
A lot of bargaining and shenanigans going on now to get legislature members to vote to suspend the rules and change the flag by tomorrow. Back door promises are being made and someone has obtained the cell numbers of representatives who want to let their constituents decide. They are sending out texts to them and telling them to call their representative to change their mind. Look at Steve Hopkins, representative from Southaven’s Facebook page for clarification.
He is lying to the public. They are bargaining with the Baptists and others to get public support. He has promised the Baptist convention they would put “In God We Trust” in the flag if they endorsed it. Well, how long do you think that will last till others take it off, if they do it at all. This needs to be voted on by the people of Mississippi, not the legislature! There are a lot of shenanigans going on in Jackson this week for sure!
“We the People” not “we the legislature” should vote on the flag. A lot of bartering and promises going on in Jackson this week to change the flag. What’s the rush? Let the people decide.