Despicable image shows why Mississippi needs new flag

If you want to know why so many people think we need to change our state flag, look no further than the photo above. This was an entry to our contest asking readers to propose new state flag designs. I'm sharing it because I want people to see the shocking crap that still exists, that some people in our state still believe to be "funny."

It's one of the most despicable things I've seen in a long time. We had a few despicable entries and some accusing us of stirring the race pot. One person went as far as to say that if we'd just shut up about the flag that "all the blacks would shut up about it too."

We need a new state flag every Mississippian can look at and be proud of. We don't need one that is clearly divisive, not to mention offensive to many.

It was disappointing to see Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, back away from his earlier declaration that Mississippi needed to change its state flag. Instead of exemplifying courage in the face of possible political retribution, Gunn joined other state leaders kicking the can down the road and saying, "Let the voters decide." (See update below with Gunn's statement.)

That's fine. Let the voters decide. But if we get this kind of crap submitted as a contest entry, just think of the nastiness that will arise during a campaign to change the state flag.

Our lawmakers can stand up and do what is right — which is to unite the state under a banner that appeals to all Mississippians — or they can continue to allow our state to be divided by a symbol that has become synonymous with racism. The history of the symbol be damned; only a fool would say today that society does not associate the confederate symbol with the legacy of slavery and racial divisiveness.

And if you don't believe me, take a look at that photo above. Tell me that's not racist. Tell me that something as simple as a drawing contest should raise anyone to draw such an offensive image. Tell me that the defense of any symbol — in this case the confederate symbol — should stir such racist expressions.

Then tell me our current state flag has nothing to do with race.

UPDATED 4:07 p.m.

Speaker Philip Gunn released the following statement following the death of all flag-related bills:

"For anyone to suggest I have surrendered or backed up on my position of changing the flag is simply not true.I have not wavered in my viewpoint that we need a different flag to represent Mississippi. I have spoken with many House members both individually and collectively and have tried to convince them to adopt my view.

“I have explored every option from taking legislative action to change the flag to adopting two official flags, but we cannot get a consensus on how to address the issue,” he continued. "I will continue to stand by my view that changing the flag is the right thing to do. The flag is going to change. We can deal with it now or leave for future generations to address. I believe our state needs to address it now. I am disappointed that nothing took shape this year, but I will continue this effort. "

It would have been nice to have that bill put on the House floor and the lawmakers made to vote on it. Let them cast their vote YEA or NAY and consequences be what they may.