State Politicians Weigh In On State Flag Issue

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) –  The Charleston church murders and the follwup debate on the Confederate flag flying in South Carolina has led to a renewed debate on the Stars and Bars presence in the state of Mississippi’s flag.  Over the past 24 hours here are some of the statements issued by political leaders in Mississippi

State Senator Chris McDaniel

“The price we pay to live in a free society is to occasionally be offended.  A cultural or historical cleansing of all things potentially offensive will do nothing to alleviate the problems caused by racism.  To pretend otherwise is a disservice to serious discourse on the subject.

We must examine our hearts and not resort to placing emotional blame for problems we face on symbols such as a flag.

I love all Mississippians, regardless of race or political affiliation.  We are a family.  But I disagree with those who use political correctness to silence differing viewpoints.  I likewise believe it is in poor taste to use the tragic South Carolina massacre to promote a political agenda.

I understand, very well, both sides of the debate.  Slavery is our nation’s original sin, and government sanctioned discrimination is evil.  As a strong proponent of individual rights, I will always defend individuals against the abuses of government and fight for liberty by insisting government’s reach remain limited.

However, at the end of the day, political correctness is about power; consequently, its practitioners will never be appeased. They won’t stop until dissent is crushed and tolerance of opposing viewpoints is no longer accepted.

I will not be a part of such an agenda.

The people of Mississippi have already decided this issue, by referendum.  I will respect their wishes.”

STATEMENT OF LT. GOV. TATE REEVES ON STATE FLAG

“What happened in Charleston is simply pure irrational evil.  There is no other description for this monster’s actions.  He is an individual that has allowed his mind and soul to be horribly twisted and disfigured by irrational hate.  No symbol or flag or website or book or movie made him evil – he was evil on his own.

“Flags and emblems are chosen by a group of people as a symbol of all that unites and ties the group together. The good and bad in our shared history, and all that we have learned from it, is something that ties us together.

“The same discussion South Carolinians are having now is one that Mississippians had 14 years ago when nearly two-thirds of our state voted to keep our current flag. If the citizens of our state want to revisit that decision, and I am sure at some point we may, it will best be decided by the people of Mississippi, not by outsiders or media elites or politicians in a back room.”

 

***Secretary Hosemann Statement on Flag Debate***

 

“Our State will be 200 years old in 2017.  If the flag does not represent our citizens today, then we, as a body, should select one that does. 

 

This discussion must not deter from our efforts to create jobs, address the autism epidemic, reduce crime or educate our children.”   

Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Greg Snowden (R-Meridian) issued the following statement this afternoon concerning the state flag of Mississippi:

“I believe any state flag should be a common symbol citizens can unite behind and proudly embrace as their own.  If our flag is no longer useful for those purposes (to instill pride and unity across the broad spectrum of citizens), then we should reconsider its current status.  I certainly agree with Speaker Gunn that the time has come to have that conversation.”

MEDIA ADVISORY: UM Statement on Confederate Battle Flag

MEDIA ADVISORY: UM Statement on Confederate Battle Flag

The University of Mississippi community came to the realization years ago that the confederate battle flag did not represent many of our core values such as civility and respect for others.  Since that time, we have become a stronger and better university. We join other leaders in our state who are calling for a change in the state flag. – Acting Chancellor Morris H. Stocks

SENATOR MELANIE SOJOURNER RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING MISSISSIPPI’S STATE FLAG

June 23, 2015. (Natchez, MS.) – Senator Melanie Sojourner today released the following statement regarding calls to do away with Mississippi’s official state flag.

“I disagree with those advocating for change to the state flag of Mississippi.

The tragedy in South Carolina was a horrific and senseless act that displayed the very worst of mankind. I was deeply saddened by the tragedy. But more importantly, my heart was moved by the love and kindness of those who faced this evil and forgave. The example of Christian love shown by the victims and their families should stand above all other lessons we hope to learn from this tragedy.

But we should not allow this tragic event to be used to promote political agendas. We are only empowering the actions of those with ill-intent if we allow them to hijack symbols with one original meaning and use them for another meaning that promotes the purpose of hate and evil. Yielding to evil, no matter the political intention, only perpetuates the problem.

Mississippi has dealt more openly on the issue of race than any other state in the country and we have the scars to show for it. We do a terrible disservice to future generations when we refuse to be honest about our history and when we allow others who neither know nor care about our people to be the self-appointed arbiters of what is and is not a civilized discussion on the topic.

The people of Mississippi understood this clearly when we decided this issue in 2001 in a referendum, and the people chose to keep the current flag. The will of the people of the state was made very clear. As an elected official I support that decision.”