Views from readers: the state flag + mail-in voting

Mail-in voting

The fear put forth by Mississippi Secretary Of State Michael Watson (that mail-in ballots are unsafe and an illegitimate option for voters) solidifies the Republican mantra approaching this November’s presidential election.

Mail-in voting ballots have proven to be efficient and effective. They increase the probability of a higher percentage of votes being cast, which is a right many of us have fought to preserve.

Higher turnout is exactly what the Republicans do not want.

In Mississippi, where there is a large contingent of Black voters, the results just might swing the state toward a much needed balance. Some 150 years ago, the 15th Amendment to our Constitution was ratified. Ever since then, the former Confederate states have tried in so many ways to deny the right created by this amendment.

Gerry Gilbert

Diamondhead

Change the flag

I’m a retired Army combat veteran and conservative on many issues. I’m also an old Southern white guy, raised in an atmosphere of racism. Luckily, I got over it.

The state flag with the Confederate emblem brings shame to our state and does not represent the will of the majority, as many polls have shown. It is a blatant insult to African Americans and brings shame to the rest of us.

On my last deployment, the state flag could not be flown due to offending so many and misrepresenting American values.

In 2001 we were presented with an odd, ugly (my opinion) alternative which had no historical context. I believe if the vote had been between the old flag or “a new flag” we would have voted for change.

It appears that the vote was designed intentionally to keep the old flag. Our politicians knew that a very vocal minority would have been offended at the loss of the confederate battle flag.

Many people say they associate this flag with their ancestry and history, but I believe they are not being honest with themselves about the pain, anger and damage it causes. Besides bringing shame on all of us, the flag keeps out many businesses, events and tourists. I have friends and family who drive out of their way to avoid Mississippi.

It’s past time for change.

Bruce A. Giamalva

Ocean Springs

Taking a stand

I wasn’t very old — maybe 4 — when I learned what the Confederate battle flag meant to too many of my fellow Mississippians: hate.

In Hancock County, my neighbors weren’t afraid to let my family know “damn Yankees” didn’t belong and had a flag to prove it. That same flag, I later learned, had a far uglier meaning for African Americans.

Why is this flag still featured within our state flag? How can you proudly fly it when you know it dishonors citizens?

I implore you to take a stand against this flag by removing it yourselves, by supporting Speaker Gunn or through other means.

You can unite Mississippi with an alternative like the Stennis Flag. It’s beyond time.

Let’s not prolong that pain or further signal Mississippi as a place for hate.

Willow Nero

Bay St. Louis