Georgia's flag should be changed

Change is good.\nIn an online poll of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, more than 30 percent of 5,000 people believe the design of Georgia's state flag is an important issue.\nBut should it be changed or left the same?\nEarlier this year, Mississippi and Georgia were the only two states still including the Confederate flag as an emblem on their state flags. Mississippi approved a referendum in April to change its flag. The current Georgia flag was approved in 1956 by an all-white legislature, and two-thirds of the flag features a Confederate battle symbol. The new design has been hotly debated among Georgians. \nFor some, the flag is a tradition that honors the past and pays homage to a group of men who died for their beliefs. For others, the flag is a symbol of hatred and racism and must be changed.\nSo what has the Senate suggested?\nThe new design includes a large seal of the state, with the six flags that have flown over the state capital during Georgia's history decorating the space below the seal. The new flag, which was approved 34-22 by the Georgia Senate yesterday, might not be the most beautiful of designs, but it is certainly a move forward.\nA flag should represent the times, the people and the beliefs of a state. A flag should fly high over a capitol and allow every citizen to look at it with a sense of pride and comfort. A flag should not make people feel inadequate or offended. The Confederate symbol is certainly an integral part of American history, but it should not be included or represented as the dominant symbol on a state's flag.\nBy featuring the confederate battle symbol as the largest symbol on its flag, Georgia promoted white supremacy, racism, cruelty and rebellion. It was the symbol of the states who were fighting for a system that put color ahead of equality. \nAs a nation, we have worked hard to move past the hate that was so embedded in American society. We have made great strides toward equality and justice in the past 50 years. It is only fair and appropriate to have a state flag represent these improvements, which involves a change in the flag.\nAlthough a new flag is necessary, it is not the cure to all problems. \nA new flag will not end racism. It will not create world peace or end hatred. But a new flag will encourage acceptance and equality, which is a huge leap in the right direction.