Fight grows in Mississippi over state flag's Confederate emblem

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Momentum is growing in Mississippi to remove the Confederate battle emblem — long decried as a symbol of racism and violence — from the official flag of the state, the last to display the Confederate design within its own ensign. But the proposed replacement is causing friction within the group of activists pushing for change.

Last week, a bipartisan group of Mississippi lawmakers quietly began drafting legislation to change the state flag, the first time the issue has been addressed seriously since 2001. That year, constituents voted two to one in a ballot measure to keep the flag as is.

Despite the failed attempt nearly 20 years ago, one activist, Jarrius Adams, is hopeful that this time will be different. After all, at just 22 years old, Adams was a child in 2001, and so were many other young progressives like himself.

For some, the inclusion of the Confederate symbol in the flag is a nod to the state's history and tradition. But for many in Mississippi, the state with the highest percentage of black Americans, it's a symbol of racism, hatred and violence.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fight-grows-in-mississippi-over-state-flags-confederate-emblem/ar-BB15yZyk?li=BBnb7Kz

[Marcuse]

1. In their own words. Passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor.

[link:https://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/csa_missec.asp|

Confederate States of America - Mississippi Secession

A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union.

In the momentous step which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course.

Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.

That we do not overstate the dangers to our institution, a reference to a few facts will sufficiently prove.

[keithbvadu2]

2. History and tradition