Georgia flag debate reflects larger fight over 'will of people'

Editor:

With all due respect to publisher Barry L. Paschal's opinion, I was taken aback by his Jan. 14 column that directed a "no" to Georgia flaggers. May I respond?

To begin with, the situation we Georgians face regarding our Georgia state flag is but one visual aspect of a much larger (and much more heinous) problem that most Americans face in regard to their local, state and national governments: Time and time again, the will of the people is being thwarted.

Whether the topic of discussion is school prayer, public displays of the 10 Commandments, Southern symbols, environment-threatening industry, waste-site designations, crime and punishment, enforcing our U.S. borders - or the liberal agenda to legalize homosexual marriages - the will of the people is being silenced and their representative form of government is systematically thwarted.

Elected officials who should actively represent their constituents are too often representing higher political powers and fatter wallets. Non-elected court justices who were appointed to interpret laws are instead making laws that reflect the grotesque desires of their behind-the-scenes manipulators - and its happening all over the country.

True, the average Georgia flagger doesn't hold political office; he isnt a millionaire businessman, developer or real-estate agent; he doesnt write for a newspaper, and he isnt a local radio talk-show host. But guess what he does have on his side? He's got his freedom of speech, his right to peacefully assemble and protest, and he's got one fine-looking flag.

This Georgia state flag, which so many Georgians claim as their own, doesnt represent anything considered perfect. However, it does incorporate a Christian symbol; it does honor American bravery; and it certainly flies in defiance to the increasingly corrupt and unconstitutional government actions that Americans are witnessing on a daily basis.

The unacceptable flag ballot approved by Gov. Sonny Perdue does not reflect the will of the people who elected him to office. Therefore, I - along with thousands of other Georgians - absolutely refuse to vote for Perdues banner. Its simply not the flag he floated into office on.

P.K. Fitzgerald

Harlem