AJC.com > Metro > Georgia Politics Blog > Archives > 2004 > February > 26 > Entry
Carter endorses present flag
Posted at: Thursday, February 26, 2004, 03:39 AM
Former President Jimmy Carter endorsed Georgia’s current flag Wednesday as the state prepares for an emotional referendum on the banner.
“The debate over Georgia’s flag has gone on for too long,” Carter wrote in a statement.
In his statement, Carter joined lawmakers in worrying that Southern heritage supporters may try to spike the vote by choosing the 2001 blue flag, hoping that would keep the issue alive.
“More votes for the ‘blue’ flag could lead to a situation in which this contentious issue is brought to the forefront again,” Carter wrote.
Southern heritage groups insisted they won’t mess with the referendum, saying they won’t even participate because it doesn’t include the 1956 rebel version.
“It’s an invalid, rigged referendum,” said Jeff Davis, director of the Southern Heritage Coalition. “This issue will never be settled until the people have a fair vote on all the flags, and I think President Carter knows that.”
In his statement, the former Georgia governor pleaded with people to let the matter go, saying another flag debate would hurt the economy.
“Another round of bad publicity over our most recognizable symbol could be harmful to Georgia’s efforts to recruit new business,” Carter said.
Carter’s choice has also been endorsed by Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials. The state NAACP has backed the 2001 blue flag.
— The Associated Press
Permalink | Categories: Georgia flag
