Series 2558: Constituent Correspondence, 2000-2003
38735
From: "Jacob Stutzman" <stutz23@hotmail.com>
To: Governor Musgrove
Created: 7/16/2000 1:07 PM
Subject: state flag
Message:
AN OPEN LETTER TO
The Honorable Ronnie Musgrove
Governer
State of Mississippi
We, the members of Major General William T. Martin Camp 590, Sons of
Confederate Veterans, Natchez, humbly wish to question your course of
executive action in addressing the issue of our 106 year-old state flag.
This beloved flag was designed in 1894 by a joint legislative committee
chaired by our own General Martin. Now it is being questioned by others in
this long-passing age of political correctness and we feel confident that a
majority of Mississippians are for keeping our only state flag that we have
ever known and served.
However, we question not your course of action, but your choice of
representation. Who represents the citizens of Natchez, the state's first
city? Does Rep. Ed Blackmon, who presented a bill to remove our flag,
represent an impartial committee member? Does William Winter, who is a
renowned reformist of single minded opinion, represent a fair chairman? We
have observed Mr. Winter at many Natchez forums and festivals, and we know
his ill intentions for our flag. Is he a fair and impartial chairman for
such an important committee?
The patriotic people of Mississippi chose on January 9, 1861 to suffer
a new war for the independence of a new nation. They suffered four years of
extreme sacrifice and suffering for a "Lost Cause." They then suffered
twelve years of humiliation and hardship by occupation of Union troops sent
to punish the people of Mississippi. Did this Reconstruction Era not doom
our chances for a smooth transition between our citizens at the end of the
last awful vestiges of slavery in these United States? Yes, we recognize
that the days of Jim Crow were unfair, but are the people of Mississippi not
leading the way and setting the standards of racial harmony for this great
nation? Do we not have the greatest diversity of race, with the best
relations yet? Will your committee address that this ongoing process is
being made under the same 106 year-old flag? Will they ask if those who
attack this great flag of Mississippi have an agenda of continued
divisiveness?
Finally, we ask if the citizens of Mississippi will be allowed to make
this momentous decision, or are your public statements understood correctly
that your appointed committee will put this beloved flag behind us?
Respectfully submitted,
Members of MG William T. Martin Camp 590 in attendance for our regular
monthly meeting.
If any verification is needed please contact Jacob or Joe Stutzman @ 601
442-5983 or stutz23@hotmail.com
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