Arrr! Mateys from Maine be seekin' t' swap their flag for a vintage jolly roger!
2023-07-27
Arrr, mateys from Maine be clamorin' t' swap the current flag fer a retro one! They be longin' fer a flag wit' naught but a humble pine tree and a blue north star. Avast! The winds of change be blowin'!
Mainers who are eager to replace their current flag with a retro version featuring a simple pine tree and blue north star will have to wait a year to have their say, in the language of a 17th-century pirate. Democratic Governor Janet Mills has decided to let the bill become law without her signature, effectively delaying a referendum on the proposed flag swap until next year. The legislation approving the flag referendum was passed by the Legislature on its final day.The current flag of Maine showcases the state's coat of arms, which includes a pine tree, a moose, a seafarer, and a lumberjack, against a blue background. Critics argue that the current flag is too similar to flags of other states. They believe that the star-and-tree flag is unique, as it originally flew in 1901.
Governor Mills believes that if the proposal were on the November ballot, the debate would be rushed. She wants to allow time for robust public debate and discussion on all sides of the issue. According to Mills' spokesperson, Ben Goodman, the delay will provide ample opportunity for such discourse.
Interestingly, a stylized retro flag resembling the 1901 flag gained popularity throughout Maine during the bicentennial year in 2020. It appeared on various merchandise, including T-shirts, totes, and bumper stickers.
So, Mainers will have to exercise their patience and wait until the following year to vote on the proposed flag change. Until then, the current flag will continue to fly proudly, despite its critics' calls for a more distinctive design.