Essay Database

Georgia lawmakers agreed to shrink the Confederate emblem on the state flag to a tiny symbol Tuesday, heeding a plea from the governor to apply the ``salve of reconciliation'' and avoid the turmoil that swept South Carolina. The 34-22 votes in the Georgia Senate virtually consign to history a flag that some say symbolizes Southern valor but others contend represents slavery. The measure won House approval last week, and Gov. Roy Barnes promised to sign …

…that dominates the current flag and was a lightning rod for criticism that it was racist. Supporters had said the Confederate symbol represented the state's heritage. The new flag would feature a gold state seal against a blue field. Along the bottom would be the words ``Georgia's history'' and five small replicas of flags that have flown over Georgia, including the current one. The motto ``In God We Trust'' was added through a last-minute amendment.