The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com
Chris Babbidge is a retired high school social studies teacher who taught in Greenville and Kennebunk. He served six terms in the Maine Legislature, and also was the speaker’s delegate on the Maine State Bicentennial Commission.
Issues at stake on voting day include the survival of American democracy, whether women and girls will control their reproductive lives, whether the government will stand up for the middle class or instead for billionaire influencers, and whether America can be counted on as a voice for justice in the world. And, of course, whether most Americans will make a personal choice to align themselves with someone I view as a corrupt, lying, amoral, mean-spirited Machiavellian narcissist who, as he has demonstrated time and again, believes that self-serving ends justify any means. Or, instead, will we choose an intelligent, energetic and accomplished leader, dedicated to fairness, who happens to be female?
These decisions are of immense immediate and historical importance affecting the lives of millions here and billions around the world.
Given all that, today I choose to advocate to defeat Question 5 regarding the proposed state of Maine flag.
Why? Because I believe the Maine flag must be blue, signifying its thousands of lakes, the deep blue sea and our amazing skies. A dirt-colored beige does not cut it.
Why? Because the blue flag with the Maine seal is unique to Maine, and far more attractive and meaningful.
Why? Because if you want an historic flag, keep our current flag, honored by more than a century of Mainers, respected by generations of our families. The so-called historic original flag in 1901 was originally proposed to be blue before being changed in committee to buff before going to the Legislature, but that 1901 flag lasted just eight years before being replaced. Why, do you think?
If the goal is to enable children to draw it, that was lost with the adoption of a “realistic” pine tree. We suffered with an insect-like lobster plate for years, and we need not adopt an unattractive flag. I suggest something like the recent bicentennial flag: partial but sizable evergreen lower right, white Dirigo star upper left, all on a rich blue background. Yes, to my mind, much better.
In June 2023, the Maine House voted 66-64 to send this question to the people. So it’s up to us.
I’m holding out for a gloriously blue state of Maine flag. I urge you to vote no on Question 5. And while you’re about it, take a stand on those other issues as well. They deserve a look.
