There is a move on to change the Maine state flag.

Why? I have heard the arguments that it is “better” than the current flag because it “pays homage to Maine’s history and beginnings.” OK, then let’s just copy the Massachusetts flag, or introduce a collage of Maine’s Native American flags. It doesn’t get more historical than that.

I have heard that it reflects our environment; Maine is the northernmost of the lower 48 states and, well, there are trees here. Maine is the “Pine Tree State,” not the “Spruce Tree State.” I have also heard folks say that the Pine Tree flag is “prettier.”

I want to keep the current flag. Why?

The current flag certainly “pays homage” to Maine’s history. By using the state seal, it also recognizes industry and our environment. “Prettier” is in the eye of the beholder. Please do not misunderstand my motivations. I don’t dislike the older flag; I just don’t see the need for it.

So, all things equal, it’s really a matter of taste and preference. But things aren’t equal.

There are 486 municipalities in Maine. In each of these municipalities there are city and town offices, police and fire stations, primary, middle and high schools and other local offices that display the Maine state flag. Nowhere could I find how many buildings are owned by the state of Maine, or how many offices are maintained. So, conservatively, there are 62 buildings (not individual offices, just buildings) in and around the state Capitol. There are eight state trooper districts, several state parks and dozens of individual state offices scattered throughout Maine. Additionally, there are numerous federal offices that display the Maine state flag: the VA, U.S. Coast Guard stations, National Guard, Army National Guard, Maine Air Guard, Border Patrol, National Park, Armed Forces Reserve centers, etc. All of these flags in local, state and federal offices would need to be replaced.

Needless to say, with the most conservative accounting, thousands, if not tens of thousands of flags would need to be replaced.

A quick look on Bing indicated that the average cost for new American-made flags is around $50 for a 3’ x 5’ flag, and around $100 for a 4’ x 6’ replacement Maine state flag.

Let’s also remember that the Maine state government does nothing on the cheap. So, I believe I can safely assume that some company owned by political lackeys will “win” the contract to supply flags to the state of Maine at a “reasonable markup.”

What happens to all of the old flags? Are they somehow recycled? Tossed into landfills? “Donated” to Goodwill? Put on a shelf until the flag is changed back? Is this the best action for our environment?

This is a “nice-to-do” change. This change is not necessary. Changing the Maine state flag does absolutely nothing to help the people of Maine. It takes money out of Mainers’ pockets to facilitate a preference rather than a need.

Replacing the state flag is something that we the people can our spend our money on, sure, but is it the smart thing to do so? There is much-needed public housing. Too many of our bridges are in desperate need of repair. Our crappy roads are the source of bitter jokes. Maine’s mental health resources are woefully inadequate. Too many people lack for basics: food, housing, heat, electricity.

We the people must exercise more fiscal responsibility. Too often we are presented with frivolous bond issues for “feel good” issues that do literally nothing for Mainers’ quality of life and actually hurt Mainers by consuming resources. We must stop rubber-stamping irresponsible bond issues and electing vote-buying political solons who use our money to finance their elections, lifestyles and personal beliefs. If not for our sake, then for our descendants’.