Should Mississippi’s state flag continue to carry the Confederate emblem? It’s a straight-forward question, but it’s surprising how many politicians have struggled to answer it directly. Most have simply refused to answer, according to a poll the Clarion-Ledger newspaper is conducting.

Lincoln County’s representation has been less than clear about their views on the issue.

“The Confederate flag is such an emotional issue because to some people it is about history and chivalry and a certain period of time, but to other people it symbolizes hatred and oppression,” said Sen. Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven. “And I think it is time to start a conversation about it, but right now I think we should be focusing on the lives of those people in South Carolina that were lost.”

Doty also spoke to the national radio program “Here & Now” Tuesday and had this to say when asked about her position on the issue: “I need some time. This has really just bubbled up, and I want to talk to my constituents and hear more from them. You know I have friends and family on both sides of this issue. Because to some people in Mississippi it is all about our history and honor and independence, and of course we have shared history with others and it is about oppression.”

“Here, raised in the South, we have such a great history and tradition. That flag has been a part of it.”

She went on to say: “I, right now, want to hear from members of the African-American community … and talk about this issue.”

Doty did say she voted to change the state’s flag during a 2001 referendum. So have her views about the flag changed since that vote? That’s doubtful. But she is facing a primary challenge in a few weeks, and that is likely shaping her position on the flag as much as anything.

But if Doty needs to hear from the African-American community about how the Confederate emblem is perceived, then we encourage that community to reach out to her. Send her an email, a Facebook message, a hand-written letter or call her office. Let her know that the Confederate symbol is perceived as representing racism and hatred and has no place on our state flag.

Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, was also less than clear about her position on the flag.

“We took a vote in 2001 and 65 percent of the state wanted to keep it. It may be time to do that again and let the people choose,” Currie said. “I know that it’s an issue, it just may be that time to take a look at it again — but I think it should be something the people decide not a handful of politicians.”

If Currie thinks that voters should decide the issue, that’s fine, but this is an historic opportunity to take a stand for what is right for Mississippi. Both Currie and Doty have so far missed that opportunity. The same goes for Rep. Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto. He’s been silent on the issue.