Gov. Sonny Purdue (R) last week, on Lincoln's Birthday no less, announced his (sort of) promised plan to submit the design of the state flag to Georgia voters.

"Georgia is a somewhat divided house on what symbol represents it on the flag. This is an issue that should be healed as soon as possible," Gov. Purdue said.

The governor's proposal would put two questions to Georgia voters during the March 2004 presidential primaries: one asking whether the current flag, adopted two years ago, should be changed, the second allowing them to express their preference for the flag dating from 1956 (this is the flag with the Confederate battle emblem prominently displayed) or the version that preceded it.

The results of the referendum would not be binding; a change would require the approval of the Georgia General Assembly.

Gov. Purdue, masterfully speaking -- as he has in the past on this issue -- out of both sides of his ass mouth, said, "I think it's in the best interest of Georgia to deal with this issue as soon as possible. I would really hope we as Georgians can remain open-minded on both sides of this issue." [Emphasis added.]

I know. They talk funny down there, don't they?

In response to Gov. Purdue's announcement, the Savannah Morning News launched an online poll asking readers to select their preferred design.

Guess which version of the Georgia state flag is carrying the day in the Morning News poll?

Maybe the Freeper crowd is stuffing the "ballot box." Maybe malfunctioning "voting booths" have spread north from Florida. Or maybe the modern and progressive "New South" was just a myth all along.