Massachusetts has chosen finalists for a new flag, seal, and motto.
The state’s seal, which is featured prominently on the flag, features a Native American man. Above his head is an arm wielding a sword. The seal has generated controversy, with local tribes calling for a change. The motto, which reads “ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem,” Latin for “by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty,” is also controversial for allegedly endorsing war.
The flag is also often criticized on more non-political grounds as poorly designed and unattractive.
In 2020, Massachusetts agreed to review the flag and seal. After the first committee tasked with studying the issue didn’t recommend any changes, a second committee was formed, which solicited designs from the public. Ultimately, over 1,150 were submitted…