Letters: No changes needed to SC State House grounds, Columbia flag

I have lived in Columbia for 45 years and never knew that it had a flag. When is it ever used and for what purpose?

In looking at the illustrations for its proposed replacement, I conclude that the one we already have is much superior.

Further, the grounds around our State House should always reflect the ambiance of seriousness and tranquil reverence. In no way does it need to look like a porch, patio or picnic area.

We already have nice parks for those activities, among them Finlay Park, Earlewood Park and Martin Luther King Park.

All the money that would be spent to equip a State House “front porch” should be used to upgrade the already existing parks — thus leaving the State House grounds to maintain their formal appearance. These grounds do not belong to the city of Columbia, but to the whole state of South Carolina. They do not need to look any different.