Spokane’s “Boaty McBoatface”

I’m not a resident of Spokane, yet I have been following the contest to replace you fair city’s flag for some time, and I couldn’t be more disappointed in the decision. I love Spokane, and travel there every chance I get. Very rightfully, I had no choice in the selection process, nor do I think I should have. The issue I take with the process is the Flag Commission’s decision to let the public have the final say simply through majority vote, and no way to overrule that vote.

I am not a vexillologist, nor even a talented designer myself, but the choice of one of the blandest options available with a large section of blank white space and another of solid green is heartbreaking. I spent hours viewing the initial submissions, intrigued by the intricate designs and the meanings behind them. Truly, there were so many talented submissions, designs that highlighted the area’s native history and unique environment - and yet here Spokane is with one of the blandest to fly high for decades.

The prior flag was chosen before I was even born, and this design will likely fly until I am an old man, if not longer. I truly believe the Flag Commission should have retained a say in the final choice, despite the vote count. When names or designs are chosen simply by majority vote, we’ve seen what can happen: Boaty McBoatface. Now Spokane has a bland, uninspiring, non-unique Boaty McBoatface of its own, how sad.

Brian Bodah

Othello, Wash.