Lindsey Graham is really concerned about the Massachusetts state flag


Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) would really like to know what's up with that disembodied arm on the Massachusetts state flag:
(iStock)
"What are y'all arguing about with your flag? You got an Indian with a — what's that all about?" Graham asked The Boston Globe and Boston.com during an interview on Thursday. "What is that — is the guy holding a severed arm?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Graham got on the topic of flags with the Globe after he discussed the controversy in his home state surrounding the removal of the Confederate flag from South Carolina State House grounds following the racially motivated shooting of nine black churchgoers in Charleston (Graham advocated for the flag's removal). And, while Massachusetts' flag "was not immediately visible" during the interview, it was a subject Graham wanted clarified. "Isn't there something about your state flag? I never understood what that was all about," Graham said.
The seal on Massachusetts' flag, which The Boston Globe has called "blindingly archaic," depicts a Native American man holding a bow and arrow, with the arrow pointed down — a peace gesture. The Latin words around the seal translate to, "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
El Palace Barcelona: old-world luxury in the heart of the city
The Week Recommends This historic hotel is set within a former Ritz outpost moments from the Passeig de Gràcia
-
The best history books to read in 2025
The Week Recommends These fascinating deep-dives are perfect for history buffs
-
July 4 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Friday’s political cartoons include the danger of talking politics at a family picnic, and disappearing Medicaid entitlements
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read