Proposal to drop 'Providence Plantations' headed to ballot
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Voters in 2010 will consider a proposal to drop "Providence Plantations," the controversial phrase conjuring up for many images of Rhode Island's role in the slave trade, from the state name. The full Senate on Friday approved adding a referendum on the November 2010 ballot asking voters whether they are willing to change Rhode Island's formal name from "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" to simply "Rhode Island." The House approved the proposal Thursday night after a protracted debate. Republican Gov. Carcieri has veto power over the measure, although he can be overrode by a vote from the heavily Democratic legislature. Proponents of the name change say that the word "plantations" is offensive to the African-American community because it evokes images of slavery. "Rhode Island has ignored its history for so long. Now we can really begin the healing process," said Sen. Harold M. Metts, the resolution's sponsor. But opponents say that the full name is rooted deeply in the state's history. "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" represents the merging of two colonies that now comprise the nation's smallest state. "Providence Plantations" was the name of the colony founded by Roger Williams that today is the City of Providence. "Rhode Island" was the colonial name for Aquidneck Island, which today comprises the City of Newport and the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth. Senators speaking against the proposal Friday said it came at an inopportune time for the state legislature. "Everyone who I've spoken to thinks the General Assembly is insane to be dealing with this issue with all the other social and financial issues we're facing," said Sen. Leo R. Blais (R-Coventry). The effort to change the state's name stretches nearly two decades but has gained significant momentum this year, winning approval by legislative committees that in year's past would have simply taken no action on the proposal. "Perhaps it's society becoming more sensitive to the plight of other people, that people are starting to understand how offensive these connotations of slavery are," said Metts. "Maybe it took 20 years to understand that." He also credited the Univocal Legislative Minority Advisory Coalition (ULMAC) and other advocacy groups who have make the issue one of their major priorities this year. Friday's deliberation on the resolution was in stark contrast to the spirited, hour-long debate Thursday night in the floor of the state House of Representatives, where the proposal, submitted by state Rep. Joseph Almeida (D-Providence), was approved by a wide margin. The Senate Constitutional and Regulatory Affairs Committee unanimously approved the resolution with no discussion at a hearing at 4 p.m. About 90 minutes later, the full Senate took up the resolution with brief discussion; only three Senators voted against the bill. 
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the naming people at onthebutton weigh in on the discussion: http://onthebutton.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/rhode-island-renaming/
their conclusion: an overzealous reaction to the word "plantation" isn't a good enough reason to change your name.
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