Georgia lawmakers agreed to shrink the Confederate emblem on the state flag to a tiny symbol Tuesday, heeding a plea from the governor to apply the ``salve of reconciliation'' and avoid the turmoil that swept South Carolina. The 34-22 votes in the Georgia Senate virtually consign to history a flag that some say symbolizes Southern valor but others contend represents slavery. The measure won House approval last week, and Gov. Roy Barnes promised to sign …showed first 75 words of 674 total…

…showed last 75 words of 674 total…that dominates the current flag and was a lightning rod for criticism that it was racist. Supporters had said the Confederate symbol represented the state's heritage. The new flag would feature a gold state seal against a blue field. Along the bottom would be the words ``Georgia's history'' and five small replicas of flags that have flown over Georgia, including the current one. The motto ``In God We Trust'' was added through a last-minute amendment.