I grew up in Europe. My father was a pilot for the Air Force. Overseas, seeing the flag always reminded me I was American. Just like every other American living overseas. We were united in that feeling regardless of any differences of political or religious beliefs.
It wasn’t until I returned to the States (high school 1969) that the flag represented such divisiveness drawing people to extreme positions.
When I see an American flag with the face of a politician in a Rambo costume printed on it being waved by someone claiming to honor the sanctity of that symbol,
I remind myself that our country was built on principles not symbols.
I recall back in the 60's that the wearing of the American flag was controversial as was the burning of it, both acts of which brought law suits. Though I consider both acts repugnant, I recognize the necessary freedom of allowance. But what really gets my goat is that the American flag has become merchandised. Cheaply made, mostly in foreign countries where labor is likely exploited, by those who deem it the easy and quick display of patriotism, often bereft of the sacrifices that true patriotism demands, and finally, profited from by people who see only a commodity, an item on a shelf or rack, and laud that as laurels of their commitment to our country. I believe it a revered symbol as much as I do the laws that allow the freedom of its use otherwise. I don't believe that's dissonant (though I've been accused of having an addled mind). But, my faith is eroded when I see it now, that symbol in stripes and stars, worn or bear hugged or waved more as a threat or accusation, than encouragement and reassurance. That is a dissonance that is becoming unacceptable.
It's hard to fly though when the only ones flying it constantly are Trump policy supporters. I support the Constitution but I don't fly flags since Reagan made it a symbol of the Bible thumpers and conservatives. My parents and siblings started flying and sticking them on their vehicles then up to today and I said not for me.
Great article Jim … as usual! Yes, we need to stand up to the evil and take our flag… and country back from America’s Hitler, his henchmen and all their low IQ MAGGOT followers!!
Yes, the Flag was turned into a disgusting symbol for me so quickly by the thugs. I feel so numb. I’m not sure where the US will end up under the dictator - but I sure hope I get to feel pride again looking at the Flag.
You hit the nail on the head with this one. And, at the same time, have shown us what trump will wrap the campaign around - Communism. (Socialism, Communism, Democratism ... all the same.) They've already resurrected McCarthy and Nixon. Hitler's next, e.g., "he wasn't all bad except for that Jew thing, and even that's been overblown." (The volks already are true believers because nothing freaks out a Nazi more than a Commie.) But, let me tell you, a bunch of folks will swallow that down, those "undecided." Heaven help me to understand how any sensate biological specimen can be undecided at this point in human history. Anyway, the pap's going to be forced down throats (thank you, SCOTUS, for National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission ruling) like a buzzard feeding its chicks. We'll have Commie, Commie, Commie 24/7. Those Red (change that to Blue) Bastards will be under your beds, in your shower watching you go to the bathroom, in your coffee - I'm talking a mental suppository. Get ready, it's a comin'.
Thanks, Jim, for the reminder and the call to simple doable action: honor the flag. I needed that. Your language brought up one of my trigger points: socialism. We are completely at sea on the meaning of that word. I've written about it before, but I had to post again on it. If you have the time, here it is:
I enjoyed your perspective, Hugh, and mostly agree with it. And I do think there is a semantics problem. I hate the construct of "redistribute wealth" because it is fraught with linguistic peril. Conservatives infer that we want to take some of their hard-earned money and give it to people too lazy to work who are driving around in Welfare Cadillacs. Every billionaire in America was made rich by the roads and rail and airlines upon which their businesses relied, all paid for with tax dollars, and there is nothing more hackneyed than a rich guy saying, "I built this company by myself, not the government." Not even close to true. The government gave them the infrastructure, which could be common carrier communications lines or the public airwaves over which they advertise their products and services. But who the hell listens and understands, or even makes these distinctions. After a while, it all runs together like a song.
that could help, but my point is that corporations vs individuals isn't the problem. It's big vs small. Monopolies and cartels and "crony capitalism" are very different from the vast majority of incorporated businesses in America. Don't kill the animal, cure the cancer.
Another great essay, and a call to pride for believing in integrity. Thanks, Jim Bob.
Excellent article. I pray people wake up before it’s too late
Thank you. A great reminder and manifest for the “next” 250 years!
I grew up in Europe. My father was a pilot for the Air Force. Overseas, seeing the flag always reminded me I was American. Just like every other American living overseas. We were united in that feeling regardless of any differences of political or religious beliefs.
It wasn’t until I returned to the States (high school 1969) that the flag represented such divisiveness drawing people to extreme positions.
When I see an American flag with the face of a politician in a Rambo costume printed on it being waved by someone claiming to honor the sanctity of that symbol,
I remind myself that our country was built on principles not symbols.
I recall back in the 60's that the wearing of the American flag was controversial as was the burning of it, both acts of which brought law suits. Though I consider both acts repugnant, I recognize the necessary freedom of allowance. But what really gets my goat is that the American flag has become merchandised. Cheaply made, mostly in foreign countries where labor is likely exploited, by those who deem it the easy and quick display of patriotism, often bereft of the sacrifices that true patriotism demands, and finally, profited from by people who see only a commodity, an item on a shelf or rack, and laud that as laurels of their commitment to our country. I believe it a revered symbol as much as I do the laws that allow the freedom of its use otherwise. I don't believe that's dissonant (though I've been accused of having an addled mind). But, my faith is eroded when I see it now, that symbol in stripes and stars, worn or bear hugged or waved more as a threat or accusation, than encouragement and reassurance. That is a dissonance that is becoming unacceptable.
It's hard to fly though when the only ones flying it constantly are Trump policy supporters. I support the Constitution but I don't fly flags since Reagan made it a symbol of the Bible thumpers and conservatives. My parents and siblings started flying and sticking them on their vehicles then up to today and I said not for me.
Great article Jim … as usual! Yes, we need to stand up to the evil and take our flag… and country back from America’s Hitler, his henchmen and all their low IQ MAGGOT followers!!
Well done. Kudos.
Yes, the Flag was turned into a disgusting symbol for me so quickly by the thugs. I feel so numb. I’m not sure where the US will end up under the dictator - but I sure hope I get to feel pride again looking at the Flag.
Masterful! Thank you for putting into words what many of us have been thinking for so long.
You hit the nail on the head with this one. And, at the same time, have shown us what trump will wrap the campaign around - Communism. (Socialism, Communism, Democratism ... all the same.) They've already resurrected McCarthy and Nixon. Hitler's next, e.g., "he wasn't all bad except for that Jew thing, and even that's been overblown." (The volks already are true believers because nothing freaks out a Nazi more than a Commie.) But, let me tell you, a bunch of folks will swallow that down, those "undecided." Heaven help me to understand how any sensate biological specimen can be undecided at this point in human history. Anyway, the pap's going to be forced down throats (thank you, SCOTUS, for National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission ruling) like a buzzard feeding its chicks. We'll have Commie, Commie, Commie 24/7. Those Red (change that to Blue) Bastards will be under your beds, in your shower watching you go to the bathroom, in your coffee - I'm talking a mental suppository. Get ready, it's a comin'.
Yes!! And say it loud for the ignorant, the hateful, and the ones blinded by the blight.
Thanks, Jim, for the reminder and the call to simple doable action: honor the flag. I needed that. Your language brought up one of my trigger points: socialism. We are completely at sea on the meaning of that word. I've written about it before, but I had to post again on it. If you have the time, here it is:
https://hughmoffatt.com/04-semantics
Happy day-after-the-4th!
--------- Hugh
I enjoyed your perspective, Hugh, and mostly agree with it. And I do think there is a semantics problem. I hate the construct of "redistribute wealth" because it is fraught with linguistic peril. Conservatives infer that we want to take some of their hard-earned money and give it to people too lazy to work who are driving around in Welfare Cadillacs. Every billionaire in America was made rich by the roads and rail and airlines upon which their businesses relied, all paid for with tax dollars, and there is nothing more hackneyed than a rich guy saying, "I built this company by myself, not the government." Not even close to true. The government gave them the infrastructure, which could be common carrier communications lines or the public airwaves over which they advertise their products and services. But who the hell listens and understands, or even makes these distinctions. After a while, it all runs together like a song.
Good point about "redistribute wealth". I will be more conscious of the implications.
Reverse the “Citizens United” decision for one. We’d do better to treat corporations like nuclear weapons instead of individuals.
Regulate them like government.
that could help, but my point is that corporations vs individuals isn't the problem. It's big vs small. Monopolies and cartels and "crony capitalism" are very different from the vast majority of incorporated businesses in America. Don't kill the animal, cure the cancer.