Saturday, November 16, 2024
37.0°F

The country's flag flies for all Americans

| February 11, 2021 1:00 AM

The American flag is a symbol of hope and represents justice and freedom for all Americans. It is THE symbol of America. So, it is disturbing to read that someone feels it necessary to “take our flag back” from a contingent of Americans that have “irritated” her.

No one has taken away “the meaning of our American flag”. It is still the iconic symbol of American democracy.

The United States flag does not “stand for Trump” as suggested. Americans who choose to fly the American flag are expressing their love of country and freedom. They do “care for our country and consider themselves patriotic” even if you think otherwise. Those who also choose to fly a Trump flag are making a statement of their political beliefs and supporting their candidate just as you admitted to adorning your car and home with Biden signs in support of your political candidate. Free speech is a wonderful privilege we have in this country. You are free to express your opinion as you have done. However, for you to insinuate that Americans who fly the Trump flag are not patriots of America and have impinged on your right to feel safe and free is misguided and wrong, in my opinion.

Clearly, America is now more politically divided than ever. Your implication that people who support Trump, namely people on the right, are the sole contingent of those who wreak fear and havoc on America is naïve and dangerous. Where is your outrage that the American flag is being disrespected and burned in the name of “peaceful protest”? It is the Democrat leadership that is allowing this violence to continue in our own back yard.

Your statement that the far right has taken away the meaning of our American flag, to quote you so eloquently, “pisses me off”. The American flag does “stand for the America that we love” as well as freedom and hope for the future. You are welcome and encouraged to show your support and love of America by flying an American flag in front of your house or business. Those of us that already proudly display the American flag would love to have you join us!

GENA GIBSON

Sandpoint