I’m almost embarrassed to fly the flag of the United States.
In the past I put the flag out at the “normal” holidays, of which Fourth of July was one. I no longer have a flag or holder so now I don’t have to make the decision to do so or not.
The flag of the United States. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
In the past, though, I never thought twice about it. It seemed like the patriotic, American thing to do. I was proud to be an American, proud of what this country stood for, proud to call the United States home.
Proud is definitely not the word I would use today. Conflicted, sad, concerned, even scared—those are some of the feelings I have toward the United States today.
It’s not just the Trumpian cult. However, that does make me believe our democracy is threatened.
Don’t even get me started on the Supreme Court.
Our government overall causes me angst. The more I learn about what went on in the past, learn what I wasn’t taught, learn about the depths of racism, learn more about systemic poverty and the culpability of corporations, learn more about white men in particular quashing anyone who might be perceived as a threat to their power, well, I feel a bit overwhelmed.
But I keep wanting to learn. It’s incumbent we all become more educated.
There is no utopia. But what we have now in this country isn’t working for anybody except the 1 percenters.
I want to be a proud American again. Maybe one day. I’m just not sure how to get there.
Unfortunately, most of the U.S. flags I see today (other than at government buildings) are in the back of pickups, usually flying next to a Trump flag.
It’s like the Trumpsters have co-opted the U.S. flag. I see the U.S. flag as symbol of bigotry, hatred, divisiveness and ultra right-wing politics.
I want to say to hell with that. That’s why I’m at least flying the flag with this story.
Those stars and stripes are for everyone in this country. It’s also a symbol (good and bad) to many who don’t live here. The flag doesn’t belong to one ideology.
It’s time to take back the flag so it represents all of us and not just extremism.
AMEN!
“I see the U.S. flag as symbol of bigotry, hatred, divisiveness and ultra right-wing politics.”
Sadly, this is exactly how I see the flag.
;(
If you see the flag as a symbol of bigotry, hatred and divisiveness……..that is because that is how you choose to see it. That is what the social media wants you to see and you are falling right into the bs.
I am proud to be an American. I am proud of our country’s past. No we were not perfect and yes, there are things about the past I wish we had done different. Yes I am concerned about the future.
But YES, I am proud to be an American. I am happy to be able to fly the American flag today !
Right on! God Bless America!
I dislike flags. More than ever these days.
George Carlin says it best: ” It’s a Big Club – and You ain’t in it” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nyvxt1svxso&ab_channel=SkyEcho7
We are flying the flag today to take it back from the Magas! I feel like driving around in a truck with a flag and a Biden sticker on it!!! They can’t pretend they are the only patriots…..!!!
You certainly are an idiot! Upside down thinking!
And you pretend to be the most inclusive and diverse. Interesting
Agreed!
You are so off your bleeping rocker it’s pathetic! You have eyes but cannot see! You have ears but cannot hear! You have been nicely brainwashed by the corrupt media and democratic party! You certainly have checked your “thinking for yourself” at the door! I am assuming you like the way the last 3-1/2 years have gone. I don’t! Life was so much better under President Trump! Have a nice day and try hard to enjoy the freedoms we still have as a result of our Independence Day Fourth of July.
Never give up – fight for what you believe – with words – not violence.
We are flying the flag today with pride. My husband is a registered Republican
who is NOT voting for Trump – he is wise enough to see the dangers promoted
by this former president.
I hope Joe stays in the race, too.
This opinion is very sad. It only divides the United States of America.
We need to stand as one United States. Happy 4th of July
For the sake of our country’s future, we need more people like your husband.
I couldn’t agree more.
I agree “ These Stars and Stripes are for everyone…..”
That is why I proudly fly my flag 24/7/365 on my house.
That is whyI proudly have a flag sticker on my rear window of my car.
That is why I proudly wear some form of Stars and Stripes t-shirt periodically throughout the year.
Worried about THEM? Hell yes.
Enough to put my Flag away— NEVER.
Wow! Interesting comments. I agree with most of your comments, Kae. but I also like what Dana has to say. I am proud to fly the American flag, but I worry that people who see it might think I’m one of THEM. It HAS been coopted, and I would like to think that flying my flag says that it IS for everyone.
It is a very interesting comment about the Democratic brainwashing. And the people that stand behind that comment do not think they are brainwashed as well? Choosing not to review the facts on both sides is plain stupid! We need to stop letting these comments divide us! “United States”🇺🇸🇺🇸
I am blessed to be a US citizen where all opinions can be expressed. cjr