A red flag of warning.

May 23, 2024

Another in a series of observations of life as I know it.

Flying an upside-down American flag - a symbol of the so-called 'Stop the Steal' movement - clearly creates the appearance of bias.

-Senator Dick Durbin

Ya think?

-J.A. Martin

~~~~~

At my house, it is customary to fly colorful, seasonal flags that reflect holidays and important calendar dates. My neighbors are grateful because it reminds them of the specific time of year. “Oh look, Bill, it’s Valentine’s Day! Shall I order roses to be delivered to me?” It’s a small service. You’re welcome. But let’s get something straight right from the get go. I shall never wave a white flag of surrender. Not to those who seek to usurp the basic tenets of democracy. I am woman, hear me bellow.

Here’s the thing. In grade school, I was the chief patrol. Every morning we’d troop out to the flag pole and elevate the Stars and Stripes. Then we’d place our hands above our heart and salute the flag. One day, a 4th grade lad was given the honor of attaching Old Glory to the rope and hoisting it skyward. Only to discover that the flag was upside down. It had been drilled into all patrols that this was a major faux pas. We lived in the Military District of Washington DC. We saw flag ceremonies daily at every public building. The boy who made the mistake was mortified and burst into tears. He knew it was deeply wrong. My point being, when 10 year olds know instinctively that the flag is our badge of honor, to be treated with utmost respect—and Supreme Court justices deliberately flaunt decorum and patriotism—we’re in deep doodoo.

“Little Sammy” Alito has shown his colors. And his deep disrespect. For 240+ years, our country’s men and women have fought and died for that flag. It is a symbol of our democracy. For the record, it is NOT a pine tree appealing to heaven. That ancient relic has long been abrogated to the dust bin of history. Similarly, flying the American flag upside down doesn’t change its essential message. It just looks stupid. With freedom comes responsibility. Jurists of every stripe should be neutral arbiters of the Rule of Law. When they show us who they are and that they have no intention of following that regulation, then they have no right to wave our flag, right side up, sideways or otherwise. Their allegiance has been compromised. Sullied. Soiled. I am quite sure Little Sammy’s teachers taught him right from wrong. Up from down. That he has chosen not to abide by civilized norms should disqualify him from the high bench. His wife may also have a few words to add since Sammy threw her under the bus, blaming her for everything. What a swell guy.

Go peddle it elsewhere, Sam. I’m not buying what you’re selling. 

Caption: seasonal house flag; New Yorker cartoon