It is a shame that some Black Lives Matter leaders associate display of the American flag with right-wing hatemongers. (“People flying flags are ‘racist,’ BLM Utah says,” Tribune, July 7.)
For too long, those of us on the progressive spectrum of American politics have allowed right-wingers to appropriate the flag in support of despicable racist, sexist, anti-science, anti-democratic and falsehood-based views. Lamentably, we progressives have stood limply by while those right-wingers brandish the flag to claim that such views are reflective of patriotism, and even to claim that contrary views are non-patriotic.
This must stop. Such right-wing claims constitute fake patriotism that is contrary to the principles of democracy and equality enshrined in the United States Constitution and contrary to civil rights and voting rights laws enacted to further those principles. Anti-racists and other progressives must take back the American flag, and display it in support of those principles.
Worried about being misperceived as right-wingers? Then fly Old Glory alongside a rainbow flag, or maybe a United Nations flag. But absolutely stop letting fake patriots lay exclusive claim to our national flag.
J. Kevin Murphy, Salt Lake City
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