As a natural born citizen, U.S. Air Force veteran, retired airline captain and proud father of three and grandfather of seven, I want to thank Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois for his recent speech given in New Hampshire. His words struck a cord in me like few political messages ever have — they moved me from concern to action.
I’ve never been more worried about the future of our country and the path this administration has placed us on. As pointed out in the governor’s speech, appointments at the highest levels are based more on physical appearance and blind loyalty than competence or expertise. The erosion of law, due process and disregard for the Constitution are not abstract issues — they are clear and present threats to our democracy. I couldn’t agree more with the governor on these points.
After hearing Gov. Pritzker’s remarks, I stepped outside my home, removed the American flag from its stanchion and reattached it inverted — a recognized position of distress. This action was not taken lightly nor without legal precedent from none other than the U.S. Supreme Court (Texas v. Johnson 1971). Yes, it is also illuminated at night. I urge others to do the same — retake our flag and stand up for the principles that made our country great and which many swore to defend.
Gov. Pritzker’s voice gives me hope. I hope he and others will keep speaking out and acting with the courage and clarity that the moment demands.
May this symbolic flag gesture be the pebble tossed into a pond that creates a ripple, and those ripples build into waves which morph into a storm that evolves into a tsunami of action to help save our country.
L. John Sanlorenzo, Park City
