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A Perspective: Overlooking Political Disagreements and Emphasizing the Pillars of American Values, as Advocated by Richard Nelson

Neighborhood decoration caught my eye on my commute home: a row of American flags adorning fence posts in Bald Knob. It was Flag Day, it seemed, as our neighbors across the street were expressing their patriotism.

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Focusing on the essential American values instead of political animosity, as proposed by Richard...
Focusing on the essential American values instead of political animosity, as proposed by Richard Nelson in his opinion piece

A Perspective: Overlooking Political Disagreements and Emphasizing the Pillars of American Values, as Advocated by Richard Nelson

Article: The American Flag - A Symbol of Freedom, Justice, and Democracy

The American flag, a symbol of freedom, justice, and democracy, holds profound significance in the global arena. Originating from the nation's fight for independence from Great Britain, the flag has come to represent the ideals of self-determination, liberty, and the pursuit of justice.

The flag's design - the 13 stripes and stars - represents the original thirteen colonies and the evolving union of states, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring values on which the United States was founded. The colors - red, white, and blue - have specific meanings codified by law, with red standing for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Historically, the flag has served as a rallying emblem of American ideals, from the American Revolutionary War to the present day. It was standardized officially by Congress starting in 1777, with later regulations refining its design to reflect state additions and uphold its symbolism.

The flag's influence extends beyond U.S. borders, embodying democratic ideals that resonate worldwide. Its use has been adopted or referenced by movements seeking liberty and justice, though some historical flag versions have faced complex reinterpretations over time.

One such instance was in 2019, when Hong Kongers waved the American flag in defiance of imperial Chinese designs to stamp out their democratic system and freedoms. The flag also represents a self-correcting mechanism to right wrongs and land on justice, as critics point out the U.S.'s own abuses and failures.

The American flag holds a special place in American history, symbolizing the costly battles to liberate the east from Japanese tyranny, such as the planting of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima 82 years ago. Similarly, the flag was planted on Omaha beach in Normandy, France 81 years ago, marking the beginning of the end of Nazism's rule in Europe.

The flag also represents the spirit of human cooperation and technological achievement, as seen when the U.S. flag was planted on the moon 56 years ago. However, it is not a symbol without controversy. Political violence should be eschewed, and the gross misreading of Christianity cannot justify murdering opponents, as Jesus taught love, peace, humility, and charity towards neighbors.

The perpetrator of a recent targeted political assassination attempt in Minnesota identified as a fundamentalist Christian. Meanwhile, in recent protests in Los Angeles, migrants unauthorized to be in the U.S. were arrested, and protesters rallied under the Mexican flag, not the American flag.

In conclusion, the American flag is a powerful symbol of freedom, justice, and democracy, rooted in the nation's founding and continuously representing these ideals both domestically and globally. It serves as a reminder of the nation's history, its ideals, and its continued striving towards a more perfect union.

Additional Facts:

  • Flag Day is a patriotic holiday that falls between Memorial Day and Independence Day.
  • The U.S. Constitution protects the freedom to assemble, as well as the freedom to wave foreign flags, including the burning of the U.S. flag.
  • Sergeant William Carney, a black American, took the U.S. flag from the mortally wounded flag bearer during the Civil War and ensured it never touched the ground. He fought and served his nation despite not being afforded full civil rights.
  • Richard Nelson is the executive director of Commonwealth Policy Center and hosts the Commonwealth Matters Podcast on Spotify.

[1] The History of the American Flag [2] The Symbolism of the American Flag [3] The Evolution of the American Flag [4] The Meaning of the American Flag's Colors [5] The Meaning of the Reversed American Flag on Military Uniforms

  1. The government recognizes Flag Day as a patriotic holiday, scheduled between Memorial Day and Independence Day.
  2. The education system often delves into the history and meaning of the American flag, discussing its evolution over time.
  3. Some business owners incorporate the American flag in their marketing strategies to demonstrate their patriotism.
  4. While the American flag is a symbol of freedom, the general news often covers debates on its use during protests and demonstrations, sparking various opinions.
  5. In the 2020 election, candidates' political platforms frequently mentioned their stance on policies and legislation involving the American flag, such as its protection and proper display.
  6. According to reports, war-and-conflicts have led to significant migrations around the world, often leading to clashes in crime-and-justice due to differing perspectives on the American flag's symbolism.
  7. Sports commentators often use the American flag as a backdrop during segments about American football, such as NFL matches or sports-betting discussions.
  8. During a recent football match between the two American teams, a tragic accident occurred on the field, causing the game to be delayed and the American flag to be lowered half-mast in honor of the deceased player.

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