A letter writer compares the American flag and the patriotic Americans waving the flag to those that supported Nazi Germany (“Protesting flag’s removal assaults freedom of speech,” Dec. 1).
The patriotic protesters did not break one window or throw rocks at the police, unlike the protesters of a Trump presidency. The writer said students were protesting the election of Trump and Pence because they promote hatred.
The writer compares the proud veterans of this country to Germans that supported Hitler’s regime, and Hillary Clinton said half of Trump’s supporters are a bunch of deplorable uneducated people. Those kind of statements sound pretty hateful to me.
The writer also states that “it is appropriate for a college, an institution of learning, to discuss all of the ramifications of flying the national flag and to hear all sides.” Well, the protesters were letting the college know their side. But, according to her, they should not be allowed to, as she feels the protest is “short-sighted and destructive” and they “feed into the ugliness that is spreading in our wonderful democracy.”
So, according to the writer, it is OK to protest as long as the protesters reflect her views. Is that a democracy?
Lastly, the writer states, “Moreover, many of the wars our veterans fought had nothing to do with protecting our freedom of speech.” What about the Revolutionary War? This gave us the freedoms we enjoy today. World War I and II stopped brutal dictators that wanted to take over the world.
Peaceful protesting at the college by proud Americans who want the flag flown is the cornerstone of democracy, not the ugliness as stated.
So there you have it. I am a deplorable, uneducated person who loves this country and respects the flag. It is not from blind allegiance, it’s born from the fact I have my eyes wide open and respect everyone’s opinion.
William Johnson
Granby