General Discussion

Chemisse

(31,384 posts) Thu Jul 4, 2019, 07:24 PM Jul 2019

Why on earth are we demonizing the Betsy Ross Flag? [View all]

Are we TRYING to reelect Trump?

It's like saying, yes, we really HAVE declared a war on Christmas.

So one man said it was offensive because there was slavery in existence under that flag? What else happened under that flag? The birth of our nation and the freedom from England - which happens to be what we are celebrating today.

Slavery was present throughout the early start of the nation. Should all our early history be banned in schools? Should antique stores be considered handlers of racist relics? Should we start banning coins and bills with early leaders' faces on them? Does any of this really matter now, when we have so many important issues to face?

The GOP will have a great time hitting us with this and it will be effective, because there is no solid basis for standing against the flag that has such a rich history and strong symbolism.

197 replies

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Why on earth are we demonizing the Betsy Ross Flag? [View all] Chemisse Jul 2019 OP

The issue is that The Betsy Ross Flag has been adopted by awful people. madaboutharry Jul 2019 #1

They don't own our history. They can't appropriate historical wasupaloopa Jul 2019 #6

Let's not let them! nt LAS14 Jul 2019 #10

I feel the same way that you do. madaboutharry Jul 2019 #12

Like those damn German Nazis... n/t Harker Jul 2019 #99

It's only easy customerserviceguy Jul 2019 #145

Yet it happens caraher Jul 2019 #196

Exactly! nt NutmegYankee Jul 2019 #14

Tell that to old time fans of the swastika. nt TeamPooka Jul 2019 #15

This message was self-deleted by its author Freelancer Jul 2019 #23

It's an ancient symbol ... there in theory could be people who 'liked it before' ... mr_lebowski Jul 2019 #27

This message was self-deleted by its author Freelancer Jul 2019 #34

That's not the case with the American flag. All versions of it. Honeycombe8 Jul 2019 #71

I was simply clarifying one poster's 'meaning' to another poster ... who'd said 'huh?' (nt) mr_lebowski Jul 2019 #78

There's a gracious old hotel near my town-- built around 1915-- dawg day Jul 2019 #43

There is an old park with a historic house and swastikas Merlot Jul 2019 #51

I read that swastikas are still used as symbols for various religions, dating to ancient times. Honeycombe8 Jul 2019 #81

Hindus, Buddhists, and some Christian groups IronLionZion Jul 2019 #85

It's found in many an ancient Navajo weavings sop Jul 2019 #116

not really ancient Kali Jul 2019 #185

The town where I live has a few brick row houses built in 1920 that have them around the top fishwax Jul 2019 #178

You are comparing our flag to the swastika? Tipperary Jul 2019 #96

Thanks for playing Straw Man. I'll miss you the most. TeamPooka Jul 2019 #100

... Tipperary Jul 2019 #103

That's what I think, too. The KKK also has used the regular American Flag. Honeycombe8 Jul 2019 #68

Kaepernick supposedly behind it. cwydro Jul 2019 #84

There's only one thing bad about him not making his pay from football customerserviceguy Jul 2019 #146

Hmmm. Some might say the same thing about the current flag. Raven123 Jul 2019 #20

Absolutely correct....!!!!!! Crazyleftie Jul 2019 #87

It represents slavery, surely you jest. onecaliberal Jul 2019 #2

How does it represent slavery? nt LAS14 Jul 2019 #5

Included few DownriverDem Jul 2019 #56

The same can be said of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution.... Honeycombe8 Jul 2019 #74

Which of course is why it flew at Obama's inauguration FBaggins Jul 2019 #9

Obama hadn't figured that out yet! dumbcat Jul 2019 #17

This message was self-deleted by its author Freelancer Jul 2019 #24

There's a difference between flying it alongside other flags as part of a historical panoply StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #25

Not to me it doesn't Loki Liesmith Jul 2019 #26

To many of us, it's offensive, even if it's not to you StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #31

You do not get to make the rules.. MicaelS Jul 2019 #77

Since I'm not trying to make any rules or speak for you, we're on the same page StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #79

Yet in return? sheshe2 Jul 2019 #160

Anything pertaining to the beginning of our country would be offensive to you. Honeycombe8 Jul 2019 #83

Excellent post Honeycombe! Tipperary Jul 2019 #97

Really good points! n/t Chemisse Jul 2019 #105

Well said... RHMerriman Jul 2019 #126

My Thought RobinA Jul 2019 #183

Yes. cwydro Jul 2019 #139

Well stated customerserviceguy Jul 2019 #151

Good post. Heartily agree. NT emmaverybo Jul 2019 #155

I would imagine the genocide of millions of original inhabitants already living here was something Judi Lynn Jul 2019 #186

After what many European countries did to their colonies ripcord Jul 2019 #195

How ridiculous FBaggins Jul 2019 #54

Thank you. cwydro Jul 2019 #88

Was President Obama endorsing slavery? AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #18

Betsy Ross was an abolitionist. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #63

I read that years ago too. Throck Jul 2019 #137

Well we cannot let silly facts get in the way of the Tipperary Jul 2019 #141

Not going there. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #143

Exactly. Tipperary Jul 2019 #148

This message was self-deleted by its author Flaleftist Jul 2019 #3

Bullshit pintobean Jul 2019 #57

Bang on! Tipperary Jul 2019 #135

The flag has been adopted by some White supremacists. nt Blue_true Jul 2019 #4

Well screw them. They can't have it!!! nt LAS14 Jul 2019 #8

Only if you give it to them. wasupaloopa Jul 2019 #11

So what. It belongs to every American. NutmegYankee Jul 2019 #13

Yes! TheFarseer Jul 2019 #45

I agree with you. nt UniteFightBack Jul 2019 #7

I have one on my flagpole. TheCowsCameHome Jul 2019 #16

You live in a 1700s house? Codeine Jul 2019 #36

You live in a 1700's house? Isn't that racist? n/t zackymilly Jul 2019 #59

Ha! Well played! Tipperary Jul 2019 #102

LOL Colin K going after a Quaker and abolitionist. SMC22307 Jul 2019 #127

I wonder what will we do sarisataka Jul 2019 #19

+++++++++++++++++ still_one Jul 2019 #30

Because the current "In" thing for Dems to do is shun and hide anything that offends anyone Jake Stern Jul 2019 #21

As one of those "anyones" who's offended, I'm glad that my party is sensitive to my concerns StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #29

If you wish to be offended by clowns, flags, hand gestures or Adam Sandler that's your right Jake Stern Jul 2019 #40

Wow StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #52

JakeStern sounds like a rational human being. Glorfindel Jul 2019 #55

And that's your choice StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #60

They are not disgusting, they are common sense.. MicaelS Jul 2019 #69

Bull hockey. Most of us have known that flag since Tipperary Jul 2019 #98

+1 leftstreet Jul 2019 #115

Apparently, this view is more widespread than I originally thought! EffieBlack Jul 2019 #124

Horseshit. As a native Pennsylvanian and someone who has... SMC22307 Jul 2019 #150

It sounds like you're much more bent out of shape over a flag than I am StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #153

I'm bent out of shape over the idea of five more years of Donald Trump... SMC22307 Jul 2019 #159

Anyone who would vote for Trump because Nike decided not to put the Betsy Ross flag on its shoes StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #161

Voters take to the polls for sound reasons and stupid reasons... SMC22307 Jul 2019 #163

I understand the stated reason Jake Stern Jul 2019 #162

This is kind of funny in a way. SouthernProgressive Jul 2019 #181

I haven't sung the star spangled banner since I was in middle school. Ms. Toad Jul 2019 #73

One could say the exact thing to you. cwydro Jul 2019 #94

Sounds extremely reasonable to me. Crunchy Frog Jul 2019 #166

See post 54. cwydro Jul 2019 #91

As a flaming librul I've supported Colin K. 100 percent... SMC22307 Jul 2019 #140

Finding ways to try to manipulate Democrats by telling them the right might mock them Judi Lynn Jul 2019 #188

Right! First bussing and now the first flag our a nation? GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #22

Neighbor flies it.....has for a couple of years Red Mountain Jul 2019 #37

You can say exactly the same about the American flag. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #39

President Obama flew it..his 2nd inauguration. What was his statement? AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #49

What is this all about? Who is complaining? TheCowsCameHome Jul 2019 #28

Good Lord, what is happening around here?! EffieBlack Jul 2019 #32

It's been particularly weird since the debate. Hoyt Jul 2019 #62

Yup EffieBlack Jul 2019 #92

So every time white supremacists appropriate.. MicaelS Jul 2019 #76

The flag that represented our nation during the revolutionary war is racist? cwydro Jul 2019 #86

Yeah, cuts both ways... RHMerriman Jul 2019 #152

Boo. Hoo. Inkfreak Jul 2019 #182

Ugh... Mike Nelson Jul 2019 #33

take it up with Nike.. stillcool Jul 2019 #35

No, I don't think Nike is who they want to fight with StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #80

President Obama doesn't want to fight with you.. AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #123

yeah...reminds me.... stillcool Jul 2019 #132

Agree. We should be demonizing the supremacists, not the symbol (flag) they appropriated...but Freethinker65 Jul 2019 #38

I get your point. And respect it. But some dumb assed frog drawn a few years ago, GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #42

I agree with you. Do not let the racists get a hold of it. Freethinker65 Jul 2019 #46

Maybe rainbow colored. That would drive them crazy! GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #50

So what? It was the original flag if this country Drahthaardogs Jul 2019 #47

Agree. See post #46 Freethinker65 Jul 2019 #48

I've had one of these flags since 1976, and am displaying it right now... First Speaker Jul 2019 #41

I put up a 23 star one this morning.... Historic NY Jul 2019 #44

African American Continental Soldiers fought under the Ross Flag!!!!! JAD Jul 2019 #53

African American slaves also fought under the Confederate flag. So what. StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #109

The right co-ops national symbols and makes them toxic Gore1FL Jul 2019 #58

flag of slavery samir.g Jul 2019 #61

Does President Obama endorse slavery? AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #125

There are 13 stars on the flag and 13 letters in "DonaldTrumpJr". LiberalArkie Jul 2019 #64

Google the Flag Code rickford66 Jul 2019 #65

Flags can be misappropriated by racists, and become offensive. Hoyt Jul 2019 #66

Now that we know the origins of all this, I think we should take it back. Chemisse Jul 2019 #117

But the KKK also have wrapped themselves in the 50 star flag too. mwooldri Jul 2019 #142

But there is a difference ... Whiskeytide Jul 2019 #144

Look, if the people that it's meant to offend, thinks it's offensive, I do too. Hoyt Jul 2019 #156

No one is trying to reelect Trump. Good people are trying to remove the racist toxicity from our jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #67

Thank you StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #75

You're welcome. jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #112

This leftstreet Jul 2019 #118

Thanks! jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #149

President Obama didn't find it offensive AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #129

And that's wonderful. jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #147

The minute Kaepernick said something..not before was there an "outrage". AncientGeezer Jul 2019 #157

You Can Be Sure RobinA Jul 2019 #184

Glad to see your post, thank you. n/t Judi Lynn Jul 2019 #189

Thanks, Judi! jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #192

so, the bottom line is, if white racist bastards decided to make a cute cat their symbol we will yaesu Jul 2019 #70

We'll have to murder all our cats, lest someone gets offended. Crunchy Frog Jul 2019 #168

That's quite a leap you made there. jcmaine72 Jul 2019 #169

This thread is full of leaps. Crunchy Frog Jul 2019 #170

ooooooh nooooooo 😱😱😱 yaesu Jul 2019 #175

It's out of date when flown on its own. forgotmylogin Jul 2019 #72

Are we going to let those MFer's appropriate all our national symbols? GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #82

When was the last time you gave two shits about the Betsy Ross flag? EffieBlack Jul 2019 #90

The Betsy Ross flag? Never gave it much thought. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #95

I'm not indignant about it now. I don't care one way or the other. StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #113

The only people indignant here are the ones who suddenly fell in love with the Betsy Ross flag today EffieBlack Jul 2019 #120

You and I agree quite a bit. And I could give a shit about that flag. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #128

But Democrats weren't behind Nike's decision to not put the flag on the shoes. That was a business EffieBlack Jul 2019 #130

Oh. Got it. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #138

Who has asked you to give up the right to buy sneakers with the Betsy Ross flag on them? StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #93

Your looking past my point. GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #101

You're the 2nd person that suggested the sticker thing... egduj Jul 2019 #136

That's exactly why hate groups use symbols that mean something harmless to everyone else IronLionZion Jul 2019 #89

Some "normal folks" don't see it as "history" StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #106

Wow. Powerful post. This is where typing discussions, GulfCoast66 Jul 2019 #154

I agree with you, my post was about DUers in this controversy IronLionZion Jul 2019 #173

Mostly because Kapernick is a Nike client DeminPennswoods Jul 2019 #104

Do blacks commonly see the Ross flag as racist and a symbol of slavery? Takket Jul 2019 #107

Most people, black, white, or whatever probably aren't aware of how it's been used Major Nikon Jul 2019 #164

What's up with Snickers bar in the pic? I like Snickers bars! n/t zackymilly Jul 2019 #174

The Klan was putting candy in bags along with their flyer Major Nikon Jul 2019 #176

I agree that we should stay out of it AlexSFCA Jul 2019 #108

Who is "we"? StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #110

democrats AlexSFCA Jul 2019 #111

Democrats should stay out of whether Nike should put the Betsy Ross decal on its sneakers? StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #114

Nobody on this thread is saying that at all DeminPennswoods Jul 2019 #121

That's exactly what was said and what I was responding to StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #131

Yes, there there was slavery, segragation and much other crap that shouln't have been, but how long demosincebirth Jul 2019 #119

Not all the framers of the Constitution were slave owners. ... spin Jul 2019 #158

I hope you know that I was generalizing. demosincebirth Jul 2019 #167

I have to admit that I wasn't sure. ... spin Jul 2019 #171

Post removed Post removed Jul 2019 #122

Who is "we"? MarvinGardens Jul 2019 #133

I got the impression that Dems were being mocked for being 'PC' Chemisse Jul 2019 #179

I wish I needed to buy a new pair of running shoes Mme. Defarge Jul 2019 #134

The Betsy Ross flag was created in 1777 during the American Revolution. spin Jul 2019 #165

I have a 'tea stained' xxqqqzme Jul 2019 #172

The move make Nike look like idiots and Kaepernick couldn't even bother to vote last time. I respect RelativelyJones Jul 2019 #177

What's the point of trying to mock Kaepernick by trying to drag out his voting performance? Judi Lynn Jul 2019 #190

The criticism isn't for not voting. Dr. Strange Jul 2019 #197

Excellent point made by Fishwax in another thread: StarfishSaver Jul 2019 #180

I would prefer not form my life around not offending the sadistic, degenerate fascists among us. Judi Lynn Jul 2019 #187

Black folks should just shut up. Sunsky Jul 2019 #191

I don't demonize it Polybius Jul 2019 #193

You got a mouse in your pocket? Iggo Jul 2019 #194