Reply #133: Good Article on the flag by Rick Steves

[TheMightyFavog]

http://www.ricksteves.com/about/pressroom/activism/letter.htm

Dates back to the start of the Iraq war.
Dear Editor, A few weeks ago the Lions Club decided to drape Edmonds with flags (a thoughtful service it provides on national holidays) as a show of support for our troops. They planned to leave the flags out until all the troops were home. I explained to the president of the Lions Club that for many, the flags mean, "support our troops" and we all agree with that. But for others, the flag used this way at this time also symbolizes support of President Bush's foreign policy. I was speaking for many business owners and citizens of Edmonds who consider this pro-war flag flying an abuse of our flag. He understood our feelings, checked with his fellow Lions, and agreed that the flags would be taken down. Last weekend, I helped the Lions put the flags away.

As a patriot and a good citizen, I am concerned that America is making a huge and long-term mistake in its foreign policy. We won the war but we are losing the world. At my church we learned those with a hammer as their primary tool are inclined to see every problem as a nail.

Flipping through the newspaper, I see so many social services (humane touches we could afford since I've been a kid) dying or in budget crises. Why? "Because there's not enough money." Any time someone tells me there's no longer enough money for desperate single mothers, special-needs children, ailing seniors, health care for the poor, or arts programs, I say there's as much money as ever...it's our priorities that have changed. We decided, instead, to spend $350 billion a year on our military and an extra $80 billion or so for "regime change" in Iraq.

The other day I got an email from someone who no longer buys Mr. French's Mustard. (Mr. French was an American. The company is English-owned.) Even though Edmonds' Café de Paris has a Swiss-owned sign in its window, this person would never stoop to patronizing such a place. They said that they have enjoyed many wonderful European vacations (and saved piles of money) thanks to my guidebooks. But now that they hear I am "pro peace," they'll never again buy one of my books.

Later that day, I stood on 4th avenue looking through waving American flags at my building, which has a "peace is patriotic" sign in the window. A man across the street asked, "Are you reconsidering your politics? Do you know how much business you're losing because of your no war sign?" I said, "It's probably very expensive." Then I asked him if he figured it was right for someone to base their decision to support or not support a war based on the effect it would have on their income. Lately, I believe standing up to my government — at whatever cost to my business — is standing up for my country.

Good patriots can support President Bush. And good patriots can oppose him. Good patriots can disagree with our new doctrine of pre-emptive war. Good patriots can respect the French. Good patriots can even believe in the United Nations...and feel sad as they wonder why our country is routinely out-voted in the UN 170 to 2. Good patriots can want to get along with the rest of our world. Good patriots can believe that spending more on our military than the rest of the world combined while neglecting vital people needs in our homeland is a sad and tragic mistake. But no good patriot would hijack the flag we all want to love as a logo for their politics. In this regard — I hope — united we stand.

I thank the Lions Club for their service. And look forward to seeing the flags again on Memorial Day.

Rick Steves