Flying the Flag
Reclaiming the Flag for Everyone Who Believes in the Values It Represents
What does our flag mean?
A few weeks ago, walking by a display of US flags for sale at a hardware store, I hesitated in buying one. Would people see the new flag as a statement of support for aggression or, worse, the January 6 insurrection? I hesitated because I was concerned that the flag had changed in the popular eye from being a statement of support for our ideals of democracy, peaceful co-existence, and equality to something darker.
Let’s reclaim the flag for what it should mean – support for the democratic values of our country.
When asked what form of government the new United States would have, Benjamin Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The flag represents a constitution dedicated to democracy. We’ve fought for almost 250 years to protect that republic against violent insurrection, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to contemporary threats from within our borders. Those who seek to claim it as a symbol for the January 6 insurrection fundamentally misunderstand its meaning. When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we promise to defend the indivisible republic for which it stands. Failing to accept the results of a free and fair election is a rejection of American values.
The flag does not represent an aggressive or expansionist United States. The Constitution deliberately requires wars to be initiated with the cooperation of two branches of our government to make us slow to respond to provocations. That principle has eroded in a world made smaller by technology, where strikes can come within hours from the other side of the world. While we have failed to live up to our highest aims--out of fear in the modern age and greed in an earlier one--peaceful co-existence remains a core tenet of our form of government.
The flag represents an ideal of equality that we’ve modernized over time. After the Civil War, we removed the abomination of slavery from the Constitution. Last century, we increased the participation of people in their governance by extending the right to vote to more people and providing for the direct election of senators. Our political disagreements today often reflect divisions over the future of that ideal.
We may fly other flags to show support for their ideals. I have a lapel pin pairing the US flag with Ukraine’s. I don’t owe allegiance to Ukraine, of course, but I support its vision of self-determination and freedom from oppression. Conversely, it pains me to see people fly the Confederate battle flag, as it represents a fundamental opposition to the core beliefs of our republic. Our Constitution gives us all the right to express such beliefs, but I hope those who fly that flag come to realize that it is fundamentally anti-American to do so.
Just as no one can own the ideas of democracy, peace, and equality, none of us can own the US flag. It flies for all of us who believe in what it stands for. Everyone who believes in these values should be proud to fly our flag. All of us should aspire to live up to its promise.
Other News
E-bikes are booming! I encourage you to try one. They’re a fun way to get around, enjoy the weather, and only put in the exercise that you want to put in at any given time. EWEB customers can get a $300 rebate on the purchase of an e-bike. Details are here - https://www.eweb.org/environment-and-climate/electric-transportation/e-bike. While there are not yet any state or federal incentives, I’m pleased to say that the EWEB rebate process is remarkably quick and easy.
RecyclePlus by Sanipac
RecyclePlus is a new doorstep service provided by Sanipac. They will collect your recyclable items that cannot go in your blue cart, and items to be donated or reused within our local community.
What is the RecyclePlus Service?
This is an all new service for City of Eugene residents only (for now!). Recycle Plus will pick up items for specialty recycling and donation right from your doorstep! Their friendly team member will be in your neighborhood every other week to collect the items.
What items are accepted in the RecyclePlus service?
RecyclePlus collects the following items: batteries, light bulbs, textiles, plastic film, Styrofoam/block foam and dairy tubs. In the future, Sanipac hopes to add more specialty items for collection as an opportunity for donations to various Lane County charities.
How does RecyclePlus collection work?
You will receive a durable, lidded box and reusable cloth and plastic bags from Sanipac. They will be in your neighborhood collecting these items on an every other week basis. If you have items to be collected, select “YES” in the Sanipac App for Recycle Plus. Please do this on at least the day before your pickup day. (You can schedule up to several weeks in advance, and will receive a reminder notification each Sunday night asking if you would like to schedule a Recycle Plus pickup that week.) Then, on your collection day put your bagged items inside your box on your doorstep. The collector will stop by to pick them up!
Interested in more info? Want to sign up? Click Here!
COVID-19
Vaccinations (including boosters) are available at:
Primary care provider
Pharmacies
COVID-19 Testing
At-home Test Kits
Each residential households in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home antigen tests from the federal government. (Each household may place three orders, for a total of 16 free at-home tests per household). Place your online order here.
For individuals who are experiencing symptoms and/or had a recent close encounter with a known positive case may access testing through Lane County Public Health, Linn County Public Health, or through your primary care provider.
Thanks for all the great comments!
Marty,
Thank you for sharing this important email. I totally agree with you. I fly th American flag every day 20’ above my property. It is flown to honor my beliefs and to honor those who have fought and died defending our democracy. It is my flag and our democracy to defend against all foes, foreign and domestic. I now have a new reason to fly her proudly, to Recapture the Flag!