This post will be a mixture. Part today and part from a post of mine in 2015.
Recently when I went to town, I noticed something strange and for me pleasant. There were no more flags flying from the backs of pickup trucks, in front of houses and businesses. The American flags are still present but the Trump 2020 and the Confederate Flag seem to have all been put away. Like I said, neither of those flags, almost always flown together, pleased me but I felt they had the right to fly them. For a while, they were everywhere.
I have absolutely no problem with people flying those flags in their front yard, from their business, adoring their vehicles, wearing it on their backs or as a tattoo. This is America after all.
In fact I appreciated it when individuals did display the flags. It let me easily recognize those I didn't really care to get to know better.
It is like my very favorite and just plain funny Irish Blessing.
"May those that love us, love us,
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he can't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping."
Those flags were as clear as a deity inflicted limp for me. They let me know who to be leary of.
Now that the flags are gone, I am a bit relieved that I am no longer forming an opinion of a stranger simply by a symbol. I wasn't really proud of that reaction but couldn't help it.
Thanks to Covid though, I am still leary of strangers. Now, not by beliefs but by the possibility of contagion. That evens the playing field.
I like that Irish blessing.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteThanks, I heard it years ago and it stuck with me.
Alright, I had a chuckle from that Irish blessing too :^) It would seem there’s a price to be paid for the tranquility of a rural life... I grew up on a farm a couple hours south of Pittsburgh, where I live now. I’ve never seen a Trump or Confederate flag waving in the breeze, be it from a house or back of a pickup truck. But on the couple occasions I’ve gone south to visit family... the Trump flags were everywhere (and a few hate-signs to hang or burn Nancy Pelosi at the stake). I’ll have to ask my sister (who still lives there) if they’re down, but it will never feel like my hometown again.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteYou are so right about the rural life and people waving their flags flaunting their beliefs. Thank goodness I didn't see any about Nancy. Phew that is scary.
I love that Irish Blessing. As for the conferderate flag I was in Alabama and needed to stop for gas and some water for me, it was difficult to find a place without the confederate flag waving. I wouldn't give them my money. I was 29 years old at the time and the person with me kept saying we'll run out of gas. I laughed and said we may but I am standing my ground on this. We got gas, and caught a flight outta there!
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteGlad you liked it. I tickles me. I would have probably done what you did in Alabama. Glad you didn't run out of gas though and I am sure your friend was too.
You're singing my song.
ReplyDeleteHow annoying that the very people you want to scold for not wearing a mask are the very people you should avoid.
I'd forgotten that wonderful Irish blessing.
I like it so much that I jotted it down to use somewhere in my next book!
Marty,
DeleteLooking forward to that book. I read the last two and will look for the blessing in the next one:)
My neighbor has two signs on her lawn: Black Lives Matter, and Support Your Local Police. I guess she thinks you can do both.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteI think you call that sitting on the fence. She is covering all bases.
I was behind a car at a stoplight last week and the car in front of me and the one in the other lane both had Trump bumper stickers. It's funny how quickly those "symbols of hate" can turn my mood. Around here it's the Proud Boys who ran around with a Trump flag and a 'Don't tread on me' flag in the backs of their trucks. Haven't seen one recently but it's winter so that could change come nicer weather. If the FBI keeps arresting more and more people who took part in January 6th I'm hoping the Proud Boys will be cut down at the knees.
ReplyDeleteJean,
DeleteIt really has given me hope that the rioters are being rounded up and I hope they get more than just a slap on the wrist.
Glad to hear the signs and flags are being removed. I never understood the appeal, and I think after January 6, some of his supporters came to the realization that all is not well with that man.
ReplyDeleteTake care, stay well.
Eileen,
DeleteI think when Biden was inaugurated, that made them realize that for now--it is over. Hope it stays quiet like this.
I don't mind forming an opinion about a stranger simply based on the symbols they're wearing. I always just assume it's why they're wearing those symbols. They want us to know their beliefs. I don't wear any symbols, but I am known as "Kill With Her Eyes." LOL!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteHa ha, I have given a few evil eyes over the top of my mask too. I try not to be too blatant for a lot of folks around here are carrying.
So true.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteLet's hope it stays quiet for a while anyway.
Might be the weather. A man who goes to the same (Bible) church i do, has put his flags away. He's been through about three of them - he can barely take a trip up the road and back, the winter wind tears them to shreds.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to spring, and seeing flags waving from the back of big pickup trucks and motorcycles.
Live in Trump country, and LOVE it :) Hardly a day goes by, that i don't hear someone firing off a gun or big firecracker. Yep, good ole country boys (and girls too), God love 'em.
Sue,
DeleteProbably less about the weather and more about how it is now a lost cause, thank goodness.
Maybe, then again time will tell. One thing we both can be sure of, right wingers will neither shut up, nor go away anytime soon. Have a nice day, Sincerely just-getting-more-right-wing-with-each-passing-day :)
DeleteFewer flags here too but the tRump stickers on cars are seemingly are forever. Makes it hard still for me to "love my neighbor." Oh well.
ReplyDeleteCelia,
DeleteKnow what you mean. They do last don't they?
Never has bothered me at all. To each his own...our Biden/Harris stickers, yard art, flags are just as annoying to Trump supporters. I can't judge. Sad part for me is Mr. "T" is gonna get off Scott free for what he did to our beloved country. I just clicked publish & it told me my comment was spam. Hmmm
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteThat is weird. I just approved it and there was no indication that you were spam.
We didn't have any Biden/Harris signs out here. They were either stolen or mail boxes were smashed for those who tried.
This is such an awesome post, Patti. It is EXACTLY how I feel. I need to send that Irish blessing to some friends. They'll love it. I was, in fact, going to write a post several weeks ago about how the flag started to mean something completely different to me. When I see someone wearing a flag t-shirt or sporting the flag somewhere, I would immediately be wary. It wasn't a happy, proud feeling. It was sadness, disappointment, a bit of shame. I'm looking forward to the day I can smile when I see our flag again.
ReplyDeleteKay,
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the blessing. I tickled me years ago and still does.
Somehow I feel the day we are hoping for is close. I feel so much less tension and anger in the air now.
I've not heard that Irish blessing before but it made me smile.
ReplyDeleteFun60,
DeleteI heard Garrison Keillor use it years ago and it just stuck with me as delightful.
Exactly right. We not only know who those people support, but also that their world views do not match ours. It is certainly polarizing. There are still some Trump flags around here, and US flags attached to pick ups, but not as many. I just want to forget the man, but think he's still a danger. And his followers remain brainwashed.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteYou are right. Those signs really tell a lot about a person. I too still feel his danger as his followers do seem convinced the man can do no wrong.
No Trump flags here. Many of his followers still remain addicted though, but I know that the addiction will fade over time. It all makes me so very angry.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteI too hope we can heal from the turmoil he caused. It will take time but hopefully it can happen.
I guess symbols are free speech but they sure don't change anyone's opinions one way or the other. So I guess they are just meant to signal one's own tribe and keep away the others.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteWell put and the signals certainly are affective.
I am glad the election season is (almost anyway) behind us. It was a tough time, and the need to let everybody know how you voted seems odd to me. Love that Irish blessings. I will share it. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteIt is a kind of "in your face" thing that I hope fades in time.
Glad you liked the blessing. It has stayed with me for years.
There are one or two Trump signs. But the flags and hoopla are gone. It happened very quickly in response to January 6th. I have a feeling many of the holdouts may take them down when the impeachment trial occurs. Too much evidence that they have been used.
ReplyDeleteI live in Georgia where there were many Trump supporters. I was sometimes surprised at who had been a never Trumper like myself and sometimes who was a Trumper. I had friends that would obnoxiously opine about mistreated Trump was at times. I would not touch the topic with a ten foot pole with them then or now. I certainly hope they have reconsidered.
I love the prayer. It is a keeper.
Ann,
DeleteI live in an area very similar to yours. I already feel things are calming down just by the removal of the political flags.
The blessing is cute isn't it?
That Irish blessing is too funny! I don't get upset with the displaying of the American flag but I do with the burning of it. Take care. 💖
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the blessing. It still makes me smile.
I am proud to fly the American flag, just didn't appreciate seeing those other two and glad they are almost gone.
That's okay. People form their own opinions about people who voted for a man with dementia. At least Trump had all his faculties and worked for our country and not China. I'm not crazy about the Black Lives Matter flags I see flying in my community.
ReplyDeleteIt relieves me to hear that the Trump flags, and especially the Confederate flags, are being put away, at least in some places. I know across the country many Trump supporters are not giving up. After all, neither is Trump. But the attack on the Capitol on January 6th was an awakening for less rabid supporters.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteMe too. Pretty sure it was a wake up call for some fence sitters. The rest we know won't budge.
Flags on cars or in front yards is a very, very, rare thing here. We love our country, but flag flying just isn't "us".
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteLucky you and I hope it stays that way. They are pretty aggressive signals.
Love the Irish Blessing. I am so glad the flags are down. They seemed so angry and combative.
ReplyDeleteSuz,
DeleteGlad you liked it and so agree. Those were the two words I was looking for.
Our small town has been hit hard by COVID. I could not help but notice that those who caught the virus or died of the virus were those who protested mask wearing.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie,
DeleteYep, or they happened to be the unfortunate family of those who protested.
I kinda wish we didn't have to be so polarized. Even with the new administration, we can't seem to stop bickering. I think differing opinions are needed and should be welcomed in a democracy. We don't have to agree with the opinions of others, but everyone has the right to their own.
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteThat is why I say they all have the right to fly their flags of choice but I can't help but feel relief when they come down. The atmosphere is so much less tense these days than it was.
Oh my, I lived in Northwestern Ohio most of my life. The year my husband and I moved to Tennessee for school was a compete shock to my sheltered existence. In my growing up years the one library was staffed with a black woman as Assistant Director, she was a lovely woman. We had had a black sheriff for a term. The black kids attended school with us (this was fifties and sixties). We were all just kids, not different races. Now, when we moved in the seventies to Tennessee, I Was shocked, school didn't work out, I was never so glad to get out of anywhere in my life, didn't know such hated existed. We became involved with a church working in a ghetto in an Indiana city, the one thing I remember was a young black man saying. "If you put your children and my children in a room, they would play together; prejudice (today racism) is learned." yep. It's a long road but "We've seen the Mountain Top"
ReplyDeleteming,
DeleteMy early schooling was in N/E Ohio and that was were I sadly learned racism existed. Then we moved south where integration wasn't yet a word. I truly believe in what that young black man said and that youth being the path to tolerance. May we someday get all the way there.
Interesting entry. Without guides, like political signs or flags, it is often hard to know who to trust ... or how they REALLY feel. Here in the South it is particularly difficult since so many southerners speak out of both sides of an issue and I never know what to believe. I know I am cynical but, having moved here in 1977, I see where it hasn't changed much and I think that is incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteWithout the outward signs to let me know, I am cautious what I say in this red state. I have a few friends I feel free to talk with, others we just avoid certain topics.
Symbols like flags can color how we perceive someone — perhaps rightfully so.
ReplyDeleteI feel sad that USA is so tied up in elections over and over. Mega anoints of money flow into the ritual os a democratic system that appears to be loosing its way as it cares less for the people and more for individual politicians power. Some have held onto their spots for years. And I feel more Parties would be wiser as would an overhaul in the entire system. I noticed Germany has many parties and they seem to manage.
ReplyDelete