The other day I saw one of those trucks with the flags on it. You know the one. It’s a giant pedestrian-killing machine, proudly waving one oversized American flag and one “Blue Lives Matter” flag. When I see those trucks I automatically assume that person is racist, homophobic, xenophobic. Not good people. Am I the only one? Our flag has begun to become associated with hate.

I am a liberal. And guess what- I also love my country. I’m proud to be an American. That doesn’t mean that I love my government. That doesn’t mean that I am proud of the atrocities my country has committed. What I love is the people. My family and friends. I love jazz music. I love BBQ. I love our national parks. I love cheering for our Olympic athletes. Who else should I cheer for? To me, that’s patriotism. When I go camping I bring a miniature flag for my campsite because in the woods, in our beautiful parks and lands, that’s what my country means to me.

I want to take back the flag. I want to see a USA where a flag can be waved and there is no association with racism. Where the flag means “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” I’ve had it in my mind that if Trump ever goes to prison, that is that day I am going to get one of those giant flags. I am going to proudly wave it to celebrate my country for standing up to fascism. For protecting my right to have my vote count. Who is with me? Let’s take back the flag!