Old Glory Display Torn Down in King County, Washington After Complainer Calls It ‘Offensive’
Many of us remember the tumultuous Sixties very well. There was plenty of upheaval in the country at the time. Vietnam War protests… race riots… concerns about the Cold War turning into a nuclear holocaust…
There was some anti-American sentiment expressed back then. But much of it stemmed from people who were afraid of being sent to Vietnam.
The anti-American activities we see today seem different to me. They come from a fringe group on the far Left. While they may not be big in number, their influence is felt on a regular basis.
They despise the values on which this country was created. So, they go after every symbol of those values as aggressively as possible. Particularly disgusting to them are patriotic displays featuring the American flag.
How Could the American Flag Be Offensive in America?
One such display has been visible along Preston Fall City Road in King County, Washington for about as long as anyone can remember.
A rock wall there has been decorated with a number of American flags and POW flags honoring military veterans for at least 10 years.
But guess what? The display is not there anymore. Why? Because city officials have bowed to a leftist who says the display is “offensive” to him or her.
Needless to say, the patriotic folks in King County were not pleased.
Fox News reported that one of them told a local television station, “I don’t understand. We live in the United States of America. This is our flag. Why is it offensive?”
Somebody Is Distracted… But It’s Not Drivers
County officials justified their action to remove the display with hogwash. They argued how it might distract drivers. That they might not pay proper attention to the road in front of them.
Really? Do speed limit signs and yield signs distract drivers? Do billboards cause drivers to swerve into another lane? Do pedestrians on the sidewalks make drivers forget to use their turn signals?
Sounds to me like these county officials are afraid of a lawsuit. Or maybe they’re concerned that other displays will go up elsewhere. And then they’ll have less ability to ban them due to allowing the patriotic display to remain.
Can you imagine something like this happening before our last president created an unpatriotic atmosphere with his “apology tour” and his wife’s lack of pride in her country?
America – Love It or Leave It
Excuse me for getting a tad upset here, but this kind of thing makes me sick to my stomach!
If Old Glory offends you, get the hell out of this country and go live in a place where they hate Americans.
In those types of countries – North Korea, Iran and Lebanon, to name a few – these people would fit right in. Of course, they would also lose almost all their freedoms.
Suddenly America wouldn’t look so bad to them after all. But they wouldn’t be able to come back, at least as far as I’m concerned.
Patriotic Display Will Be Back
The patriots in King County have decided not to take this travesty lying down. They are determined to rebuild the wall as a reminder of the price veterans have paid to keep America free.
They even established a Facebook page in honor of their efforts.
The new display might have to be in a different place. But like our flag at Fort McHenry following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, it will rise again.
And King County lawmakers had better hope that voters have a short memory. Otherwise, they may find themselves unemployed come next election day.
If loving and respecting our Nation is offensive to you, then pack up and leave –you do not have to stay. Choose and move to the country where you are not offended.
Taking those flags down really offends me!
The city officials who bowed to the leftist complainer offend me!
The leftist USA flag hater can go you know where!
I am going to fly more USA flags!
I despise the expression “love it or leave it”. The 1st amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech. Because a person disagrees with others does not mean he/she is not “American” enough to live here. That said put the statutes back, they are part of our history and represent people with the courage of their convictions. No, I do not agree with those convictions, all men (people) are created equal. Put the flags back as there is nothing offensive about the display of a country’s flag properly displayed. There’s nothing offensive about the display of religious items. If they are on public property, then put it to a vote, we are a democracy. America is great, there is no again. We are great due to our diversity and the many points of view. We are great because we work together to solve our difficulties. And we are great as we work together to rebuild our country after fires, floods and hurricanes. We are Americans and united we stand.
I’m a Canadian that served in Viet Nam. My last tour was with the 101st Airborne . I wear a lapel pin every workday that displays both the Canadian and U.S. Flag and am proud to do it. If you don’t respect your flag you cannot have respect for yourself because you are unworthy of respect.
Our country is at a crossroads where those who tear down statues aren’t arrested for damaging city property but law abiding, flag respecting people are being attacked for loving the flag that represents our foundation. I’ll bet they don’t even know what the colors stand for. I’ll give you a clue…it’s not imperialism. God bless our military, vets, law enforcement and God help our President to seek wisdom from the Almighty to lead us back to unity and pride in Old Glory.
Sounds to me a hell of a lot of liberal America hating trash needs to be forever disposed of.
Love everything!! I need a new catalog so I can order the right thing!!!
Please do not stereotype. I am a liberal and a Democrat. I am also a Patriot. My husband is a veteran and I support the military. I donate to the veteran’s groups and I flag the American flag on my home. All kinds of people love their country. It is not a partisan thing. Liberals can be preppers too. I buy your food because it is a quality product and I believe everyone should be prepared for the unexpected. No need to alienate people by insulting one of our finest Presidents and First Ladies. We must all choose to walk the path we believe in, but let us all do it with kindness and respect for each other and for this great country we call home.
I just pray that I live long enough to see the truth about OBAMA and friends finally exposed. One has to be deaf, dumb, and blind, or just in complete denial to ignore what has happened here in the last 8 years.
At least King County realized their mistake and is rectifying it. These people who protested the Vietnam war or any war seem to think they are the only ones who count.
I would like to say that if you don’t like it leave it!!! I was one that was in the Viet Nam war or conflict how ever you want to say I was there then for 2years and I would do it again but now I’m in a wheelchair but give me a call I’ll go! If you don’t like our flag and what it stands for then get the hell Out thank you William Barto
Love your article . Agree 100%. Washington full of libs.
This is for Larry and others like him. When you protest an action you protest the soldier. Your protest affects the soldiers psychye. This makes them more vulnerable to under-performance of themselves and their battle buddy. So, for protests I got nothing for you.
Larry, Master Sergeant, USA Retired. Vietnam vet, Desert Storm Era
I WILL NEVER USE FACEBOOK AGAIN!!!
Use private, or gofundme, etc… Get A Clue!!
I protested against the Vietnam police action, as it was only a conflict to make people in the know richer using the blood of our military.
I enlisted in 1973. I also voted for Nixon, and would do it again.
This is AMERICA if our flag is offensive to you in any way shape or form ,THEN GO BACK WHERE EVER you came from. And as for the local idiot politicians that had it taken down should leave OUR COUNTRY as well with their heads hanging very very low and be ashamed of themselves !
America,“Love It or Leave It”, My Comments on Your Comments
Let me start by saying that I was drafted in 1969 and served my country for my two years. At that time I was young and idealistic and wanted to make the world a better place for everyone, not just for myself. My parent’s generation had done their part and America was in pretty good shape when I was growing up in the 50’s. I really did appreciate what I had, even at the time, but now even more after my life experiences. But, things were not perfect and young people like me wanted to do what we could to make it even better. It was not easy to support the decisions of America’s leaders and to go along with something which I felt was wrong, but I did.
I felt that America’s leadership at that time was totally mishandling things in South East Asia and also not doing very well at home with a few issues like civil rights and the environment. It was pretty frustrating to care so much and to try so hard to be heard and understood when we tried to share our point of view about how things could be. Most of the adults just thought that we were complaining and that we were not appreciating what they had done to give us more than what they had.
I now feel that we knew that it was not really about “things” even though we got sucked into that world and wanted to have “stuff” like everyone else. I have acquired lots of “stuff” over the years and have realized that having “things” does not make us happy or even successful, although it has been better to have than have not. Growing up as I did with the old school values that I received from my parents has served me well. The most important things were learning how to learn, thinking for myself, being honest, being responsible, to do my share and to care.
Being told to “love it or leave it” seemed so stupid to me at that time because I really cared about my country and I felt a responsibility to say what I thought about right and wrong and to do something about it, as well. Now that I am older I have realized a few things; such as…… young people are a bit impatient and some things take time. But, that does not make them wrong and their perspective (like everyone’s) needs to be shared. Our concept of freedom must allow for and respect the fact that our fellow Americans may have different ideas about what is the right action to take.
I feel very strongly that it is not right to tell our people, the ones who do not think like you, or agree with your feelings or beliefs to “love it or leave it”, because they really do care about America. They care more than those who go along like sheep and say nothing and do nothing when they become aware of things that are not right. People who care, may choose to take a stand, often quite bravely, even when apposed by others with more power and we need to listen. Even when we do not agree with them, we need to understand what they are saying. Solutions are often difficult to create and it seems like complaining sometimes, but all Americans need to be heard and understood.
Love is about caring and I believe that more Americans could demonstrate how much they love and care about our country by speaking out and letting our leaders know when we do not agree with them. When people try to do what we feel is right, we need to support them. I do not think that it matters about political parties so much and the time and energy wasted with this fighting prevents us from making progress.
I feel that using our hearts and our minds to lead us to the truth could work if we were all honest with each other and we if we could all care more. Americans do have rights, but responsibilities also come along with these rights. Making people “shut up” is not American and having many good people leave this country is not the solution.
I agree 100%. My family has been involved in the military for as long as I can remember. I am 61years old. My Grandparents, my siblings, my nephew and myself served. If those are offended, please leave.
Thank you so much for your loyal service, and that of your family!
I stand with the King County Patriots! Bring that wall back, bigger & better than ever!! Thanks to all who have honorably served, bled and died for our rights and freedoms!
It is time to have a revolution at the ballot box. Democrats, republicans….
Let’s throw them all out.
It time our representatives STOP governing AGAINST the will of the people.
You are absolutely right, we are all sick of our rights as Americans being violated, precious blood was shed for that flag, and unless we fight back, they will think they have the right to bully us and take our country from us, my step dad faught in world war two, and he and our mom taught us to love our flag and our country.
God bless you and our God given America!!.
Make those officials names public.
THANK YOU! You are absolutely right, If someone is offended by our flag or any of our traditions in our Country, they should GET THE HELL OUT!!! We don’t want you here!
I hope just one persons complaint did`t do this.
It would seem that us (deplorables) have decided to Make America Proud and Great Agsin. Anyone that does not agree is free to go where they won’t be traumatized by the sight of the flag of the United States of America!
Our country was founded on Christian principles. When you take God out of things, everything goes to hell. No God, no flag, your mother is a man; what’s next – apple pie? So sad!
I love the United States so much, I have no desire to travel to a foreign country. This country is so big and so much to explore, why go anywhere else? I thank God I was born on this soil and my birthright is the freedom our soldiers STILL fight for. I thank God for our veterans and what they have sacrificed for our country. I thank God for their families who also have given so much for our freedom. And I thank God for allowing me to be born here, on American soil. I feel FREE and under God’s ever watchful eyes and LOVE. Thank you God.
If you don’t respect our flag ,constitution or country then leave . “America” will be much better with out you.
I absolutely love food 4 patriots! Everything we have purchased and tried was awesome. Will continue to stockpile from you. Thank you for all you do!
I think that’s so sad and disgusting than American can do that but a lot of things of been happening. Very upsetting
Really? Is Arlington National Cemetery offensive? Is Tomb of the Unknowns offensive? If this is the first sign and we are headed as above then this Nation will Perish from the Earth since its very foundation will be displaced. Stop this irrational action and remove the politicians who acted in reaction to one sad soul. Patriotism must live and flourish as must our continued strong support for our Armed Forces. Do not shy away. Stand up for our Flag and for our Nation.
I agree 110%!
The desire to delete history is a travesty and even worse is the hatred of our Flag. My American flag will continue to hang proudly. I will be giving American flags to my friends & family that need a new one or may not have 1 now. I will even hang it for them if need be.
Ironically, the acts by towns, cities & states to remove historical & patriotic monuments looks like it may be backfiring . People that have not historically been especially opinionated are now taking notice and even speaking out against these acts.
Too many have been apathetic for far too long. They realize, this is just the start of even bigger, more invasive acts by our so-called leaders. How long before ALL patriotic symbols are banned? That is just the start of horrible things to come for God fearing, patriotic, TRUE Americans.
(How soon we forget names like Hitler, Mussolini, Hussein & countless other dictators)
What is heartbreaking is to see so many young people involved in these groups. Education begins at home, we already see how nearly all levels of schooling are filled with indoctrination & not education. As much of a travesty as that truly is, my mind goes to a bible verse, “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)
The time has come to stand up, be heard & stop allowing a small number of beings from robbing us of our American heritage.
Perhaps a free education in Cuba, China, N Korea, etc., – An education in the school of hard knocks!
Thank you & God Bless
We need MORE patriotic displays, not less. Many new immigrants don’t understand what we are, and really want their home countries brought here, even though they left for various reasons. They and many younger people don’t understand the basis for freedom. They need reminders. Freedom isn’t free. It’s also not “safe”.
I agree with you. The person who finds our American flag to be offensive should immediately be shipped OUT of our country.
King County lawmakers deserve to be voted out next time around – and I hope residents there make enough noise about this to make sure it happens.
We fly our flag of the United States of America every day! We make sure it is lit every night. America love it or leave it!
God Bless U Bob on Bringing that Story about the Monument in Washington State of Course there are already Liberal to the Hilt.x Keep the Fight for Right
Its nice to see that there really is some of the true patriots out there. Keep up the good work and support this movement to the utmost.
Thank goodness for patriotic people! They have place a large number of flags on the site. So far they have not been removed.
I love the residents of King county. If I had alot of money I would definitely send it to them for the rebirth of the wall. Political stuff like this is such crap and those “officials”, well there is another word for them , but I will be classier than them. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE MILITARY.
We faced a similar situation here and we started a regular inquiry sometimes weekly reminder of how important our issues are, that we vote and will enlighten our neighbors if they don’t stop. They got tired of us and relented.
I shout amen with you! Rebuild that Monument! Those who don’t like it can move out of this great land of the United States!
Agree—–those who are offended , please get out of this great nation.
I am fully inspired to know so many of us are feeling that your words are true and spot on.
PUT THE FLAG BACK! If you don’t like the flag of this great nation — GET THE HELL OUT! Let’s all support Kathy Lambert as a member of the council in her efforts to re-establish that sacred display. Yes, I said SACRED! People all over the U.S.A. need to make sure to support her efforts for the good of us all.