Take down the Trump flags

The failed coup at the US Capitol last Wednesday was a wake-up call for all of us. People can have differences of political opinion - and those differences are usually good. Our individual perspectives force us to take stock of our positions and argue until we find the best possible solution for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, these past four years have been so filled with lies and disinformation, we have descended into political madness.

Chinese-made Trump flags are ubiquitous, and his supporters have been passionate in their loyalty to him. However, the insurrection that occurred on Wednesday has now made Trump flags synonymous with Confederate flags, treason and sedition. While most Trump supporters (including members of my family) are old-school Republicans, this flag no longer represents their love of country. Instead, it represents those who wish to rule by force. Trump lost the election (both the popular vote and the electoral college), and the only way for him to remain in power is to dismantle our Constitution and turn democracy on its head.

It’s time for the Trump flags to come down, for the disinformation and rhetoric to stop, and for our country to begin to heal.

Kim Bartlett