In 2018, while campaigning for a Republican candidate in Portland, Oregon, my team and I were door-knocking in the suburbs, using data to identify Republican households. However, the accuracy of these printouts varied; people had moved, households had differing political affiliations, or some had switched parties altogether.
Historically, the color red symbolized communism and anarchism in the early 20th century. As we approached election day, our field boss advised us to prioritize homes displaying the American flag, which was an easy indicator of loyal Republican supporters. Back then, the most common flags seen were the Pride flag, representing Democrats, and the Stars and Stripes, representing Republicans.
Fast-forward to a recent No Kings protest that attracted a large crowd of leftists and progressives. To my surprise, the first person I met was a kind elderly woman with a bundle of small American flags, typically seen at parades. When she offered me one, I was puzzled. Was she a Republican? No, she clarified; these were now Democrat flags. The left was attempting to reclaim the flag, asserting that progressives are patriotic too!
I took the flag, despite my skepticism, as she handed me a note attached to it. The note stated: “MAGA is trying to claim the American flag as exclusively their own. It is time we reclaim our flag. It is our national promise of freedom, and rightfully belongs to ALL Americans. Wave it proudly.” I carried the flag while observing the protest, where numerous American flags were displayed by leftists.
Historical Symbolism
This isn’t the first instance of the left appropriating symbols from the right. They also claimed the color blue, which historically represented monarchs and stability in Europe. In contrast, red was associated with revolutionaries. This reversal means Republican states are now labeled as “red,” while Democratic states are “blue,” a shift that contradicts historical associations.
Despite this, the left wants to be perceived as calm and rational, hence their desire for the prestige associated with the color blue.
The Irony of Reclamation
Regarding their claim to the American flag, it’s essential to remember recent history. During the BLM protests, many were seen burning the flag across the country. In Portland, flag burning became a nightly occurrence during the “Summer of 100 Riots.” The left has a long history of flag desecration, dating back to the Vietnam War. They often resort to burning the flag in response to political dissent.
Moreover, these are the same individuals who have torn down statues of the nation’s founders, including George Washington, leaving his statue face down in the mud in Portland.
Do they truly believe they are the rightful patriots now? The reality is that their actions suggest otherwise. The average anarchist may still view the American flag as a target for their ire.
The positive takeaway is that their attempt to claim the flag is likely to fail. We must reject this movement; they do not deserve the flag. They have not earned it, nor do they love it as we do.
