Changing Perspectives on National Symbols

Back in 2018, while recruiting Republican candidates for local elections in Portland, Oregon, a group of us engaged in door-to-door canvassing. We relied on data sheets that indicated which households leaned Republican. But, to be honest, those printouts weren’t always spot-on. People were shifting—moving, changing parties, or sometimes even separating from their households.

As the election drew near, we were ramping up our efforts. The field boss wisely advised against visiting homes displaying American flags. This approach reliably led us to the most dedicated Republicans. Interestingly, during that time, the two most commonly showcased flags were the Pride flag—often associated with Democrats—and the Stars and Stripes, flying high for Republicans.

Needless to say, this strategy resonated with us doorknockers. I personally enjoyed canvassing, as it gave me the opportunity to meet interesting individuals. The homeowners who proudly displayed large American flags often turned out to be the most engaging.

From Then to Now

Fast forward to the present, where I found myself at the recent No Kings protests. These events attracted significant crowds of left-leaning activists and progressives. My curiosity led me to see firsthand what these demonstrations were all about.

I was taken aback when the first person I encountered was a sweet, elderly woman, holding a bundle of American flags. They were small, around 8″ x 12″, perfect for children to wave during a parade. She walked over, offering me one with a warm smile.

At first, I was puzzled. Was she a Republican? No, she clarified that these flags were now symbols for the Democratic Party. It seems the left has reclaimed the American flag—claiming that they, too, embody patriotism!

I thought to myself, “Really? When did this shift happen?” Yet, in this unfamiliar territory, I accepted the flag with a forced smile. Attached was a note stating, “MAGA is trying to claim the American flag for themselves. It’s time we take it back. It embodies our national promise of freedom, which belongs to all Americans.” With that, I carried it as I observed other flags—American ones—being waved by protestors on the left.

The Color Debate

This isn’t the first time the left has appropriated some of the right’s symbols. The color blue, for instance, has become associated with Democrats, while red signifies Republicans. Historically, red was seen as a representation of revolutionaries and dissenters across Europe in the 1800s, while blue symbolized the monarchy and stability.

In the early 1900s, red became synonymous with communists and anarchists, especially during events like the Russian Revolution. Contrast that with blue, often linked to calmness and order. Yet, by the late 20th century, the left managed to flip this narrative, branding Republican states as “red” and their own as “blue,” creating an inversion that many tend to overlook.

Despite the chaos often associated with the Democratic Party, they seem to wish to project a more respectable image, opting for the color blue to evoke stability and rational thinking.

Flag Representation

About the flag situation—does the left genuinely believe we’ve forgotten the events of five years ago? During the BLM protests, flag burning became a nightly occurrence in cities like Portland.

Going back even further, they’ve had a history with flag desecration since the Vietnam War—a predictable response whenever they oppose something. And let’s not forget that this is the same group that toppled statues of figures like George Washington, the founder of the flag itself. In Portland, they left one such statue face-down in the mud.

So, can they really claim ownership of the American flag? Does that suddenly make them patriots worthy of its reverence? I have my doubts.

The silver lining is, such efforts might just backfire. Even if their strategists support the flag, the anarchist spirit often leads to a different outcome; they might still see the flag and instinctively reach for a lighter.

In any case, we should reject this attempt to claim the flag. They haven’t earned that honor, and their love for it doesn’t match ours.