Dem
47
GOP
53
Here is the question we put before readers last week:
J.S. in Germantown. OH, asks: If you could hang a flag from any source (i.e., TV, movies, history) as a subtle sign of resistance to the Trump administration, what would it be and why?
And here some of the answers we got in response:
R.A. in Chesterfield, MO: A Trump flag, but upside down, to indicate a state of distress or emergency. (Take that, Mrs. Alito.)
J.D. in Greensboro, NC: We have the Free France flag flying on our deck. The Elon Musk salute just proved that we are occupied by anti-Democratic forces. It will remain there for 4 years—or less, considering what could happen during this time.
J.M. in Silver Spring, MD: Here's a flag used by the resistance to an autocrat:
They eventually won!
BTW, when "W" was president, I was so bothered by his lies and abuses that I called him "President Clark." Now I long for a president as honest and sensible as "W."
A.F. in Boston, MA: The Nottinghamshire flag, as it is already a symbol of resistance to tyranny:
A.F. in Boston, MA: All that dystopian young adult fiction is coming back to me. My vote is for the Mockingjay from The Hunger Games:
While the books and movies absolutely have (lots of) flaws, the parallels between an autocratic central government that cares not a whit for people who are not supporters, cruelty for cruelty's sake, and an opposition that can be just as manipulative are not lost on this cynical Millennial.
M.L. in Simpsonville, SC: We already fly the Canadian flag:
C.W. in Visalia, CA: The flag that best represents me and my values is the flag of California. I have a California flag decal on my car and I had a large flag on the wall of my classroom when I taught social science. I still have an American flag because I believe in what it once stood for and I am not willing to give it up, but the California Republic remains my by best hope for protecting our rights.
R.P. in Salem, VA:
C.t. in Cape Coral, FL: The Conch Republic, a symbol of resistance to Federal overreach:
R.F. In Reedsport, OR: The Doug Flag:
This is the flag of the mythical nation of Cascadia (Oregon, Washington and British Columbia). Cascadia is not necessarily about independence from the larger countries, but more about the attitude and lifestyles of the people who live here.
S.C. in Farmington Hills, MI: Originally created by fiber artist India Tresselt following the 2016 election the "This Is Not Normal" flag is a symbol of protest and resistance against actions or policies that are perceived as abnormal or unacceptable. It serves as a visual reminder that certain actions or behaviors should not be accepted as the new norm and that it is important to speak out against them:
B.C. in Phoenix, AZ: I'd like somebody in Florida to sneak this banner up onto the flagpole at Mar-a-Lago:
D.D. in Longmont, CO:
T.L. in West Orange, NJ: Were a flag-hanger of any sort, I'd probably be flying the flag of Star Wars' Rebel Alliance right about now:
F.H. in Ithaca, NY (as well as Busselton, Western Australia): For me personally, there is only one obvious choice:
B.B. in St. Louis, MO: When choosing a flag to fly as a sign of resistance, I suggest the one proposed by Mark Twain showing his opposition to potential U.S. involvement in the Philippines:
"...we can have just our usual flag, with the white stripes painted black and the stars replaced with the skull and cross-bones."
A.J. in Buffalo, NY: We currently own a Pride flag so I've given thought to what flag we would fly if things became too dicey. I decided the flag of the United Federation of Planets from Star Trek would represent everything I wanted to stand for such as diversity, inclusiveness, and optimism for a better future:
D.E. in Lancaster, PA: At first I thought of the United Federation of Planets or the flag of Wakanda, but that's first Trump administration. The second one deserves the symbol from V For Vendetta, a film that depicts a fascist regime that uses immigrants, homosexuals and Muslims as scapegoats for an excuse to destroy liberty and justice and the one person, V, who stands up to that regime.
A.S. in Lenora Hills, CA: The flag of the United States of America. I've long been bothered that the far right has co-opted the flag as a symbol of conservativism/fascism/psuedo-patriotism. The flag belongs to us all, let's take it back.
I'd also suggest adding a tagline. I like "Liberty and justice for all."
Here is the question for next week:
J.K. in Auckland, NZ: I'm an American expat living in New Zealand. I've been here, with my family, (wife and daughter) for nearly two decades.
My parents are in their late seventies and eighties. It's unlikely they'll be around much longer. They're at the age and health, that if I don't see them soon, I'll likely be attending a funeral. So I booked a trip back in October last year and will spend a week in February with them while they're still with us.
I haven't had much contact with them since I moved to New Zealand. The last time I saw them in person was before the pandemic and it was for only a day or two. That was particularly challenging for me, as most conversations tended to start with, "let me tell you about Obama." While my parents have always been Republicans, and I've always leaned more liberal, we always shared a fair amount of common ground. That has changed in the years as my parents have embraced MAGA and some of the worst traits that align with it.
I am hoping to hear from your readers on how I can survive being around my parents for a week.
Submit your answers to comments@electoral-vote.com, preferably with subject line "Cult-ure Shock"!