I've finally put a flag decal on my car.
it's not an American flag--not because I don't love my country, I do (altho I'm embarassed & ashamed by much that she's done--not just in the past few weeks or years, but pretty much since day One--Trail of Tears, anyone?) but the stars&stripes has been slathered over just about every flat surface, mattress sale ad, t-shirt with virulent xenophobic message, unsolicited email etcetera etcetera etfuckingcetera that its become more of an ubiquitous eyesore that point of pride. ( I already KNOW which country I live in, yo. I don't need to remind myself by looking at stickers on my car, designs on my shirt, pins on my lapel.)
it's a UN flag, & to be honest I'm a bit scared here in the land of the free home of the brave to do this little thing (& yes, I'm aware of the UN's less-than-stellar record as a Voice of Reason in this fucked-up world, but hell.)
possibly, I'm just BEGGING for my car to get keyed, or for a friendly brick thru the window to remind me where my loyalties should lie (not that--& I wish to god I was kidding here--many in this town would know that it was UN flag--most would just see that it's not an American Flag, the rest would think it's some kind of Star Trek thing)
I'm also nervous that someone would ask me if I support the Troops. I don't. I support every man & woman in Service, & want them home, safe, building THIS nation, but I can't support the Troops, doing things that go against decency & common sense because they are Just Doing Their Jobs. (& I just CAN'T make the leap of faith between bombing Iraq--or Afghanistan-- & Defending Our Freedom. it seems that each of these murderous little "adventures:" leads to more resentment, which leads to tighter control back home to protect "us" from the "resenting". because they hate our freedom.)
also, I'm nervous that some intelligent-type person would ask me what sort of statement I'm trying to make, & I'd have to say "I have no fucking idea. It seemed like a good idea at the time..."
it's not an American flag--not because I don't love my country, I do (altho I'm embarassed & ashamed by much that she's done--not just in the past few weeks or years, but pretty much since day One--Trail of Tears, anyone?) but the stars&stripes has been slathered over just about every flat surface, mattress sale ad, t-shirt with virulent xenophobic message, unsolicited email etcetera etcetera etfuckingcetera that its become more of an ubiquitous eyesore that point of pride. ( I already KNOW which country I live in, yo. I don't need to remind myself by looking at stickers on my car, designs on my shirt, pins on my lapel.)
it's a UN flag, & to be honest I'm a bit scared here in the land of the free home of the brave to do this little thing (& yes, I'm aware of the UN's less-than-stellar record as a Voice of Reason in this fucked-up world, but hell.)
possibly, I'm just BEGGING for my car to get keyed, or for a friendly brick thru the window to remind me where my loyalties should lie (not that--& I wish to god I was kidding here--many in this town would know that it was UN flag--most would just see that it's not an American Flag, the rest would think it's some kind of Star Trek thing)
I'm also nervous that someone would ask me if I support the Troops. I don't. I support every man & woman in Service, & want them home, safe, building THIS nation, but I can't support the Troops, doing things that go against decency & common sense because they are Just Doing Their Jobs. (& I just CAN'T make the leap of faith between bombing Iraq--or Afghanistan-- & Defending Our Freedom. it seems that each of these murderous little "adventures:" leads to more resentment, which leads to tighter control back home to protect "us" from the "resenting". because they hate our freedom.)
also, I'm nervous that some intelligent-type person would ask me what sort of statement I'm trying to make, & I'd have to say "I have no fucking idea. It seemed like a good idea at the time..."