Don'T Blame the Flag

When the police came with clubs, dogs, and fire hoses, the non-violent protesters did not blame the American flag. When protesters were beaten, jailed, and some killed, they did not blame the American flag. When many were sent off to fight for the rights of others but not their own, they did not blame the American flag. When in uniform, they were treated as second-class citizens far from home, they did not blame the American flag. When their own country discriminated and demeaned them on foreign soil, they did not blame the American flag. When on bended knees, believing in country, church, and God, against what seemed to be impossible odds, they fought for justice through the courts and the halls of Congress and won many incredible battles. From the segregated schools and the cotton fields of the deep south, I saw the non-violent protesters and freedom riders. They took the blows and stood tall; from the dogs, they withstood the mauls and realized that hatred and racism were the cause. Yes, this baby boomer observed it all, but I do not recall that they blamed the American flag. 01132018 PS PH FB