Whether or not Betsy Ross actually designed and made this flag is not important. What is important is that the flag symbolized a new republic made up of thirteen colonies that had won their independence.
Over the years the flag has been regarded as a symbol of patriotism. It has flown at presidential inaugurations and continues to be present at a number of public institutions. The fact that it has been misused to signal small group biases is unfortunate and has taken away the flag’s historical significance.
We wouldn’t be thinking about this flag had not Nike pulled a shoe initially designed for what seemed to be the right reasons. I don’t think I am the only person who questions the company’s action as it fuels frustration over where we are as a nation. We are not perfect, but continuing to espouse attitudes that further separate us is not the answer to the problems. Until we as a people learn to respect one another and work toward common goals I can’t help but wonder where we are headed. Turning a tennis shoe into a political commentary is not the answer.
Today is July 4, and I intend to participate in the celebrations honoring this country. No matter its problems, I am proud to be an American and every day I hope for solutions to those things that keep us from loving one another.
Lulu's Musings 
I am far from a nationalist, but to find a flag to be offensive is utterly stupid.
The flag isn’t an overt representation of oppression or slavery. But rather a material metaphor of the country and its constituency. To wrap the oppression narrative into the mix the SJWs really have to be grasping at straws.
I would love to see common sense to make a come back.
Very well said and such a sad issue to be having to debate in this wonderful country.
Thank you Linda. I could not believe this when I read what Nike had done! Are we going to remove all of our history?
Very well put. I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.
Thank you Linda, when I heard this story I could only shake my head in sadness, I can’t believe the insanity that has taken over our great nation these days. One of my friends teaches high school history and she said she has to be careful how she phrases things when she is teaching about the Civil War! Thank you for speaking out!
Jenna
Beautifully said. Thanks you for speaking up. It’s time we all speak up!
Absolutely! I remember when American citizens considered wearing something with the flag on it complain appropriate. Woe the day that that attitude disappeared. Happy Independence Day!
Completely inappropriate. Excuse the typo, please. CherryKay
And the people say “Amen” or at least “Yes!”
Nice post, written very well.
Thank you for your words that make so much sense in this crazy world! We are proud to be Americans and proud of our flag, although we have our faults. We celebrated with a small town parade and fireworks what a privilege to be able to show our pride in what we have accomplished.
I agree totally! Although I live in a large town now, (for 3 years) for my first 50 years I was a small town Iowa girl, and those values never leave me. My flag is out and flying proud on my front porch today!!!
The alleged connection between the flag and slavery and oppression is absurd. There is an element of nation haters in the US these days who seek to tarnish everything honorable and sacred.
I agree 100%. We need to appreciate our freedoms and remember how fortunate we are to live in this country. If you hate the shoe, don’t buy it but don’t prevent someone else from exercising their right to purchase it. God bless America!🇺🇸 I am proud to be an American.
Wow! That is a wonderful message to everyone! Thank you Linda. Happy Independence Day. On a sad note. Rockport didn’t even put the flags out. We are on our way to an afternoon party and every town we have passed through has flags flying. Hope I see you tonight. 😘 Susan🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😊🇺🇸🇺🇸
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As I understand it, Betsy Ross was a single woman who was a fiber artist in her own right and she was an abolitionist. What could be more admirable, she created a long-lasting standard we have loved and respected over the years.
Well said! We cannot erase history but we can learn from it and try not to make the same mistakes again. so whatever was taking place in the country back in 1776 is what brought us here today and needs to not only be studied but also revered. Without that knowledge and history none of us would be living the lives we are living today. As you said, we are not perfect, but we are sure lucky to be living in this country where we have the freedom to fly the only symbol that represents us all. We will be enjoying all the activities, proudly singing the songs and even more proudly standing for the American flag. BTW..we will no longer be purchasing Nike products…the time has come for us to personally boycott this brand. All any of us can do is speak with our feet i.e. walk away, and our pocketbooks. Happy 4th of July