flag – Deanne Dements Photography

I awoke yesterday morning with the announcement of an attack on Iran, on tv, and the subsequent attacks on various countries that are aiding in the Middle East conflict, both sides. Later in the day, it was announced that the leader of Iran and many of the upper members of his leadership were killed in the attack.
I am frustrated that we have allowed the leadership of the various countries of this world, too old men who are not interested in Peace and Prosperity for all, but for retaliation, war, and chaos, while filling their coffers with the riches of their respective countries, leaving the citizens in chaos, poverty, and despair.
I will not speak for other countries, only my thoughts for MY Country and where we have been led to.

For me these two flags represent This Country…..NOW.
The first one has 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies and the blood shed to make happen, it has 50 stars representing the 50 states of this country. It is worn and faded but still all of the seams held together during tough times and inclement weather. I hung this flag when the COVID crises became real with the shutdown of our country and all other countries around the world. I thought it would be a good visual sign that I support this country and the people in it. I would hang it for the month or so that the shutdown would be in existence and taken down when everything is open and we have beaten the crisis. I was not expecting for the flag to stay up for 2+ years. When Covid was officially taken off of the pandemic classification, I took it down. I had thought to properly destroy the flag but decided that it was a good reminder of the chaos that COVID became and that the presidency encouraged. I have replaced it with two new flags, one that is hanging now.
The second flag photo is a flag I bought at the beginning of our presidents second term. It is a representation of one of the early flags in our country’s history. To me this style of flag represents family, and a long nearly 300-year history where members of my family fought for this country, and some died. It represents a country that fought the odds and became a strong country. A country that is supposed to protect its citizens, educate us, and help us prosper with food and shelter provided by our own work and initiative. The second flag was cheaply made and did not hold up to the weather, it lasted less than 6 months. Profit won over quality. Only the rich are prospering while the rest of us, are just trying to make ends meet, we are one medical bill away from bankruptcy while we pay corporations large sums of money to insure us, only we cannot claim, because they changed the rules. Families are torn apart due to immigration policies that have nothing to do with immigration but the color of your skin, or your gender. Many members of families have chosen to believe the narrative of our political leaders and there is a rift that cannot be bridged. Our history has had a wrecking ball taken to it literally, and changed to represent a false narrative, that praises one man.

Here is the thing this country has a rule book it is the constitution. You do not get to ignore it because you don’t like it. Members of our supreme court are tasked with upholding these rules and they do not get to change it to enrich their own pockets, the pockets of a select few or the whims and vendettas of one man. Our Congress is tasked with upholding the rules and they are also not allowed to change the rules to benefit their pockets or others. They are elected to represent the people of their districts and states. It is not a cushy job where they get to set their own pay and have unlimited health insurance, accept bribes from wealthy donors and then serve till they cannot do so due to age or illness.
And Mr. President,