The White House is flipping furiously through fascist fundamentals as it tries to distract MAGA’s Epstein-concerned. But just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean it should go unchecked.
The White House steps in it right out of the gate: “Our great American Flag is the most sacred …”
We’ll set aside what I’ve always called “Pooh capitalization” of “Flag” and go straight to “sacred,” which the flag isn’t. It’s the one word a politician who gave a damn would know to avoid, and the one word that charlatans and flag-huggers would find irresistible.
On to “special symbol” … yada yada yada. Sure, it’s special, but not because of what it is but because of what it represents. A small part of where the right wing veered off the rails involves letting its respect for basic principles slide into a fetish for revering those who “fight for freedom” more than the liberties themselves.
Symbol over substance is a hallmark of the American right, though. Property over people, fabric over freedom. Time and time again.
Things get interesting when Dear Leader’s PR flack makes its case thusly: Burning the flag represents “fighting words.” In other words, the DOJ’s position is that the “fuck your feelings” crowd can’t be trusted to manage their own if someone takes a Bic to a flag as an expression of political free speech.
Back when adults ran the show, this would’ve been what is sometimes called “a you problem.” Burning an inanimate object ain’t exactly yelling “fire!” in a crowded theater when it comes to curtailing speech in the name of public safety, but we’re talking about very fragile people here.
The other part that caught my eye: “My Administration will act to restore the respect and sanctity …”
Who’s gonna tell DJT that crackdowns on freedom of expression won’t restore respect for the flag? Nobody within earshot, obviously. This kind of affront to actual liberty might generate some superficial fear-based restraint that Trump is misreading as genuine respect. And that would be understandable enough. Trump has been mistaking a lot of things for respect for, well, his entire life.
Harvey Danger plays us off this morning. “I’m not sick but I’m not well / And I’m so hot ’cause I’m in hell …”