4/11/06 - Flying Flags Proudly - Vive Mexico

With hundreds of thousands of people marching through the downtown streets of dozens of major American cities, it has been gratifying to me to finally see citizens and visitors in America demonstrating their beliefs in an energetic and public way. For too long public protest has been muted and stifled and limp. People need to get out of their easy chairs and off their couches, and get out of their cars. They need to walk the streets in the warming spring air and speak their minds.

Those protesting the U.S. House bill that would make felons out of undocumented workers have organized huge masses of people to take to the streets with colorful and poignant placards and banners. Many carry flags...including flags from Mexico as well as the American flag.

Monday in Atlanta, however, a small group of counter protesters burned a Mexican flag. While they have the right to protest and speak their minds, it was disconcerting that they had to take the next reactionary step to burn the flag of Mexico.

Nevermind that 40% of the 11 million undocumented workers here are NOT from Mexico. And forget that millions of proud American citizens trace their ancestors from Mexico. Even discount that half of the Western United States was part of Mexico and settled first by the Spanish.
Arrogance and ignorance take precedence as evidenced by the mean-spirited and almost violent action of burning the Mexican flag.

Monday morning I decided to hang my Mexican Flag from my porch. I usually do this during the week of Cinco de Mayo for my many Mexican friends. But why wait until May? It is a beautiful spring week in Michigan, and the proud green, red, and white flag looks great in the sunshine.