Cross-posted with Tom DispatchWhile preparing to walk in New York City ' or, as it turned out, given the staggering crowds, to stand in one spot for long periods ' in support of the Womens March (which would set protest records nationally), I had a specific urge. I wanted to carry the flag. Im talking about the stars and stripes, the one that oer the ramparts flew. Although I could indeed have gotten my hands on a flag, I had no idea how to get a pole for it and I certainly wasnt going to drape it over my shoulders. In its own way, it was a ridiculous idea, given that, at almost 73, I probably would only have lasted a few spare minutes actually carrying a flag on a pole.Still, the idea meant something to me for a simple enough reason: this country is mine. Ive always loved it even when ' as in the Vietnam era ' I was so angry with it for what it was doing; even when, as in these last 15 years, I disagreed with just about everything its leaders did in the world. In the end, Im rooted here in ways that go right to the heart of things.My grandfather was an immigrant. A runaway, he made it to this country in steerage class with only a few cents in his pocket, initially sharing a bed behind a stove with someone who used it when he didnt. It was a typical story ' though, sadly, perhaps far less typical if Donald Trump (in the great tradition of American nativism) has anything to do with it. Though he died when I was quite young, I was deeply proud of him and of what he did and how he got here. My grandmother was the daughter of immigrants. She helped make me who I am. Thanks in part to her, Ive always felt a deep responsibility for this country ' both for what it is and especially for what it isnt. This website, TomDispatch, is an expression of that. For the last 15 years, its focused regularly on what it isnt, a body of work I consider my late-in-life service to this country.Heres the thing with that flag. Its a potent symbol, its mine, and Ill be damned if Ill give up the most crucial symbols of my country to Donald Trump. So I have my version of patriotism thats bone-deep, but I must admit that Im moved by TomDispatch regular Frida Berrigans version of it as well. Her particular embrace of this country makes me want to say to those so much younger than me and in despair: dont let Donald Trump make you reject whats basic and best about America. Do that and, despite yourself, youll be aiding and abetting the crimes of the Trump regime (which will be plentiful in the years to come). -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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