I took this photo on a wet stormy day at a US government facility in another state. Our American flag appears to be grieving and neglected. I can remember as an eleven-year-old safety patrolman being sent out by my schoolteacher into a downpour to bring in our flag. It wasn’t the cloth that mattered. Care for our flag symbolized care for our country. Plenty of problems and conflicts in America existed then. But most felt that we were a pluralistic nation dedicated to cooperation and the principle of Justice for All.

I’m not happy with the status of America these days. I don’t know anybody who is. Even this flag appears disheartened. Certainly the poor care for the flag pictured illustrates an erosion of society. Regardless of different opinions and values, the de-humanizing of perceived opponents is destroying the America I remember. American society has degenerated into a zero-sum-game. Respect for others has changed to anger and hatred. The meaning of justice has been perverted. Unfortunately, people of faith are not without a portion of the blame.

Although dismayed, I’m purposing to use seeing our flag as a reminder of the principles that had made America great. I hope to value and respect each person, cooperate for the common good, act justly toward everybody, and resist being consumed by anger and hatred.

Drew