I understand what it means to be an American. Sometimes, I think more so than native-born Americans.

I understand that everyone has the right to gather, even the KKK. I can’t stand it, but I know the Constitution & I understand that’s their right. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t burn me up when I see bigotry.

Case in point…

My parent’s neighbor’s flags. He puts up these flags all the time. This time, for Memorial Day. Yes, he has a flagpole built into his front yard. I am all for the troops. My heart goes out to the families of the troops; I’ve written about it many times.

But I cannot stand that stupid Confederate Flag.

I wish it would go away. I feel like everytime he flies it, he’s saying that he wishes Slavery was still around. Everytime I see that flag, I actually feel unsafe. I think that’s why it burns me up when I see it at my parent’s neighbor’s house. My parent’s home is a place to feel completely safe/sheltered/protected. I do fear for them being alone in a predominately white, country-music lovin, pickup truck drivin community. I’ve felt better in recent years, as the area has become more diversified (the city’s gone from 97.1% to 94.5% white). But c’mon, it’s still 94.5% white; & I’ve seen the racism there firsthand.

There’s nothing I can do about it… he’s got the right to fly that racist flag. That’s why I’m just venting about it here.