In a clear FU to President Trump, the Pentagon announced that it is banning the confederate flag and other racist symbols at military installations around the world but without actually using the word “confederate.”
The new policy sidesteps Trump’s decree that the U.S. shall not remove the names of confederate generals despite the fact that the military figures were defending the institution of slavery and are now considered traitors to America. Military brass is said to determined to strip the confederate base names if Trump loses the November election. Sixteen percent of service members are African-American.
Just to be clear …. pic.twitter.com/E2hwJPaWrZ
— Melody (@Blenny90) June 10, 2020
Defense Secretary Mark Esper is apparently trying to finesse the issue without attracting the ire of the president, who has made defending racist symbolism a central part of his reelection campaign. In his release, Esper made no mention of the word “confederate,” and instead listed guidance as to the kinds of flags that are acceptable on military installations, automobiles, badges, and signs. Only flags that honor states and territories, military services, and other countries and are allies of the United States are allowed, apparently leaving out pride flags or Black Lives Matter symbols for that matter, at least between now and January, when Trump would leave office.
The Modern Military Association of America, the nation’s largest LGBTQ military and veteran non-profit organization, condemned the denigration of the rainbow flag:
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“It’s absolutely outrageous that Defense Secretary Mark Esper would ban the Pride flag — the very symbol of inclusion and diversity,” said MMAA Interim Executive Director Jennifer Dane. “In what universe is it ok to turn an opportunity to ban a racist symbol like the Confederate flag into an opportunity to ban the symbol of diversity? This decision sends an alarming message to LGBTQ service members, their families, and future recruits.”
“The Pentagon must immediately reconsider and take swift and appropriate action to ensure the Pride flag and LGBTQ Pride Month observances are not threatened. If Secretary Esper refuses to reconsider, we call on Members of Congress to take action.”
mykelb
Terrible decision; Confederate flag is a symbol of hatred, intolerance, racism, treason against the USA and the Rainbow Flag represents freedom, equality and diversity. SHAME ON THE PENTAGON.
hoosier1969
Please read some of the other comments. On this one, I disagree with you. All flags that have nothing to do with the country or a branch of service should be banned. Otherwise we leave a door open for them to bring back that evil surrender rag. It actually is a good compromise.
Kangol2
The Confederate flag is not only a symbol of White supremacy and the desire to maintain the inhumane system of chattel slavery, but it also was the flag of a country in rebellion and committing treason against the United States of America. The US’s Union Army defeated the Confederacy in 1865, crushing the slave power, so it should NEVER be flown on, in or anywhere near any US government property or installations, as it glorifies treason against the US, a capital crime.
The LGBTQIA+ flag has no such negative connections. It is a flag of affirmation, solidarity, and equality. It underscores the promise of the USA, rather than undermining it as the Confederacy and its symbols did and do.
succubus
at this point in time and with current leadership…. i think it is a fair bargain.
hoosier1969
Agreed
Celtic
As a US MIL Veteran, I agree. ONLY flags representing the U.S., the US MIL Branches and the specific Commands should be flown. Nothing else.
hoosier1969
I fully agree. No other flag of any sort need be flown on a military base.
I’m not going to lose my shit over this decision!
frapachino
Welcome to the world you want leftist/Marxists!
TMBisAOK
I suppose, with your logic, you would say the same thing to a rape victim, or to the parents of a gay child who committed suicide. Smdh!
Cam
What a shock, the troll account that consistently defends racists is upset that the Confederate flag got banned.
cs1900
Thanks!
Saps48
I think a new administration would bring a sensible revision to these new guidelines
Patrick
That was both a win & a loss. Ah well, future President Biden’s secretary of defense can correct it next year.
ShowMeGuy
I’m fine with it. And rightly so, for example, the Women’s Powderpuff Football Team of East Clairemont Community College isn’t going into battle representing the U.S.A. and their team’s flag shouldn’t be seen as *representing* the U.S. military, either. The only flags associated with the U.S. military should be the official flags of the U.S. military. This queer approves. I don’t need the LGBTQAIMNOP Pride Flag plastered on every available surface and airspace for me to feel included and represented.
Heywood Jablowme
This veteran is fine with it too. A military base is not a B&B to hang cutesy-pie rinky-dink flags on. It’s hard for me to believe anyone is seriously butt-hurt about not having a rainbow flag at a military base. They might as well demand a lawn gnome or a lawn jockey (a white one, of course) or one of those bird baths with a statue of a little boy peeing.
Cam
The fact that they are trying to word the ruling in a way that flags like the Confederate flag, and a flag showing support for people with cancer are listed as the same.
RnDC
Gay veteran here and I’m fine with this.
Cam
It shows just how bad racism is that the flag representing treason, racism and traitors to America wasn’t already banned.