> I live in Ann Arbor, MI, which has one of the largest Palestinian
> populations in the country. Nearby Dearborn has, I believe, the largest Arab
> population in the country. And yes, there have been similiar forms of
> intimidation here, and they have been fought and there is a support network
> for those affected. But some of the Arabs I've talked to are displaying the
> flag because they want to, because they believe that it represents the type
> of freedom they didn't enjoy under their various (and US-backed) regimes.
> One guy, John, who's a Palestinian Muslim, voted for Bush because he thought
> Gore/Lieberman would have been worse for his people. (I agree with him on
> this.) Should I have yanked down his flag, shit on it then burned it while
> explaining how naive he was for believing in American "freedom?"
The fact that some of our neighbors are flying the flag because they want to doesn't mean that there are many people of Middle Eastern origin who are flying the flag to avoid retribution. You don't find this disturbing?
> > Dennis, I really am skeptical that you are an anarchist. For an
> > anarchist, this is a no brainer. Nationalism and fascism are to be
> > fought at every opportunity. Patriotism is a form of mass hysteria that
> > the state uses to reinforce its power.
>
> Well, brother, that's what makes anarchism great -- it is a tendency, not a
> religion. Truth be told, after reading your one-dimensional screeds today, I
> think you are an FBI agent trying to make the domestic left look dogmatic
> and prone to violence. But, hey, just my view.
Anarchists have always opposed nationalism, patriotism, and government. Is this news to you? Again, this is a no brainer for anarchists. Are you saying that you are a pro-government anarchist? What, are you going to make a black flag with a little American flag in the corner?
Arguing that the Left should bring American flags is not only one-dimensional, but it is political suicide.
See: http://www.salon.com/comics/tomo/2001/10/15/tomo/index.html
> > Average Americans should leave their flags at home. Unless they want
> > them burned.
>
> Like I said . . .
As Mina argued, waving the American flag is inappropriate, given that people from all over the world died in the collapse of the WTC.
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