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Paraphrasing Hamlet: To flag or not to flag?

August 3, 2018

The response and controversy to a well-intended placing and mal-intent removal of some blue-line flags on the Lewes Nassau bridge on Route 1 this July are examples and a symptom of a much larger and sad trend.

To some, the placing of the blue-line black flag was to honor a fallen friend and co-worker who worked for the local police department. To others, the flag represented racial disrespect. Still others saw the flags as improper and diminishing our nation's flag. And yet to others still, the removing of the flags, which themselves were nonconforming to transportation codes, was a criminal act and led to perceived retaliatory arrests.

All opinions are understandable and not without some merit. These reactions are however examples of how too many in our society have become too sensitive, too closed-minded and too arrogant.

While the original placement of a single flag was done so in loving memory of a recently deceased friend and colleague, the reactions have been all too typically misperceived in today's environment of rash intolerance.

It is an example of how too many people are too quick to judge and overreact at the slightest perception of wrongdoing. Facts, and understanding, seem to be less important than impetuous reacting.

Whether blue-line flags were put up or taken down, the effects quickly stirred up emotions, and people reacted without tolerance and understanding.

It is another example of how we have become the un-United States of America. We are compartmentalized in our views and opinions, and all too frequently react without attempting to first understand or see each other as equal fellow citizens.

Instead of seeking the reasons for the sudden placement of a single flag, people saw and felt immediate controversy, and some reacted rashly.

That is about as far from united as people can be and is an all-too-common, sad and hurtful trend today.

Pamela Stech
Lewes
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