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OrlandoDem2

(3,143 posts)
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:20 PM Jun 2025

Optics matter. People protesting ICE should carry American flags.

Carrying non-US flags doesn’t win support among many Americans. It gives the MAGAs a reason to point and say “see, this is an invasion”.

60 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Optics matter. People protesting ICE should carry American flags. (Original Post) OrlandoDem2 Jun 2025 OP
Doesnt bother me and Im an American. Eko Jun 2025 #1
It doesn't bother me either. But I'm a pragmatist. We need the average voter to support this protest. OrlandoDem2 Jun 2025 #4
Average voter? Cirsium Jun 2025 #10
Totally agree. If they want to stay in America, then it helps their Nixie Jun 2025 #17
OK Cirsium Jun 2025 #2
Fine. Forget the MAGAs. It'll gain more sympathy from the average person if they're waving American flags. OrlandoDem2 Jun 2025 #3
Understood Cirsium Jun 2025 #9
You can't win the hearts and minds of people who have neither. johnp3907 Jun 2025 #5
And those aren't the people who win elections. Be smarter. Callie1979 Jun 2025 #33
Being that American law is being violated synni Jun 2025 #6
+1,000 BeerBarrelPolka Jun 2025 #8
Agree senseandsensibility Jun 2025 #16
YES. Take it back!!!! Callie1979 Jun 2025 #34
those days of worrying about people stillcool Jun 2025 #7
It's not about that. It's about smart messaging. A photo of the National Guard Scrivener7 Jun 2025 #51
YES! We're the Patriots Who Love America! Cha Jun 2025 #11
Yes!!! proud patriot Jun 2025 #24
Yes We Do, proud patriot:...💙 Cha Jun 2025 #31
The slogan bdamomma Jun 2025 #27
he makes me sick when he says that and no one pushes back-- reporters DGAF LymphocyteLover Jun 2025 #30
He bdamomma Jun 2025 #42
For sure. But FFS no other president is allowed to get away with insults like that. It's fucking LymphocyteLover Jun 2025 #47
I take the American Flag and the Gadsden Flag to protests Shambala Jun 2025 #12
I agree but I'm fine with the Mexican flag, too. And the Serapis Flag. thought crime Jun 2025 #46
I always have a Democratic bumper sticker on my car. For a while I had the Gadson Scrivener7 Jun 2025 #52
CONUFUSE THEM...FACE ICE CARRYING A 100 TRUMP FLAGS. Talk about great TV RoeVWade Jun 2025 #13
Wearing ICE jackets from Etsy's, sunglasses, face masks... travelingthrulife Jun 2025 #40
A great idea. Just NOT a foreign flag. Callie1979 Jun 2025 #56
No. They shouldn't. Jirel Jun 2025 #14
Here's an example of why we lose elections. Good lord. Callie1979 Jun 2025 #35
You think this is why we lose elections? Mexican flags? travelingthrulife Jun 2025 #41
It certainly plays a part. If you dont see it we're already in trouble. Callie1979 Jun 2025 #45
Post hoc ergo propter hoc Torchlight Jun 2025 #48
backseat protestors are annoying cadoman Jun 2025 #55
Because a parade of celebration isnt a protest. Callie1979 Jun 2025 #57
Maybe once they start deporting known Americans (as if they haven't already)... appmanga Jun 2025 #15
It's not like these are all reliable D voters. BootinUp Jun 2025 #18
Agreed. Exp Jun 2025 #19
Yes, imagine all the protestors in front of ICE with American flags Pris Jun 2025 #20
Agree 100%. WE need to reclaim the American flag! WE represent American values! CaptainTruth Jun 2025 #21
Amen! Callie1979 Jun 2025 #36
I Totally Agree annielion Jun 2025 #22
I can see your point orangecrush Jun 2025 #23
Indeed Yes proud patriot Jun 2025 #25
They should carry a trump flag Beachnutt Jun 2025 #26
I am waiting for the gestapo to muster at BidenRocks Jun 2025 #28
This message was self-deleted by its author carpetbagger Jun 2025 #29
THANK YOU. We've been here before. When will people learn??? Callie1979 Jun 2025 #32
Not just an American flag but a BIG American flag. A proper battle ensign. sir pball Jun 2025 #37
They can carry whatever flag they'd like in El Pueblo de Nuestra Seora la Reina de los Angeles AStern Jun 2025 #38
UPSIDE DOWN.....! Jack Valentino Jun 2025 #39
Why would someone protesting the violence of the state carry the flag of that state?? WhiskeyGrinder Jun 2025 #43
Agreed Sugarcoated Jun 2025 #44
Pretty sure if it's not flags, they'd find something else to pretend offense at Torchlight Jun 2025 #49
I generally think that too, but we live in bizarro times where logic matters less and less. Music Man Jun 2025 #50
At the first Hands Off protest we attended, yorkster Jun 2025 #53
I'm buying American flags for June 14th today. Scrivener7 Jun 2025 #54
Just imagine the difference if the Jan 6th traitors were beating cops with doc03 Jun 2025 #58
Burning and spitting on the American flag madville Jun 2025 #59
Reclaim! OC375 Jun 2025 #60

OrlandoDem2

(3,143 posts)
4. It doesn't bother me either. But I'm a pragmatist. We need the average voter to support this protest.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:31 PM
Jun 2025

It’ll be easier to do that if people carry American flags.

Cirsium

(3,301 posts)
10. Average voter?
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:45 PM
Jun 2025

We are way past that now. It is now about fighters, not voters.

Will the politicians support the resistance? That is the question, not whether or not the resistance can help the politicians.

Nixie

(17,935 posts)
17. Totally agree. If they want to stay in America, then it helps their
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 06:39 PM
Jun 2025

messaging to not carry the Mexican flag. Carry the American flag. People watching will notice that, and you are right. We want them to identify with the messaging that American citizens are being attacked.

Cirsium

(3,301 posts)
2. OK
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:24 PM
Jun 2025

If we are worried about MAGA cultists' opinions, it is probably best to just not resist at all. No, wait, that won't work. Fox and the rest will just make shit up any way no matter what any of us say or do.

This is a fight for our lives. There isn't any easy or safe way out.

OrlandoDem2

(3,143 posts)
3. Fine. Forget the MAGAs. It'll gain more sympathy from the average person if they're waving American flags.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:30 PM
Jun 2025

Cirsium

(3,301 posts)
9. Understood
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:42 PM
Jun 2025

I just don't think this is a matter of persuasion any more. We are far past that point.

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
33. And those aren't the people who win elections. Be smarter.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:27 PM
Jun 2025

My God this shouldn't be so hard for people to grasp

synni

(665 posts)
6. Being that American law is being violated
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:36 PM
Jun 2025

And that the protesters are defending American principles...yes, we need to reclaim the American flag as our own.

For too long, the reich-wingers have stolen it and claimed it as theirs, when they are as un-American as can be.

Take our flag back now, take our country back in 2026.

stillcool

(34,407 posts)
7. those days of worrying about people
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:36 PM
Jun 2025

in some god-forsaken state thinking badly about people protesting are over. We know what those people think. That's why we're protesting. I don't have any flags, but I'll make a sign for MAGA

Scrivener7

(58,138 posts)
51. It's not about that. It's about smart messaging. A photo of the National Guard
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 07:35 AM
Jun 2025

Last edited Mon Jun 9, 2025, 08:20 AM - Edit history (1)

shooting into a sea of American flags would end this.

And as far as those doing the shooting, if they're going to shoot, force them to shoot their own flag.

In addition to everything else, this is a messaging opportunity. This is an opportunity for us to say WE ARE THE PATRIOTS. We are the ones holding the line on the values of our country. And that does not include masked jackbooted thugs snatching people off the streets. Their message is that this is about defending us against foreign criminals. Ours needs to be that this is about defending citizens and lawful immigrants, and about defending the Constitution.

bdamomma

(69,134 posts)
27. The slogan
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:13 PM
Jun 2025

I want to stop hearing is, "Radical Left lunatics", coming from the felon. Project much?

bdamomma

(69,134 posts)
42. He
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:57 PM
Jun 2025

is throwing red meat to his cult. No, I don't like it. Plus, this is just pitting Americans against Americans. Also, this regime continues to point to others; to demean and demoralize anyone who is different. but look up to that 1% they are doing it to us. And they (this regime) do have contempt for us.

LymphocyteLover

(9,298 posts)
47. For sure. But FFS no other president is allowed to get away with insults like that. It's fucking
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 06:50 AM
Jun 2025

insane making

Shambala

(243 posts)
12. I take the American Flag and the Gadsden Flag to protests
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 05:51 PM
Jun 2025

I agree we need to take them back because we are definitely being tread on. Here's a poster I made for No Kings Day

thought crime

(1,145 posts)
46. I agree but I'm fine with the Mexican flag, too. And the Serapis Flag.
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 05:47 AM
Jun 2025

I think Liberals/Lefties should wave and "take ownership" of the beautiful Serapis flag (John Paul Jones flag). There are some who would criticize a symbol linked to Jones but get over it.

Scrivener7

(58,138 posts)
52. I always have a Democratic bumper sticker on my car. For a while I had the Gadson
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 07:38 AM
Jun 2025

flag, only the snake was in the shape of a uterus.

I often get buzzed and cut off by the giant trucks the magas favor, but when I had that on my bumper it never happened. None of them knew what a uterus looks like!

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
56. A great idea. Just NOT a foreign flag.
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 08:21 AM
Jun 2025

I cant believe how many people here dont see this as a problem moving forward.

Jirel

(2,369 posts)
14. No. They shouldn't.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 06:07 PM
Jun 2025

This is not a MAGAt amurikkkan-flag waving exercise. These are people who are supporting immigrants. Period.

If you are uncomfortable, stay home. If you are uncomfortable, ask yourself why you are upset with your supposed allies for waving a symbol you don’t like, while rethuglicans are VERY comfortable with insurrections, fascists carrying torches through Charlottesville, and running campaign busses off the road.

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
35. Here's an example of why we lose elections. Good lord.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:31 PM
Jun 2025

Like it or not, optics matter. And it matters to people who ARENT the MAGAt voters. It matters to the people who can WIN the next election
But if you'd rather prove a point than toss out the GOP, thanks for nothing.

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
45. It certainly plays a part. If you dont see it we're already in trouble.
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 05:30 AM
Jun 2025

This is AMERICA.
Take BACK the flag waving from the Trumper groups. Wave OUR flag for OUR rights
And dont block roads either that pisses off even MORE people.

 

cadoman

(1,617 posts)
55. backseat protestors are annoying
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 08:20 AM
Jun 2025

Thousands of people are on the front lines fighting ICE fascists and have to deal with backseat protestors complaining about what flags they are waving?

Newsflash: Mexican Americans are Americans. The same as German Americans, French Americans, or Irish Americans. No one bats an eye at Irish heritage celebration during St. Paddy's Day, or German heritage during Oktoberfest. Why is it wrong for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage as they fight for their citizenship and human right to live on this land?

We stand with these brave and peaceful Mexican Americans protestors and their beautiful flags!

¡¡¡¡¡🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽!!!!!

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
57. Because a parade of celebration isnt a protest.
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 08:23 AM
Jun 2025

Its not even a year from the election & we're going down the same damn road that lost us the last one.

appmanga

(1,376 posts)
15. Maybe once they start deporting known Americans (as if they haven't already)...
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 06:09 PM
Jun 2025

...we'll see American flags. Or maybe when other Americans get out and protest ICE, we'll see American flags. Whatever, the case, with all due respect, fuck MAGA.

BootinUp

(50,798 posts)
18. It's not like these are all reliable D voters.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 07:30 PM
Jun 2025

I would hazard a guess that less than 50% of the people in the street are

Pris

(152 posts)
20. Yes, imagine all the protestors in front of ICE with American flags
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 07:40 PM
Jun 2025

The MAGAs would pause.....

BidenRocks

(2,696 posts)
28. I am waiting for the gestapo to muster at
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:14 PM
Jun 2025

Hansen Dam. It's a large rec area big enough for helos and many troops.
The dam is next to San Fernando, Pacoima, Sylmar and many other predominately Mexican cities.

I just watched two Blackhawk helicopters heading south towards downtown.
This is unusual.

Response to OrlandoDem2 (Original post)

Callie1979

(1,084 posts)
32. THANK YOU. We've been here before. When will people learn???
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:25 PM
Jun 2025

And blocking the highways is NOT going to win more support. It might even cost you some.
Its almost like these are fucking trump supporters fucking things up on purpose
BE SMARTER people.

sir pball

(5,232 posts)
37. Not just an American flag but a BIG American flag. A proper battle ensign.
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:46 PM
Jun 2025

"A battle ensign is the name given to a large war ensign (flag) hoisted on a warship's mast just before going into battle."

AStern

(650 posts)
38. They can carry whatever flag they'd like in El Pueblo de Nuestra Seora la Reina de los Angeles
Sun Jun 8, 2025, 08:48 PM
Jun 2025

n/t

Torchlight

(6,267 posts)
49. Pretty sure if it's not flags, they'd find something else to pretend offense at
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 07:00 AM
Jun 2025

We can react to them all day long, but it keeps us on their side of the field. They'll wrap their hatred up in flags... or any available prop at arm's length, whatever's convenient at the moment.

Music Man

(1,663 posts)
50. I generally think that too, but we live in bizarro times where logic matters less and less.
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 07:22 AM
Jun 2025

January 6 featured Confederate flags and people literally trying to vandalize the Capitol and disrupt an election. Yet, here we are!

Hypocrites are going to hypocrite.

yorkster

(3,645 posts)
53. At the first Hands Off protest we attended,
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 07:45 AM
Jun 2025

someone was passing out smallish but visible American flags. They were grabbed up. Some of us also had Canadian flags.
This was in Maine which, like many other states, is really missing Canadian visitors.
I was glad to have both flags. Made sense and felt right. Was wishing I had a small Ukrainian flag as well.

doc03

(38,785 posts)
58. Just imagine the difference if the Jan 6th traitors were beating cops with
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 08:29 AM
Jun 2025

Russian or Nazi flags instead of American flags. They are now looked on as patriots to many people.
Optics and messaging are everything today.

OC375

(403 posts)
60. Reclaim!
Mon Jun 9, 2025, 09:21 AM
Jun 2025

Convervatives think they own the US flag, as far as messaging goes.

Mexican flags protesting "against" the USA looks like some sort of Mexico vs USA Red Dawn fantasy wish come true rather than "We're your neighbors, please listen to and help us".

It's stupid if you want help, and if it's actually genuine then it's disturbing.

The better message is sent with the American flag.

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