What’s a Flag?
Below are thoughts I recently delivered to my small community’s leadership.
Mayor Miller and Council Members,
I had an opportunity to watch last week’s council meeting and noted the commentary pertaining to the continued flying of the Russian Federation (RF) flag at both ports of entry as well as within this hall. I submit this letter to provide a differing perspective as well as a suggested way forward. I write as private citizen, representing no organizations or other entities.
The mayor, as well as the two community members who were presumably invited to speak, made a compelling case for the continued flying of the RF flag. I agree with their collective assessment insomuch that any grievance the community may have likely is not with the citizens of our sister city Lomonosov; Anacortes shares a long and proud history of friendship with its sister cities; and any potential decision to remove the RF flag from around the city will most definitely not bring an end to the tragedy taking place across Ukraine.
While each of those ideas have merit, they also miss a larger point. Symbols, like flags, help to demonstrate a community’s identity and values. We can look to our Southern states and their decisions about how and where to display the Army of Northern Virginia’s battle flag (colloquially known as the Confederate flag). States across the region decided that symbol did not accurately reflect their values and made appropriate changes. The city of Anacortes has an opportunity to make a decision with respect to the RF flag, and in doing so demonstrate our values and priorities.
Will removing the three RF flags from around the city suddenly bring the ongoing war to a close? Of course not. However, removing the RF flag from public spaces also costs our city’s leadership nothing in terms of political or moral capital while at the same time acknowledging the importance of symbolism. Symbolism is a critical aspect of public leadership as it offers an opportunity to reinforce the ideals and values we hold dear — both of the leader and of those led. Currently the RF flag adorns combat equipment that is being used to attack civilians in what, according to overwhelming international consensus, is an illegal act of unprovoked aggression.
I offer the following course of action. The city of Anacortes should write a letter to the residents of Lomonosov that expresses a commitment to our long-standing and productive friendship. This letter should make clear that the citizens of Anacortes do not have a grievance with the residents of Lomonosov. However, at this time, it is untenable for us to continue flying the RF flag because the illegal and immoral activities in Ukraine do not align with the values we aspire toward. And then the RF flag should be removed from all public spaces within the city. I offer no opinion whether that should be a permanent or temporary decision.
Finally, this is not a matter of “cancel culture” or of political correctness run amok. In today’s environment it’s too easy to pick sides and dig our heels in the dirt. The mayor recently lamented the inability of many in our society to appreciate nuance. In almost all cases I could not agree with him more; however, in some cases the difference between right and wrong is so clear as to preclude the need for nuanced analysis. This is one of those situations. Removing the RF flag is simply the right thing to do.
I respectfully request the mayor and council consider these thoughts and the included suggestion.
Jack Curtis
At the end of the session, following respectful and civil debate, the council voted 6-0 to remove the Russian Federation’s flag from its three prominent displays within the city.
