All articles tagged with #flags
Multiple Republican congressional offices received flags with an optical illusion that embedded a swastika, which is being investigated; the incident has drawn condemnation and concerns over hate symbols.
President Trump defended not lowering flags to half-staff after the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, citing no request from the governor, and refused to call her family to express condolences, amid ongoing political tensions and recent attacks.
Aurora Mayor John Laesch defended his decision to keep flags at municipal facilities flying at full-staff during the weekend, despite federal and state directives to lower flags to half-staff in memory of Charlie Kirk and victims of political violence, emphasizing the importance of commemorating the anniversary of September 11 and respecting local observances.
Over 100,000 protesters, including supporters of Tommy Robinson, marched in London carrying British, American, and Israeli flags to protest immigration and advocate for free speech, amid heightened police presence and counter-protests, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration policies in the UK.
The UK is experiencing a surge in public displays of national flags, driven by complex feelings of patriotism and political tensions over immigration, with some associations to far-right groups and societal divisions, amid debates on national identity and safety concerns.
Belgian police questioned two Israelis at the Tomorrowland festival after allegations from pro-Palestinian groups that they waved Israeli army flags, specifically from the Givati Brigade, which led to a brief detention. The case is being investigated under Belgium's universal jurisdiction law, with no further details released. The incident has sparked reactions from various organizations, highlighting tensions surrounding the event and the flags.
Protesters in Los Angeles wave flags from various countries, including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and South Korea, as a symbol of community, heritage, and resistance against immigration raids and the presence of the National Guard, challenging critics who view foreign flags as unpatriotic or divisive.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has provided conflicting accounts regarding politically charged flags flown outside his homes, which has led to criticism and calls for his recusal from certain cases. Alito claims his wife was responsible for the flags, citing a neighborhood dispute as the reason, but police records and neighbor testimonies contradict his explanations. The motivations behind the flags, particularly an upside-down American flag and an "Appeal to Heaven" flag, remain unclear, raising questions about potential political bias.
The controversy over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's wife, Martha-Ann Alito, flying flags associated with the January 6 Capitol riot has sparked ethical questions and calls for Alito to recuse himself from related cases. Critics argue that the issue is being politicized, particularly in light of Alito's role in overturning Roe v. Wade, while Alito defends his wife's actions as her exercising her First Amendment rights. Chief Justice John Roberts has declined to intervene, emphasizing judicial independence.
Justice Alito stated that his wife is solely responsible for the flags displayed outside their home.
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. has refused to recuse himself from two Supreme Court cases related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, despite reports of provocative flags flown at his homes. Alito stated that the flags, which appeared to support the "Stop the Steal" movement, were displayed by his wife and not by him. The decision has raised concerns about potential bias in the cases, which involve former President Donald Trump and charges against Capitol rioters.
Federal Judge Michael Ponsor criticized Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for flying provocative flags, including an upside-down American flag, outside his homes, calling it "dumb" and "improper." The flags, associated with Trump supporters and the January 6 Capitol riot, have led Democratic lawmakers to call for Alito's recusal from cases related to Trump and the 2020 election. Ponsor's op-ed in the New York Times emphasized that such actions could erode trust in the judiciary.
Pam Hemphill, a former Capitol rioter, claims that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was signaling to far-right groups by displaying certain flags outside his homes, including an "Appeal to Heaven" flag and an inverted American flag. Hemphill, who has since distanced herself from the far-right, argues that these symbols are used for communication among extremists. Alito, who is involved in key Supreme Court cases related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, has not commented on the flags' significance.
Voters in conservative Huntington Beach, California, approved a measure to ban non-government flags, including Pride flags, from being flown on city property, sparking backlash from LGBTQ advocates. The measure, authored by City Councilman Pat Burns, aims to promote unity under a common American identity but has been criticized as discriminatory. Progressive groups in the community have condemned the measure, while the council still has the option to approve certain flags through a unanimous vote. Similar policies have been enacted in other cities, sparking debate over the display of non-government flags on public property.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, December 7th, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This day marks the 82nd anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the United States' entry into World War II. President Joe Biden has urged all Americans to commemorate the patriots who were wounded or died during the attack and to fulfill the obligation of caring for service members, veterans, and their families.