Amber Waves of Grain

Lightning rods are designed to attract naturally occurring electrostatic discharges in the atmosphere. When two electrically charged regions equalize themselves, a massive, bright, spontaneous crackle of energy is produced. Lightning is attracted down from the clouds to the fixed point of the rod, into the ground safely. The logic is if we control the pathway of the lightning through a steel rod attached to a building, and are then able to disperse the intense flux of energy into the Earth beneath, we avoid electrocution of said building - and perhaps damage and death along with it.

The American flag has become the lightning rod for a nation split along several sensitive social, religious and political “regions,” or viewpoints. And we are perilously close to misdirecting the potentially lethal energy being generated.

Our flag has flown proudly through centuries of brilliant innovation, and withstood periods of shameful social injustice. It has flown in distress and somber mourning. It has been unfurled to celebrate the many freedoms and achievements of Americans home and abroad. Our flag has been redesigned and improved to recognize the growth of our nation, with careful consideration given to the most appropriate display of red, white and blue.

Our flag represents the diligence of preparation exhibited by the American armed forces. From the ritualistic folding sequence to the codified handling and processing from manufacture to retirement. As the standard carried forth by Olympians, musicians, performers and revelers seeking to unify our culture, our flag represents the entire populace. Not one faction.

Currently, our flag acknowledges the early settlement and formation of our nation with 13 bold bands of red and white. The collection of 50 stars across a blue corner field calls attention to the present statehood - each distinct and apart, yet with an intentionally visible uniformity. The metaphor for celestial orientation holds, as we continue the American experiment, finding our way by blending what we know is fair and just with new learnings and enlightenment.

Ours is a simultaneously simple and complex flag. Social commentary of late has brought many to a contentious place of observance of the flag. Others remain steadfast in their respect, honor and pride. What is clear to me: we are missing the opportunity to advance American civilization in place of giving into the temptation to dig our heels in more deeply. We have arrived at a pivotal point of our nation’s history where much good is being wrought from healthy debate by varied perspectives. We must remain committed to a common set of values to respect and operate under. Whatever banner or flag is uniquely “you” can and must continue to fly under that of our country and people. Unified.

Our flag has not survived our nation’s intense history - with many shades of brilliance and darkness - only to become a symbol of division and inequality. And now be placed on the chopping block? Not so fast. Our flag is not to be stolen or co-opted by our extremities, which will surely divide our core further and delay our peaceful resumption of cohesive, productive, inclusive American life.

Our flag has never been up for annual review - nor monthly, nor weekly based on which ideal of society we are favoring more this week over last. Our flag is more enduring and reflective of the ideals we collectively have fought to instill and maintain as our civility has refined. Our flag must continue to wave poetically above our homes, schools, athletic contests, debates, elections and ceremonies to remind us of the collective good, bad and ugly as we persevere humanely. Unified.

Il Punto: Our flag is not the problem. Our nation is not the problem. Our discourse - in the presently disorderly, scatter-shot, easily-incensed form is the problem. Seeking to disassociate, negate and even criminalize the symbol by way of canceling our history of resilience will not inspire unity. The path forward requires our collective recapturing of our flag. We must refresh our memory and spirit. We must rejoice as our flag is proudly displayed above, and thrive by the energy harnessed by her reinvigorated and unifying beauty.