I was astounded to read the Mountain Xpress article [“Flag Fight,” Aug. 1] about the Buncombe County Sheriff’s deputy who doesn’t understand the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights—the first of which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression.
Oh, wait! There’s a local ordinance. Too bad. Federal law takes precedence over state and local laws. That’s because we are the UNITED States. Is this a difficult concept? Has the First Amendment not been tested and re-tested by our nation’s Supreme Court?
And police brutality as well as false arrest?
Just because Citizen A doesn’t agree with the political opinion of Citizen B, that doesn’t give anyone the right to pull the stunts that [reportedly] occurred in this situation. It’s glaringly obvious to a great number of Americans just who the lawbreakers are.
And while I’m at it, I’d like to address [certain] citizens in your locale who call themselves “Christians.” Do they realize that nationalism and patriotism are forms of idolatry that detract from our worship of and love for God? Jesus never taught nationalism or patriotism, and in fact he refused to get caught up in the politics of his day. He refused to assist the zealots in their efforts to escape Roman rule. He taught love and peace—and if we, as a people, would keep that in mind, there wouldn’t be a need for people to protest how our nation is being run.
Thank you for considering my opinion on this matter.
— Betsy Packard
Shelbyville, Ky.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.