Supporting your country doesnโt mean blindly following the governmentโs every move. You should question a law or act if it doesnโt feel right or fair. When an artist in Missouri recorded herself with an American flag burning in the background, you would have expected some horrendously unsupportive comments. I know I did, and I was 100% wrong (and Iโm glad I was). In fact, the most wholesome support he got came from a surprising group.
Artist Julie Burrito shared her video on TikTok, where sheโs beading an American flag. In the background, a cloth American flag is aflame, which sheโs been doing in protest. Julie says her reason behind the video is because of Donald Trumpโs recent executive order, which states flag burning would result in a year in jail. As Rage Against The Machine plays in the background, Julie beads the flag. As they sing, โF**k you, I wonโt do what you tell me,โ the flag steadily burns from the bottom up.
Burning an American flag has largely been known to be a form of political expression over Americaโs history. Not to mention controversial, at least to conservatives. More importantly, itโs protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution but, as with most things, President Trump doesnโt hold that sacred. Still, Julie continues to bead and do her thing. As one commenter asked, โWhy donโt some people realize that this embodies what it means to be an American?!?!!โ
Now, I expected men and women who served in the military would be the most negative about Julieโs protest. And thereโs plenty of interactions like that on social media, but I was pleasantly surprised. Military veterans came out in droves to show their support on Julieโs video. One commenter said, โDisabled Marine veteran here, I just want to say thank you.โ
Another stated, โU.S. Army Veteran. This right here is what we all served for. Donโt give up your freedom to a tyrant. I approve this!โ Or, as one person put it: โAll Iโm seeinโ is a true patriot.โ Itโs my understanding the U.S. military defends our right to speak up, and Julie exercising that right is as patriotic as it gets.
