Letter: Flags symbolize friendship, diversity

Reading the letters in the Globe recently, in which the writers aired their dislike for the avenue of flags, gives cause for me to share my perspective.

Are we aware of the fact that Mexico lost more than half of its territory to the U.S. in 1848 by way of the Mexican War, the acquisition spurred by our greed for more land, a total disregard for the nation of Mexico? Did you know that people from Africa were herded into crude ships, crowded and chained to the lower part to be horribly mistreated and misused as slaves for us in the U.S.? Are we remembering how the Indians who were living here since time knows when were shot as though animals or massacred (some not far from Worthington) and how different tribes were placed in the United States’ most desolate areas to eek out their living?

Shame on us! We really have little to be arrogant about regarding much of our past acquisition of territory. So, who are we now to be living with a spirit of hate instead of compassion? Hitler lived with a spirit of hate and greed resulting in the holocaust, World War II and a wall.

The current system of applying for work visas is terribly slow and inadequate. Some immigrants wait up to 20 years for their application to be processed. They, too, desire a better life for themselves and their children. Some immigrants came to escape more persecution. Others for worthy reasons also. Let’s not live with a spirit of hate. Let’s remember they also were created in God’s image.

Unless we are Native Americans (Indians), we all are descendants of immigrants, whether Norwegian, Swedes, Dutch/French as I am, or any other nationality.

I applaud Worthington for their Peace Avenue of Flags, symbolizing friendship and diversity of its Nobles County residents. I view it with respect. Our U.S. flag is up there also.

Let’s change our mindset and live in a spirit of unity. It begins in the heart of each of us. Let’s not make an icon of our flag, either. Let’s fly it for what it symbolizes instead. It does not symbolize a spirit of hate. Long may it wave, honorably.

Tags: opinion, letter, brouwer