To the Editor:
Since the inception of our nation, the American flag has stood as a symbol of freedom and justice. For almost 250 years, Americans have fought and died protecting all that the U.S. flag signifies.

The all-black flag that is currently being flown by so called “patriots” is a desecration of the American flag. In their delusional interpretation of the black flag, these “patriots” will not surrender, will not take prisoners, and are willing to die for their cause.

What is their cause? Who are their enemies? Democrats, LGBTQ+, liberals, vaccinated people, any one who isn’t “like them?”

Of course, like most of the information espoused by a cult, their propaganda is based on misinformation. Peter Ansoff, a vexillologist (a person who studies flags) states, “They have taken the monochromatic black flag and introduced the idea that it is a ‘take no prisoners’ symbol from the Civil War.”

However, as far as history goes, it is false to claim that monochromic black flags were used in the Civil War.

These flags are not just being flown nationally; there is one currently being flown in our own hamlet. It may be the very first thing that is seen when driving into the hamlet.

Is that the message that we want to send to our children, to those who live here, visit here, or who are passing through?

The implied threat that this flag represents to those who have declared their allegiance to a sociopath with malignant narcissistic personality disorder, is made worse by the fact that it is being flown by an elected official who is being paid by the taxpaying residents of this town.

A symbol as revered and respected as the U.S. flag should never be used to “advertise” the views of a cult.

Jean Guarino

Peggy Christman

Berne

Editor’s note: In Berne’s Nov. 2 election, Jean Guariono ran for town clerk and Peggy Christman for supervisor — both unsuccessfully on the Democratic line. Highway Superintendent Randy Bashwinger, who has the black American flag referenced in the letter, was re-elected on the Republican line; he did not immediately respond to Enterprise inquiries seeking a response.