It takes a village indeed. But sometimes it takes a massacre. Again, a mass killing of innocents at the hands of a white supremacist has called attention to the simmering hate in the hearts of certain right-wing Americans. There isn’t a single Republican candidate who has not, in some form or another, engaged the so-called Southern strategy to deliver a veiled message to the white Christian rabble. Under the guise of their First Amendment right to free speech, they use dog whistle phrases, make blatant threats to “Second Amendment” their opponents (including President Obama) or wave the Confederate flag. They fully intend to incite, inspire and encourage violent action in response. When it happens, as in Charleston, S.C., they condemn it publicly. But we all know they feel a smug satisfaction. The rest of us meekly offer prayers and condolences and go out of our way to avoid the real issue. Until now, I hope. And yes, it’s a real issue in Milwaukee, too, even in the LGBT community.
Some Milwaukee gays sport the Confederate flag on their trucks and cars. Odd, since Wisconsin was never a slave state per se and fought for the Union (remember the Iron Brigade?). One might suggest it’s just symbolic of a rebellious gay, someone who thinks he or she is a free spirit. Or, perhaps they have a crush on the Dukes of Hazard. It may just be that. Coupled with our collective ignorance of history, even in a segregated city such as ours, one could easily argue their blithe indifference to racial matters. Or, more likely, they might just be racists. Sadly, being LGBT does not imply a social conscience, compassion or empathy to the plight of others. To be honest, when I notice gays with their vehicles emblazoned with the Stars and Bars, I never questioned them. I just think it’s stupid and go my way. I figure there’s no sense in making an issue of it. Stupid people usually are not open to reason. Besides, even after the Charleston massacre, I don’t recall seeing any official condemnation coming from our LGBT community leaders, either.
Meanwhile, LGBT Pride Month ended with the greatest gift of all, the victory of love and freedom. The exceptional U.S.A. now joins Mexico, Canada and South Africa, among other enlightened countries that enjoy marriage equality. Even the White House was bathed in rainbow-colored lights in celebration. Of course, our governor, Scott “Grave Mistake” Walker, frothed to the Supreme Court announcement of marriage equality with yet another rabid call for a federal constitutional amendment against it. He, along with every other GOP presidential hopeful, made same-sex marriage a confrontation. Believe me, someone somewhere got the message. Seething with all the hate fed to him by such right-wing Christian zealotry, Confederate flag or not, he still hates us. He probably thinks we’re trying to take over America. He probably has a gun.
The Confederate flag still flies over Charleston. Perhaps it’s time to take it off your truck.
