Finding Solace in the Flag

As a former New Yorker, there are no words to describe how deeply the events of Sept. 11 affected me (“When Do We Take the Flags Down?” by Paul Lieberman, Nov. 25). Like the flag, the World Trade Center towers were a symbol of home. I have found comfort in the sight of flags flying ubiquitously across the country. Their display symbolizes our love for democratic ideals, our sadness over the loss of life, our unity with New York City and, finally, our resolve that we will not allow religious zealots--foreign or domestic--to cause us to live in fear. I have felt premature sadness over what will surely be status quo as time heals our collective wounds and the flag waving begins to subside. Or can such a tremendous tragedy ever allow people to return to status quo? I hope not.

L. Feingold

Culver City

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It was refreshing to see Lieberman observe that as far as waving the American flag goes, “we don’t have to cling to an idealized vision of perfect unity.” I was unsure in the aftermath of Sept. 11 whether a solitary flag pin on my lapel would communicate my own brand of patriotism--respect for dissent, the rights of the accused, free speech, tolerance and other constitutional rights--so I added my ACLU pin. Frankly, given the clandestine detentions, the invasion of the attorney-client privilege and the administration’s plans for racial profiling and the creation of secret military tribunals, I think everyone should be wearing an ACLU pin.

Stephen F. Rohde

President of the ACLU

of Southern California