Charleston, SC, USA- The United States has allegedly fallen out of the top twenty of happiest nations on Earth. I just spent an hour standing in the driving rain in a thin, transparent poncho protesting Unity City, a right wing Christian Dominionist project to take over every aspect of public life in the SC Lowcountry. They spent more on this weekend than all of my progressive political work has spent in the past twenty years. Our hardy group of protestors, wonderful people, were outnumbered by the smug hypocrites in the Charleston Music hall by at least 10 to one.
I remember when I loved my country. I remember the Tricentennial, the Bicentennial, the first
Spoleto Festival USA in 1977. I helped present the Millennium first night celebration in Charleston when we held activities for hundreds of Children at Memminger school. We built the Millennium lighthouse, a 20 foot working model of the Morris Island lighthouse. I remember when that light came on, surrounded by Thousands of people in the middle of my city. With the world at peace, we honestly believed a bright new world and a better America were ahead of us.
A botched Presidential election and September 11th. killed that optimism.
I remember the Sunday before we elected President Obama. The night Obama won, I was walking home from a victory celebration still wearing my voter assistance shirt and hat. I stopped in at a redneck bar for directions. I was insulted and followed for several blocks until I walked up to an unknown person's porch and spoke to them, asking them to call the police. (which they had apparently already done when I rang their doorbell). (My phone was dead, not mistakes I would make today).
Lowcountry Progressive Unity Flag, 2021 in Summerville, SC
My country has become ugly, cruel and stupid. I am now deeply ashamed of it. Trump horrifies me and the fact that 40% of American adults want him to be President makes me sick at heard.
On the 9th. of July 2009, I was with a small, poorly organized healthcare demonstration on the steps of the US Customs house in Charleston. The local right wing radio station, WTMA, which I had worked with for over 20 years attacked us on the air and sent a mob to harass us. 50 of them. 9 of us. They were all waving the flag.
I went home that evening. I got my ladder out fo the garage. I leaned it up agaisnt the front of my house. I climbed up, against the strict orders of my doctor after my injury. I removed the American Flag, a 15 star, 15 stripe Star Spangled banner from the bracket. I have never put it back up.
I have no confidence that I will ever be able to fly that flag again. After the horrors of January 6, I cannot trust my country any longer. I and America are no longer on the same side. The 40% who love Trump and the 30% who don't care tell me my country is no longer good.
On Memorial weekend, I feel sorry for the men and women who have sacrificed themselves for our country. However, the memory and service of those soldiers, sailors airmen and marines are weaponized against me by the people who carry that flag. I can't support the Troops without supporting Trump.
If you are planning on spending the rest of this year on the sidelines, you will be responsible for what happens to this country. I will be on the front lines fighting for a decent and democratic America until It either returns to live or they come get me. Either way, I'll be spared the pain of seeing my friends suffer.
William Hamilton is a lawyer, writer, transit avocate, community organizer and Executive Director of Lowcountry Up is Good, PAC. He can be reached at (843) 870-5299 or wjhamilton29464@gmail.com