The Flag
David Griffith
Experienced Advisor, Board Chair, and Independent Director to Non Profit and Family Business Enterprises. Author of The Muddy Boots Blog
For the record, my political affiliation. I am a fiscally conservative, socially liberal, registered Republican, and independent voter. As an elderly, Caucasian, retired entrepreneur ( Old, white, retired business and non-profit guy), I advocate for equitable racial and economic opportunities based on fairness and equality. I maintain that addressing our myriad issues hinges on the provision of well-compensated employment ( known as living wage +) with associated benefits, together with the formulation of governmental conditions conducive to growth, prudent investment, and the resolution of prominent issues through a pragmatic industrial and foreign policy framework focusing on environmental stewardship, national security, and the welfare of all citizens.
I am mindful of the imperative nature of reasoned immigration to fuel economic expansion – a need approximating three to four million immigrants annually—and my convictions center on safeguarding personal liberties within the bounds of preserving the common welfare. I align with finding shared ground on topics such as gun regulation, women's reproductive rights, marriage equality, economic opportunity, and other contemporary issues. I emphasize the importance of centrist governance, premised on honoring the intent of the nation's founders (with today's definition of all) and ensuring universal access to opportunities. Open dialogue grounded in factual discourse and the pursuit of collective agreement, as opposed to the prevalent adversarial stance of "I am right, and you are wrong," forms the cornerstone of my approach to governance.
During my travels, I increasingly observe the ubiquitous presence of the flag. Strikingly, it has devolved from symbolizing national unity and embodying our past, present, and future aspirations to serving as a politicized emblem and a means for reshaping historical narratives. Historically, the flag epitomized a diverse yet cohesive America. I advocate for its resumption as a symbol of unity, which, in turn, represents a progressive stepping stone. My aspiration lies in the emergence of leadership that unequivocally understands that the focal point must rest not on individual interests but on addressing our era's paramount concerns, the nation's common good, and our role in the world.
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When you vote this Fall, vote for the future, for sound policy, the truth, the common good, and for one nation under God and the Flag. We are stronger together, but only when we stand on common ground available to all. It's time for the truth, solutions, not rhetoric, and authentic, transparent leadership at all levels that serves all the people. Public service must become the highest calling again—a calling not of a party but rather the nation's common ground.
Vote that way, act that way, and see a flag that once again represents all of us.
Principal at Thompson Strategic Business Development
4moI couldn’t agree more, David. As a member of a local Exchange Club in South Carolina we display over 100 US flags throughout the community several times each year. Each flag also includes a yellow ribbon noting the name of a SC fallen hero, who we also honor at each club meeting. A simple but meaningful way to honor these patriots, and to appreciate the blessings we share.
North American Nonprofit Practice Leader at HUB International
4moI couldn’t agree with you more, David Griffith. I was a registered Republican for 45 years until the 2016 election, after which I quietly unplugged because the Party had devolved from what I signed up for as a late-teenage voter. I, too, think our flag has been hijacked for purposes other than to symbolize national unity. Interestingly, political divisions have taken hold beyond the US, as other countries struggle with intense racism, immigration challenges, and accelerated shifts to the Far Right. My guess is that there’s a good bit of psy-ops stuff behind all this, perpetrated by rogue nations that want to see democracy fail. It’s also disheartening to see elected and appointed officials placing self-interests before those of their constituents. Term limits across all three governmental branches would help. The problem, as I see it, is that the average person on the street tuned out the noise long ago, doesn’t fact-check what (s)he does hear, and doesn’t realize the genuine threat before us.
Nicely articulated David. I preach these same concepts to my college students - and they get it! This gives me hope for our future.