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Post by PeachStatePea on Sept 13, 2021 17:10:06 GMT
When you see a Thin Blue Line flag, sign, decal, whatever....what are your thoughts about that? When I see it it makes me think of remembering fallen LEOs and support for those putting their life on the line daily. Same for fire fighters with the red line flag.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Sept 13, 2021 17:11:54 GMT
It has a negative connotation for me. I live in heavily Trumper territory. I see TBL flags and stickers on pickup trucks, cars, in yards and flying and hanging on fences. Every single TBL symbols is always accompanied by one or more of the following: Trump 2024, F/U Biden, QAnon or InfoWars stickers or flags. Racists and insurrectionists are hiding in plain sight.
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,062
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Sept 13, 2021 17:15:41 GMT
I don't care for it either. It's altering the US flag which I do not like at all. And now it's opened up to all kinds of hateful MAGA groups concocting their own abominations. this is disgusting
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,087
Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Sept 13, 2021 18:04:22 GMT
I don't care for it either. Its altering the US flag which I do not like at all. And now it's opened up to all kinds of hateful MAGA groups concocting their own abominations. this is disgusting
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Sept 13, 2021 18:09:30 GMT
I don't care for it either. It's altering the US flag which I do not like at all. And now it's opened up to all kinds of hateful MAGA groups concocting their own abominations. this is disgusting And I am sure that the same people who fly that flag are the ones who were disgusted with kneeling during the anthem, or have bumper stickers about respecting the flag and soldiers.
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Post by refugeepea on Sept 13, 2021 18:13:04 GMT
Unfortunately Trump and his followers ruined a symbol of support for fallen officers. It's disrespectful to display when they won't acknowledge what happened at the Capitol.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 13:39:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 18:16:29 GMT
How do you all feel when you see a thin red line flag? That is in support of Fire Fighters The red line flag still holds the meaning it was supposed to - for fallen firefighters. Unfortunately, the thin blue line got co-opted by right wing nutters who also fly Trump flags and scream "all lives matter." Now, instead of standing for fallen police officers, it's another "sign" of racist assholes most of the time. I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,074
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Sept 13, 2021 18:31:31 GMT
I think it's a disgrace to alter the American flag. It is also against flag code to alter it. Most Americans don't follow proper flag flying rules which just shows their ignorance. But 'merica, right? Agreed. Apparently, I paid attention in Girl Scouts when others didn’t.
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PLurker
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Posts: 9,795
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Sept 13, 2021 18:41:43 GMT
My opinion, before reading and possibly being swayed, is that that flag is a knee jerk reaction to black lives matter. It gives me a bad feeling, I don't like it.
One large near here on a huge flag pole on corner shredded in the wind and was finally taken down. I was happy to see it go. It was replaced with a huge American flag shortly thereafter. I have to admit, although better, that flag is tainted in my mind because of history of the owner and previous flag flown proudly there.
Now IF that flag had been a thing, supporting the (good)police before it became an anit-BLM reaction, I might view it differently.
Many of the flag waving worshipers who are all in your face about respecting the flag and following etiquette are ok when altering and disrespecting it to further their agenda.
But to be honest, I don't look the same at the American flag anymore either. I was always in the mindset that it is just a symbol of what should be but in recent years it's been bastardized and commandeered by too many pick 'em up truck driving idiots towing the US flag behind on their trucks, often with confederate or other bigoted and ignorant flags, decals, signs etc. along side.
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scrappinspidey2
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Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Sept 13, 2021 18:45:53 GMT
I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. I have a batman symbol underneath it and a welcome octopus overlords sticker on the back window. Do those count??
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Post by paulao on Sept 13, 2021 18:53:42 GMT
I have to admit that I have no idea what "thin blue line" stands for. I believe it's a disgrace to alter the flag and I won't recognize a flag that isn't the Stars and Stripes. Flag etiquette people! I stopped putting out my regulation flag when tRump co-opted it and if I see a pick-up truck that has a flag stuck on the bed, I know it's a truck full of tRump lovers.
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Post by Zee on Sept 13, 2021 18:56:33 GMT
There is one in my neighborhood and I'm working hard to try not to assume a dick lives there. It just gives me a negative reaction.
I fly a flag and people might assume I'm pro-Trump, but I'm definitely not. I'm pro-USA. So maybe the person that lives there is a good guy who has law enforcement in his family, and they're not a dick, but it's my first thought.
ETA I removed the part I originally posted about the cop down the street because it doesn't pertain to this thread. Bless those officers who do good work every day despite many challenges. We need the good guys. Too many bad apples have given me a negative feel for the police that I would like to not have. So thanks to all those who serve with the intent to help and carry out their work professionally.
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Post by kamper on Sept 13, 2021 18:58:04 GMT
I think it's a disgrace to alter the American flag. It is also against flag code to alter it. Most Americans don't follow proper flag flying rules which just shows their ignorance. But 'merica, right? I agree with this. Strong words but that's how I feel. My child asked me once why we don't fly a flag. And I explained that I don't fly a flag because I'm not responsible enough to bring it in every time it rains and have it lit up at night. And to do otherwise is to disrespect the flag. I feel very strongly about that. My husband flies the American flag all the time. Puts it up and takes it down each night. If he forgets (rarely) he is upset and embarrassed. Modification of the flag is against the flag code. If you really are patriotic then you would not fly this abomination. I thought this even before it was co-opted by the anti-BLM types. Find another way to honor fallen officers. Another thing that drives my insane is seeing houses flying ratty US flags (we seem to notice that quite a few are also flying Trump flags). Those flags should be retired and disposed of properly before they ever get to such a condition. Even though we travel full time, if we need to dispose of a flag we will fold it and then hang onto it until we can find an AFL post.
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Post by kamper on Sept 13, 2021 19:02:53 GMT
I have to admit that I have no idea what "thin blue line" stands for. I believe it's a disgrace to alter the flag and I won't recognize a flag that isn't the Stars and Stripes. Flag etiquette people! I stopped putting out my regulation flag when tRump co-opted it and if I see a pick-up truck that has a flag stuck on the bed, I know it's a truck full of tRump lovers. Please continue to fly your flag. Don't let right wingers co-opt it. We have Texas plates and I known people assume we are Trumpers. (I was approached by a man at a campground and asked if I was a Trump supporter. I told him "No!" He left.)
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 13:39:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 19:06:31 GMT
I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. I have a batman symbol underneath it and a welcome octopus overlords sticker on the back window. Do those count?? Ha! No. I should've added "right wing nutters" to that.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,792
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
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Post by purplebee on Sept 13, 2021 19:29:19 GMT
I support law enforcement and I believe they have a very difficult job, even more so at this point in time.
I see a thin blue line flag or decal and immediately think right wing anti-BLM trump humper. To me it has nothing to do with supporting police and everything to do with showing your racism in a “patriotic” way. It is sad that something originally meant to honor fallen LEOs has morphed into a dog whistle for bigotry and hatred.
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Post by busy on Sept 13, 2021 20:10:05 GMT
How do you all feel when you see a thin red line flag? That is in support of Fire Fighters I've never seen one, and even if I had, it hasn't been co-opted by a group and used in hateful ways. Maybe the Thin Blue Line flag was a neutral expression in the past within the law enforcement community, but it's time to retire it because it is inextricably tied up in very negative and racist symbolism now.
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Post by hop2 on Sept 13, 2021 20:14:49 GMT
Like the US flag the thin blue line flag has been misappropriated as a right wing zealot fascist symbol and is flown by people who support an authoritarian state. Those people would not worry about attacking a police officer doing their job on government property. ( 1/6 ) That flag doesn’t even mean support of the police anymore by a large chunk of those who fly it. It only means support of law officers who do what right wing extremists want them to do.
IMO & experience It’s one of the symbols of the fascist authoritarian state the far right wing wants to have. Most especially if there’s multiple flags flapping off the back of a pick up truck.
To me it is a symbol of oppression without even having to get into the BLM issue.
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Post by hop2 on Sept 13, 2021 20:18:30 GMT
How do you all feel when you see a thin red line flag? That is in support of Fire Fighters The red line flag still holds the meaning it was supposed to - for fallen firefighters. Unfortunately, the thin blue line got co-opted by right wing nutters who also fly Trump flags and scream "all lives matter." Now, instead of standing for fallen police officers, it's another "sign" of racist assholes most of the time. I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. When they took their thin blue line flags to the capital on 1/6 it lost all meaning for me to ever see it as remembering a fallen officer again. It means oppression. The oppression they aren’t afraid to beat you into. www.google.com/amp/s/www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/amphtml/USA/Politics/2021/0114/Capitol-assault-Why-did-police-show-up-on-both-sides-of-thin-blue-line
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Post by refugeepea on Sept 13, 2021 21:40:03 GMT
I have a batman symbol underneath it and a welcome octopus overlords sticker on the back window. Do those count?? It's all good! I understand why you have one on your vehicle. It is the pairing of the flag with other MAGA stuff that makes me mad. My dad was a huge patriot and I DO NOT mean it in the way it has been used disrespectfully today. He had a giant flag at our house and rigged up a light system in order to do proper flag protocol. Now when I see a giant ass flag display, I hate that my first reaction is Trump lover and "patriot" with negative connotations. I really should work on my cynicism .
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Sept 13, 2021 21:55:13 GMT
A white person lives there or drives the car who supports the police and probably Trump.
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rodeomom
Pearl Clutcher
Refupee # 380 "I don't have to run fast, I just have to run faster than you."
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Location: Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Jun 25, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
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Post by rodeomom on Sept 13, 2021 22:41:41 GMT
How do you all feel when you see a thin red line flag? That is in support of Fire Fighters The red line flag still holds the meaning it was supposed to - for fallen firefighters. Unfortunately, the thin blue line got co-opted by right wing nutters who also fly Trump flags and scream "all lives matter." Now, instead of standing for fallen police officers, it's another "sign" of racist assholes most of the time. I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. When I see it I think the person flying it is a trumper. (ETA: the TBL not the TRL for fire fighters which I have never seen.) I also hate that Celtic symbols have been corrupted by right-wing nationalists and nut jobs.
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Post by summer on Sept 13, 2021 22:58:55 GMT
I see it as a negative rebuttal to BLM. I assume they are also a member of the Trump cult. I also find it jarring that it’s black white and blue, it just looks wrong. I have never seen the red Firemen’s flag mentioned in this thread.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Sept 13, 2021 23:15:26 GMT
I’ve never seen a thin red line flag or decal.
I don’t remember when the first time I saw a thin blue line symbol was, but it has gotten way more common here in the last year since the murder of George Floyd and seems to be used primarily as anti-BLM.
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 13:39:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2021 23:57:30 GMT
I’ve never seen a thin red line flag or decal. I don’t remember when the first time I saw a thin blue line symbol was, but it has gotten way more common here in the last year since the murder of George Floyd and seems to be used primarily as anti-BLM. Honestly, I've only seen them on firefighters' wives' cars, some of the younger firefighters who do sport blue thin line gear too, and obsessive moms. I come from a first responder family with most of them being firefighters. My mom saw the thin red line flag or sticker and wanted it. Dad, the retired firefighter, said "hell no." However, a cousin who is in his 30's has a shirt with it. I think it's more the younger crowd that's into it and may not get that is supposed to be a memorial.
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Post by melanell on Sept 13, 2021 23:57:48 GMT
These days it makes me sad. And it does so because I see it as something that used to be shown as a sign of support that is now being used in a more negative way by many people and I hate when that happens. I hate when people take something that was good, or even just benign or innocent, etc. and use it in a negative manner. Because it puts people who knew it to be a supportive gesture to feel caught in a tough spot and it causes everyone else to see it and not know why it's being shown--for its original purpose or its new one.
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
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Jun 26, 2014 21:55:15 GMT
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Post by jayfab on Sept 14, 2021 0:07:41 GMT
The red line flag still holds the meaning it was supposed to - for fallen firefighters. Unfortunately, the thin blue line got co-opted by right wing nutters who also fly Trump flags and scream "all lives matter." Now, instead of standing for fallen police officers, it's another "sign" of racist assholes most of the time. I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. When they took their thin blue line flags to the capital on 1/6 it lost all meaning for me to ever see it as remembering a fallen officer again.
It means oppression. The oppression they aren’t afraid to beat you into.www.google.com/amp/s/www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/amphtml/USA/Politics/2021/0114/Capitol-assault-Why-did-police-show-up-on-both-sides-of-thin-blue-lineSame for me
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Post by melanell on Sept 14, 2021 0:08:41 GMT
I try not to think the worst when I see it but if it's paired up with other symbols, I'm gonna assume you're a trumper. I think this is a very good point. Seeing any other signs or flags paired with this one does help me guess the reason why any one individual or household may be displaying it. I did see it once recently in a yard with every kind of "liberal" flag, sign, etc. you could imagine--they have BLM signs and Biden signs and a modern Pride flag, and signs thanking nurses, and signs about their home being one of love and peace and welcoming, and so on and so forth. So yeah, I do assume in that case that they are displaying the thin blue line in support of fallen officers who they either personally know or just in support of all good officers out there. They also have a sign saying they support local police. So maybe they happen to have an officer in the family. But to me they are definitely not expressing themselves to be trumpsters.
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Post by cade387 on Sept 14, 2021 0:08:44 GMT
Growing up we never had thin blue line flags (or red).
We had a badge with a black/blue line across and same for fire fighters. When an officer was killed in the line of duty there was often a solid black rectangle with a blue line on it or a black/blue armband was worn.
The first time I ever saw a thin blue line on a flag was with Trump and anti-BLM. It will always have that first reaction for me. No officers I’m friends with IRL use that image ever.
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oaksong
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Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Sept 14, 2021 0:11:46 GMT
I call it the Black Lives Don’t Matter flag.
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