Bernie Scolaro is a retired school counselor, a past president of the Sioux City Education Association, and former Sioux City school board member.
On a hot August day, I proudly joined the chant “USA! USA! USA!” I was wearing my American flag shorts and a blue tank. I was definitely proud to be an American. It was 2017. I was in Des Moines for the Solheim Cup, watching the U.S. women golfers play against the European women in team competition.
However, the Solheim Cup is so much more than just watching golf. Spectators like me enjoyed not only the golf but the exuberant atmosphere surrounding the course. It’s an event where spectators are like participants representing their country, cheering and supporting their team to victory. I remember not only interacting with fellow Americans from across the country, but also the fun bantering back and forth with the European fans. It was joyful. Playful.
I am not sure when it changed for me, but I started developing an adverse reaction to seeing the American flag. Not because I am unpatriotic. In fact, perhaps because I am patriotic and love what the American flag should stand for.
Trump’s use of the flag—hugging it, calling out America First—mischaracterizes what the flag really signifies. America, and the flag as our symbol, should represent welcoming all people, being an ally to all people in our country and our NATO allies.
Instead, it began to be misused as a prop for MAGA to put on their trucks or break into the Capitol during an insurrection, all in support of one man—who is the very opposite of the inclusive values and the safety net known as America. The Trump years have been filled with chaos, division, and constant denigrating of the disabled, marginalized groups, Democrats, “blue” states, and for that matter, anyone who does not worship him.
In 2019, I fully supported Kamala Harris for president. I knocked doors for her and attended her rally at the convention hall prior to the Iowa Democratic Party’s Liberty and Justice Celebration in Des Moines. As the president of my local teacher association at the time, I spoke with Kamala briefly about education and teacher issues. She was attentive, respectful, and kind. I then followed behind her and a young group of children who literally danced their way from that room where she spoke to the Wells Fargo Arena for the dinner. What fun. What joy.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention opened this week on a hot August day in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris is the party’s presidential nominee. It has been a while since I felt this uplifted and “patriotic.” Watching the VP and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz these past few weeks has renewed in me that love of country, that hope for the future, that fun energy that has been missing since Trump infected our country.
So thank you, VP Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, for your love of country, and your love for all people. Thank you for reminding me that you can fight with integrity and honesty while also uplifting others with your infectious joy and energy.
When Kamala accepts the nomination this Thursday night, I might just be dancing too.
Top photo was first published on the Kamala Harris campaign’s Facebook page on August 7.