Letter: Removing U.S. Flag from Municipal Properties Would Be Harsh & Misguided
David Mossy from Bognor writes in response to a reader's suggestion that American flags should be removed from City of Owen Sound properties during the U.S. trade war.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to David Wonnacott’s letter regarding the display of the American flag at the Julie McArthur Rec Centre. While I understand the frustration many Canadians feel toward the actions and rhetoric of Donald Trump, I believe removing the American flag from municipal properties would be a harsh and misguided response.
The instability in our economic partnership and the current political climate in the United States are not the fault of American citizens as a whole. The American flag represents far more than the actions of one individual — it stands for the shared values of freedom, democracy, and the long-standing friendship between our two nations. Many Canadians fly the American flag out of respect and admiration for these ideals, not out of support for any particular administration.
It’s important to remember the deep personal and cultural ties between our countries. Many Canadians have family members living in the United States, and vice versa. American athletes come to Canada to play, and our mutual exchange of talent, ideas, and culture continues to thrive. In fact, some Americans send their flag to Canadian friends as a tribute to the closeness and goodwill between our nations. These bonds remain strong, despite political tensions.
Yes, Mr. Trump’s unjustified trade war with Canada threatens jobs and economic stability in our towns, and his behavior often seems divisive and erratic. But to say the goodwill between our countries is “gone” overstates the situation. The American people, many of whom also oppose Trump’s actions, should not be judged by the behavior of their head of state. The American flag represents those people and the values they continue to uphold — not just the policies of a single administration.
I agree that we must stand firm in defending Canadian interests and values. But fostering growing resentment between our countries is exactly what Trump thrives on. By continuing to display the American flag alongside the Maple Leaf, we reaffirm our belief in the enduring friendship and shared principles that transcend political divisions. Removing it would send a message of hostility and separation — something neither nation needs at this moment.
Sincerely,
David Mossy
Bognor, ON
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
I just had another thought about flying the US flags. Why not fly them at half-mast, to signify our grief with our southern neighbour. The flag is a political symbol, and it is the politics that hurts us.
Trump's America is betraying us and the common values we once shared. America is lost their values and won't be showing any good ones for a long time. Take down the flags, lock them in a room and hope that they can be brought out again in our lifetime.