Newcastle Mayor Erupts After Activist Deems POW/MIA Flag Display a "Political Stunt"
A heated exchange erupted at a Newcastle City Council meeting in Washington state this week, after an LGBTQ activist criticized the city’s decision to fly the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag, labeling it a "political stunt." The clash, which occurred during the public comment portion of the meeting, involved Mayor Robert Clark and a resident identified as Jen, and highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding flag displays and representation within the community.
The city of Newcastle, a suburb of Seattle, has been grappling with issues surrounding flag displays for some time. Last year, the city council initially voted against flying the Pride flag over City Hall during Pride Month, a decision that sparked significant public backlash. Mayor Clark, at the time, defended the decision by suggesting that allowing the Pride flag would open the door to flying a multitude of other flags, including potentially divisive ones like those representing Hamas, MAGA, Trump, or Antifa. He argued that the American flag adequately represented all citizens. The council eventually reversed its decision in the face of public pressure.
This contentious history formed the backdrop for this week’s confrontation. Jen, the first speaker during the public comment period, directly addressed Mayor Clark, expressing her hope that he would support a Pride flag proclamation this year, given his "new-found appreciation" for flags beyond the American flag. She subtly alluded to the previous year’s controversy, setting the stage for her subsequent critique.
Jen stated her strong support for veterans, POWs, and MIAs, but argued that flying the POW/MIA flag for 100 days a year was a "political stunt." She proceeded to compare the number of American POWs and MIAs with the estimated population of LGBTQ individuals in the United States, suggesting that the Pride flag represented a larger segment of the population. Citing her research, Jen stated that while approximately 82,000 Americans are registered as POWs or MIAs, the LGBTQ community comprises at least 20 million members.
She then accused the council members of hypocrisy, alleging that their decision to fly the POW/MIA flag while refusing to initially fly the Pride flag served special interests. "I think that your approach to trying to trick people out of having to fly the Pride flag in June by making sure that the POW/MIA flag was flown is really disgusting," Jen stated, adding, "Again, it is not impartial in any way, and I think that you should be ashamed. I definitely am." She then walked away from the podium.
Jen’s remarks ignited a fiery response from Mayor Clark. He stated that while he typically refrains from responding to public comments, he would not tolerate the disparagement of veterans. "I will not sit here and have somebody tell me that veterans are a political stunt. How dare you?" he exclaimed. His words were met with applause from some members of the audience.
Mayor Clark continued, passionately defending the sacrifices of veterans. "This country was founded because veterans lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands of people died for this country so that you could fly your Pride flag," he said, directing his gaze towards Jen’s direction.
Acknowledging his emotional response, Mayor Clark apologized for being "pissed" and "out of line," but reiterated his condemnation of her comments. "Do not ever disparage veterans in my presence," he warned. "Those 82,000 people who never came home will never have a chance to have a family or grow up while you can fly your Pride flag. They sacrificed their lives all over the world for America and for freedom around the world."
The Mayor also indicated his familiarity with Jen’s past comments, stating that he "tolerates" them despite their often being "on the attack" and "libelous." He explained that he does so out of a sense of understanding, but emphasized that he would not stand for any disrespect towards veterans. He reiterated his warning, "Don’t ever disparage veterans in front of me," before opening the floor to the next speaker.
The incident highlights the complex and often emotionally charged debates surrounding representation, patriotism, and the recognition of various groups within a community. While the POW/MIA flag is intended to honor the sacrifices of those who have been prisoners of war or remain missing in action, some argue that prioritizing its display over other flags, such as the Pride flag, can be interpreted as a lack of inclusivity and a disregard for the rights and recognition of other marginalized communities.
The debate over flag displays is not unique to Newcastle. Across the United States, similar controversies have arisen as communities grapple with how to best represent their diverse populations and acknowledge the various groups and values that make up their social fabric. The incident in Newcastle serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue and open-mindedness in navigating these complex issues. The challenge for local governments is to find ways to honor the sacrifices of veterans while also ensuring that all members of the community feel seen, heard, and valued. The question remains how Newcastle will move forward from this heated exchange and address the underlying tensions surrounding representation and inclusion within the city.
