Trey’s response to libertarian Michael A. LaFerrara was especially interesting. – Ray
LaFerrara: Nike’s pulling of its Independence Day sneaker line is an act of corporate ignorance and cowardice.
This is, literally, how corporations in Mr. LaFerrara’s corporate, capitalist utopia are supposed to act. They don’t need regulation, the marketplace dictates their decisions. In this case Nike listened to the pressure that Mr. LaFerrara would typically praise. Somehow, though, since it’s a decision he doesn’t like this is corporate ignorance and cowardice. Consistently inconsistent.
LaFerrara: Really? The Abolitionist movement is also connected to the slavery era. Should we repudiate all of the brave people who fought–ultimately successfully–to end slavery, including Abolitionist leaders like Frederick Douglass?
Literally has nothing to do with the subject of the blog post. Whataboutisming abolitionism is intellectual laziness. Furthermore, the Betsy Ross flag wasn’t even the current flag of the US when Frederick Douglass was born. Even just a cursory rememberance of our Anthem and the flag that inspired it would inform Grandpa Screams at Clouds at the lack of association the Betsy Ross flag has with abolitionism and one of its staunchest supporters.
LaFerrara: The Ross Flag symbolizes the new American nation after their successful fight for Independence and the formation of a governing Constitution.