Trump flag flying? No thanks. I don't want to know a business' politics.
The other day, I needed to get my car towed. There is a towing business in my community that I considered. I'm not out to ruin anyone's reputation, so I'll just say I used them years ago, and I was satisfied with the experience. They were kind and professional, and they did just what I expected them to do.
The problem is that over the course of the past few years, they have become more political with the flags they fly in front of their establishment. I first noticed this a couple of years ago when I was driving past and saw them flying a flag that read 'Let's go Brandon!' As everyone knows by now this was a pejorative directed to then-President Joe Biden. The backstory to this NASCAR-coined insult is pretty ridiculous, but I'll leave it there.
Needless to say, I voted for Biden, so I did not find it amusing at all, and I made a mental note of it. Sometime later, still before this recent election, another flag appeared. It read, 'Don't blame me, I voted for Trump!'
"Oh really," I thought to myself. Well, they're not the only place around. I guess I won't be going back there. Today, they sport a flag that supports the police. Well, good for you, towing company, I support the police, too, but the damage was done. That's why, the other day when I needed my car towed, I went with someone else.
They did a great job. They, too, were kind and professional, and I have no idea who they voted for. I like that.
Novi is a solidly purple area, just look for yourself on BestNeighborhood.org at the Novi political map. Displaying a political flag probably alienated half your community. Like I said, I'm not out to ruin anyone's reputation ― who knows, maybe my letter will bring in new customers from the red areas to the west.
But I have a suggestion for you, local towing business ― no one is impressed with your Trump flags. Why don't you just fly the good old Stars and Stripes, and be done with it?
Eddie Dee
Novi
Nearly 10 years ago, I boarded a one-way flight to Sacramento to serve as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps — a national service program that changed my life. I spent over 2,500 hours building homes, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting people with disabilities.
NCCC brings together diverse young adults from across the country to serve where the need is greatest. Covering housing and travel, it removes financial barriers to join, allowing everyone the chance to serve. In so many ways, NCCC embodied what we all hope America can be: people coming together across difference, in service of the common good.
Opinion: I joked about getting deported. In Trump's America, it's not funny. | Opinion
Last month, the Department of Government Efficiency cut NCCC's funding. In doing so, we lose a rare space where young people grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders by serving others. It's a loss for the communities served — and a loss for our country. Please contact your members of Congress to save this vital program.
Catie Meyers
Redford
Letters: It's been 100 days. How is Trump doing? Have your say in a letter to the editor | Letters
It's too bad that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer felt compelled to sell her soul for 21 F-15EX Eagle II jet fighters. Is this what Michigan needs? What will these planes do to improve education, healthcare, housing and transportation in our state or repair our crumbling infrastructure? The Pentagon budget is already bloated while the president and Congress propose severe cuts to Medicaid and other programs that serve the basic needs of the most vulnerable among us.
Sad to say, our governor has joined the ranks of Democratic politicians who are unable or unwilling to stand up to the president even as he defies the law and shreds the Constitution. Governor, we expected more from you.
Karen M. Donahue
Detroit
Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. If you have a differing view from a letter writer, please feel free to submit a letter of your own in response.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump flags, Gretchen Whitmer, DOGE cuts | Letters
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