West Seattle Indivisible plans ‘Reclaim the Flag’ rally on streetcorners Saturday

(WSB photo)

You might already have seen the flyers posted around the peninsula. West Seattle Indivisible is planning another rally on streetcorners along California SW, from Admiral to Morgan Junction, this Saturday (June 28). Here’s the explanation they sent:

West Seattle Indivisible presents:
RECLAIM THE FLAG Street Rally

Saturday, June 28, 2025
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
California Ave SW from Admiral to Morgan Junction

Fresh off the NO KINGS March, let’s keep building strength in numbers and reclaim our flag as a symbol of democracy, liberty, and justice.

Bring your:
* US Flags
* Noisemakers
* Pro-democracy signs
* Kiddos — this is a family-friendly event!

We’ll line California Ave SW from Admiral to Morgan Junction, spreading the message block by block.

Let’s make freedom loud, proud, and visible in West Seattle. See you there!

Back in April, the group drew hundreds to more than 20 streetcorners in West Seattle for its first rally/protest.

Jake June 24, 2025 (2:56 pm)

This flag represent imperialism and racism. I almost wonder if an update is in order…

Martha June 24, 2025 (5:10 pm)

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This
KWest Seattle June 24, 2025 (5:20 pm)

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Disagree
Mike June 25, 2025 (2:26 am)

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Feel free to move out of the USA, Jake. There’s a reason so many people WANT to move here, regardless of who’s POTUS. The irony of a group with the name “indivisible” is also using “reclaiming” the flag in a statement.
Niko June 25, 2025 (2:40 am)

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Oh good lord. No one said this after 9/11 and flags were everywhere in BLUE Seattle
Neighbor June 25, 2025 (8:03 am)

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It might mean that to you but that’s certainly not what the designers intended. Since you don’t care about the truth then you’ll have the same objection to any updated design. Replacing the stars with hearts isn’t going to make racism go away. Please do better.
- Scarlett June 25, 2025 (11:57 am)
  
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  No, I doubt the founders wanted a British Empire 2.0 with military bases in every nook and cranny of the world, the kind of empire they broke away from. Do you think that’s what they wanted – Vietnam’s, Iraq’s, Philippines, the Panama’s, the countless interventions in South America, Central America and the rest of the world. The U.S. is an imperialistic country that slaps down anyone who challenges the almighty dollar. Wake up, grow up, or both.
JumboJim June 25, 2025 (9:36 am)

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The flag represents all parts of our history, not just the negative.
brandon June 25, 2025 (4:57 pm)

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So, burning a Pride flag is a hate crime. Burning an American flag is acceptable. Please explain.(Sounds similar to the question of what the American flag stands for in your mind.
- PM June 28, 2025 (5:11 am)
  
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  This article tackles your comment. It’s not a hate crime by default. “If I buy a gay pride flag and burn it as a protest, without endangering other people or property, there is no crime, and so my hateful motive is irrelevant,” he said.“If you burn someone else’s Pride flag with the intent of trashing gays because of their status, it might be a hate crime,” Neuborne said. “But only because the flag was not yours to burn, and only if the necessary intent was proved beyond a reasonable doubt.”
SD June 28, 2025 (8:07 pm)

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The flag represents many things to different people for understandable reasons, even if they are factually inaccurate or incomplete.I am all for reclaiming the flag, because for me, it represents a belief in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, and for protecting our endangered civil liberties. The Founders fought to create a more democratic society than they had previously known. They didn’t design our government perfectly. Nevertheless, the result is far better than living under the oppression of a tyrant who could victimize anyone on a whim.

BobonAlki June 24, 2025 (3:32 pm)

President Trump won the EC, ALL the swing states, the popular vote, and both houses of Congress. He is our President and may God protect him

JunctionResident June 25, 2025 (8:45 am)

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Republicans win the popular vote (narrowly) for the first time since 2004 and think they have some mandate from God all of the sudden.
JumboJim June 25, 2025 (9:38 am)

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Sure, but that has nothing to do with this idea.
walkerws June 25, 2025 (10:28 am)

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If the god of the bible were real he would strike Trump down with furious vengeance
- Jethro Marx June 25, 2025 (6:46 pm)
  
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  LOL please finish the book, all is well, and all manner of things, in the end.
N June 25, 2025 (1:38 pm)

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Well said, Thank you! God Bless America. God Bless President Trump.
suebhounz June 27, 2025 (11:31 am)

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Actually i think god needs to protect us from frump and his minions

Watertowerjim June 24, 2025 (3:49 pm)

I love this. I probably disagree with most of their positions, but I always thought it was odd that the left ceded the American flag to the right (when did this happen, 2020? Maybe the Kaepernik kneeling stuff?). Regardless, we ALL should claim the flag regardless of politics. Looking forward to seeing you all waving Old Glory instead of Ukraine then Palestine then Mexico now Iran? Love it.

Derek June 24, 2025 (4:34 pm)

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I think it’s because nationalism and patriotism is rooted in bad, systemic problems. And that’s tied to the flag symbol.
- Niko June 25, 2025 (2:39 am)
  
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  Nonsense
- Randy June 25, 2025 (9:54 am)
  
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  I agree that nationalism of the “Hate Everyone Else” type too often takes over the flag.There is another, better sort of nationalism.When I am in love with someone, that does not mean that I need to hate everyone else!It’s the same with love of country.
Gerry June 25, 2025 (9:43 am)

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I agree that liberals should fly the flag. And I hope not upside down. I know folks intend to signal America in distress. But some people misinterpret to mean disrespect. Not all of them are MAGA hotheads. Why risk alienating them ( traditional Democrat union guys I’ve known come to mind).
- Burgerman June 25, 2025 (8:57 pm)
  
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  Meh, lots of MAGA idiots are flying the flag upside down too. It’s not fodder for anything significant.
Terry June 26, 2025 (12:15 pm)

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2020? Golly, it actually goes back to the late ’60’s, in my memory. “Your flag decal won’t get you into heaven any more” -John Prine. Hippies did too often cede the flag and patriotism to the Right wing. And it was a mistake. I personally wore a black arm band with thin stripes of red, white and blue to protests and marches. I did not want to state I wasn’t proud to be an American, even if not proud of many things my government did. In a democratic republic, rather than giving up on these shortcomings, you rally, vote, take it to court as needed, and change it. Of the People. By the People. For the People.

Observer June 24, 2025 (4:26 pm)

Just saw this guy removing all the notices along California

Lurker June 24, 2025 (6:53 pm)

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That clown rips down all the notices posted along Alki
so what June 24, 2025 (7:36 pm)

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it’s illegal to put flyers on telephone poles it’s legal to remove them…..
- WSB June 25, 2025 (2:04 am)
  
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  No, it is NOT illegal to put flyers on (most) utility poles
  
  4.3 Poles and posts where signs are allowed.
  4.3.1 Signs may be placed only on utility poles, streetlight poles, traffic control sign
  posts, and traffic control signal poles that are in the planting strip and that are
  not on state owned right of way.
  
  (From https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/SDOT/About/DocumentLibrary/DirectorsRules/sdot_dirrule_0202B.pdf )
  - so what June 25, 2025 (7:13 am)
    
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    I was wrong thanks for pointing that out.
    - SoLongDelridge June 25, 2025 (11:24 pm)
      
      I hope this starts a wonderful journey of discovery for you, what else might you be wrong about?
  - Lauren June 25, 2025 (10:09 am)
    
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    Thanks for setting the record straight, WSB!
Randy June 25, 2025 (9:52 am)

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Hey if he sees this, ask him to contact me. Let’s have a polite conversation over a drink and find out what his issue is.I would bet the price of coffee that we have more in common than we disagree on.
- Burgerman June 25, 2025 (8:58 pm)
  
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  I doubt it. I have a strong suspicion it’s one of the Trumpians who post regularly in these threads. And even more suspicious that they’ve commented above. Look at that smug, arrogant walk.

Oerthehillz June 24, 2025 (4:53 pm)

Rallies and protests are a bit like rocking chairs. It gives you something to do, but does it really get us anywhere? Is it just about comeraderie and raising awareness? Does it really change anything? I honestly want to know, as I’ve been watching all these marches, protests, rallies, etc…and I don’t see much change.

Hmm June 24, 2025 (5:36 pm)

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Nonviolent protest is only ever meaningful against an enemy that on some level has morals. Absent morals, only the other kind of protest is ever effective.
Anne June 24, 2025 (6:33 pm)

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It’s not about you –
- alkiannie June 24, 2025 (9:47 pm)
  
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  It is about them, and you, and all of us, Anne.
  
  I agree, OerTheHillz, protest is just one tool of many. Folks who oppose fascism also need to vote, support elections in their area and those in other states with tight races, be kind to your neighbors (many are hurting under Trump’s regime), volunteer for democratic causes (as many have lost critical funding), and more. Protest keeps spirits high and sends a message to those in power – as well as our friends around the world who are watching – that we are not settling for this horrible new status quo. It sounds like you’d rather do something that feels a bit more direct, which I get. Have you thought about volunteering for groups that take a more active role in some of those other areas? All hands matter. It is about you. And me. And us. Every. Day. We. Must. Resist.
amydd June 25, 2025 (8:49 am)

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Good article in the Seattle Times on this very issue:
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/protests-like-no-kings-are-vital-in-more-ways-than-you-think/
- Rewinn June 25, 2025 (9:43 am)
  
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  thanks for the link – that’s a great article!
Lauren June 25, 2025 (10:05 am)

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This site has a lot of great analysis on the power of protest and other nonviolent resistance tactics: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/06/american-spring-nonviolent-protest-accelerating/

Jay June 24, 2025 (5:06 pm)

Dude looks like a lady. I guess he/she doesn’t support our flag, democracy, and rule of law.

Olive June 24, 2025 (5:25 pm)

Kiddos? Be kind—they are called children.

WSB June 24, 2025 (5:33 pm)

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I don’t use it but there is nothing unkind about the term “kiddos.” I have observed it in common use among the current generation of parents of young kids. (It was more a direct address when I was little – “listen, kiddo …”) – TR
- Jay June 24, 2025 (10:23 pm)
  
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  Ha! As in “You’re in trouble NOW, kiddo!’
Anne June 24, 2025 (6:32 pm)

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Nothing wrong with using word kiddos-
Leonette June 25, 2025 (9:02 pm)

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I hear them called “littles” quite often.

Brandon June 24, 2025 (5:58 pm)

Can someone clue the rest of us into when the flag stopped representing those things? It’s when people were told to hate what it stood for, right?

Jay June 25, 2025 (3:15 am)

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100%! We don’t block traffic, we are peaceful, upbeat, and patriotic. But, oh the horror, we just might wave and smile!

We respect the freedom and justice the flag represents. “Liberty and justice for all.” Unlike trump, we don’t slobber over the flag.
Rrewinn June 25, 2025 (9:47 am)

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Since you asked … No, I don’t think ppl were told to hate what it stood for — it just got kidnapped by people who hate what it stands for — freedom for ALL not just for THEM.When you see certain people (no names, please) hugging the flag and kissing it and using it as an excuse to hate other people, well that turns off the people they are attacking. It’s time to change that.

Sbre June 24, 2025 (6:38 pm)

Our flag represents the freedom we all have to share our thoughts & and feelings about our flag.Long may if fly! 🇺🇸

Jake June 25, 2025 (7:55 am)

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Free if you’re not Mexican and living scared like my neighbors.

Rats June 24, 2025 (6:48 pm)

RCW 46.61.050Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer (RCW 46.61.050).Mentioning this as it was not obeyed at many intersections in April. It’s also illegal to blow your horn when not trying to avoid an accident. Two hours of horns honking is a hardship on neighbors who live close to California Ave. Please don’t do it. Thank you.

RCW 46.37.380

Horns, warning devices, and theft alarms.

(1) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn or other warning device may emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation give audible warning with his or her horn but ***shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway***

alkiannie June 24, 2025 (9:57 pm)

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People often break laws in protest when legal channels fail or when the law itself is unjust. Nonviolent civil disobedience, like blocking traffic or honking horns, can draw attention to urgent issues and shift public opinion. Successful movements throughout history have used these tactics to create meaningful change.

Blocking roads and honking horns have been used in protests like the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and Extinction Rebellion to disrupt daily life and demand urgent attention to injustice. These tactics, though often illegal, have helped bring about policy changes, public awareness, and major government responses.

I encourage you to branch out and consider joining in a bit of well-intentioned noise for 1-2 hours in the middle of a weekend day for a greater good. I also have to say that the streets and intersections were NOT blocked in past protests in West Seattle and I do not expect them to be blocked this time either. I know, I drove through these areas each time.
Luke June 25, 2025 (7:00 am)

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Life of the party over here 🎉

Pam June 25, 2025 (6:27 am)

I’ve been enjoying riding my bike on a tour of the West Seattle/White Center protest sites. If fellow cylists would like to join me this Saturday, I’ll be at the picnic plaza at the Thriftway at 11:45, my bike kitted with protest sign(s) and an American flag. If there’s enthusiasm for it, I’d be open for going all the way to the Statue of Liberty on Alki, along the beach, then up Admiral, and back to the Morgan Junction. Best behavior road habits, please — single file, observe all traffic signals/signs, etc. You know the drill. Extremely leisurely pace. Do consider it, it’s fun! And you get to see ALL the street corner protests along California!

Helpermonkey June 25, 2025 (7:12 am)

It’s always disheartening to see how many little fascists live amongst us. I wonder why you’re fighting so hard to claim a flag that represents a country you hate, whose values you hate. It’s puzzling to say the least. And while I’m here, do you cultists have a recipe you like for boot, or do you just prefer licking it raw?

bradley June 25, 2025 (9:25 pm)

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What a stupid comment. Not everyone who didn’t support Biden is a fascist. Just like every Dem isn’t a left wing nut. The answer to your sauce is the same you used for the council members that were replaced.

American June 25, 2025 (7:19 am)

Maybe you’re choosing to try to ignore decimating cancer research, rural hospitals closing down, entire clinics at urban hospitals shutting down, wilderness areas being logged, drilled and mined, food banks being cut, Medicaid being cut, worker protections being slashed, school districts losing funding unless they comply with proscribed curricula, habeas corpus ending….And if you don’t become active and join the Resistance that’s what America will be like.

Walkabout June 25, 2025 (7:20 am)

No horn honking, please! Say, what ever happened to the pickleball is too loud and disruptive to wildlife movement? Those were the days. In any case, if you feel so strongly about an issue, by all means get off the coach or (in this case out of your car). Alternatively, drive to somewhere outside of the bubble, where you might actually change someone’s outlook (the gas is probably cheaper there too!).

Rewinn June 25, 2025 (9:49 am)

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Definitely going outside of our comfort zone to meet people where they are is so very important. But enjoying our space is important too. Let’s all enjoy the day and have a civil conversation about our shared values of love for America, warts and all!
Lauren June 25, 2025 (10:07 am)

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If the comments section on the blog are any indicator, there are a lot of minds to change right here too ;)

Scarlett June 26, 2025 (2:45 pm)

“I do solemly swear to up uphold the Constitution of the United States.”

Our president just egregiously violated the oath he took as president when he unilaterally and without congressional authorization dropped bombs on Iran. He essentially gave the American public the finger: “I’ll do whatever the hell I want to do – try to stop me.”

Yeah, so I and others don’t want to hear the whimpering about not causing any ruckus and you know, looking on the bright side of Old Glory, and other insufferable banalities.