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Carolyn Aijian's avatar

I was at that meeting and watched Celeste as they tried to shout her down. They were very rude. I sat next to agitators who were incredibly hostile. My son also spoke passionately in support of the pledge that night. It was standing room only. It was that night when I realized what a divisive situation we were in, here in SB. While the pledge was reinstated, there are many hearts and minds who are not won over to the idea of “one nation, indivisible, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” They intend to divide us, in order to control us. They want liberty and justice for some, and nothing to do with God. Wake up folks, this is very serious.

Thomas John's avatar

Can you help me with who 'they' is that intend to divide us? I don't doubt it - I just wonder who you think they are.

DLDawson's avatar

it’s the Cabal, Elites, Deep State, Evildoers, Old Guard…take your pick…none of what is happening to Our Country is organic. We are in the middle of a Color Revolution levied against US by the “Old Guard” (CCP + WEF + others foreign & domestic). They are using the same playbook that they have used to install communism in other countries over time:

Steps to create & install Communism:

1. Take control of Health Care (make ppl depend on government - thanks Obama)

2. Create Poverty (make ppl on government)

3. Create Debt (higher taxes -> more poverty)

4. Gun Control (remove guns to create Police State)

5. Take full control of Personal Lives (food, housing, transportation...)

6. Take full control of Schools / Learning

7. Eliminate Religion

8. Create Class Warfare

9. Control the Media

DLDawson's avatar

There was a time when standing for Our FLAG meant something.

There was a time when our children stood at attention, and with pride, put their hand on their heart, and in one UNITED voice, recited the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

There was a time when STRENGTH and HONOR meant something.

There was a time when our history (heritage) was taught with PRIDE and RESPECT.

There was a time when respect was given to those who serve(d), bled, and died to protect and defend our FREEDOM.

There was a time when we were GRATEFUL.

There was a time when our ACCOMPLISHMENTS meant something.

There was a time when these UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, was UNITED.

There was a time when these UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, was UNITED UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG.

A FLAG THAT WAS CARRIED IN BATTLE BY BRAVE PATRIOTS AS A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM & JUSTICE FOR ALL NO MATTER RACE, RELIGION, OR BACKGROUND.

A BEACON OF HOPE WHEN FLOWN.

A MARK OF RESPECT TO THEIR MEMORY TO THOSE WHO WILLFULLY SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES TO DEFEND.

There was a time when, WE, THE PEOPLE, decided our future.

There was a time when, WE, THE PEOPLE, had a voice.

There was a time when, WE, THE PEOPLE, were UNITED and STRONG.

There was a time when the media was free from political bias [and corruption].

There was a time when our elected leaders stood their ground, dug in, and defended those they represented.

How many Men and Women in uniform are currently serving on the frontlines abroad only to look back in horror to see the homeland on fire?

What does the word ‘Patriot’ mean to you?

LAND OF THE FREE.

HOME OF THE BRAVE.

Now is not the time to be complacent…

PS…Happy Birthday US Army + President Trump…

Brent's Journal's avatar

Thanks ladies, for stirring the memory of how proud I was to receive a U.S. flag from my congressman, when I lived in N.J., that had been flown over our nation's capitol, as well as visiting the Betsy Ross house on our Sunday bike ride around Philadelphia.

CarsAreBasic's avatar

A great article, and history (not a story) that went with it.

Besides being Flag Day it is also the Birthday of the United States Army - First of the First and Army of the Free.

Stephen H Siemsen's avatar

...and let us not forget that today is not only "Flag Day," it is also the 249th birthday of the Regular Army of the United States!! Congratulations and a shout out to all the old soldiers reading this! I may not share your politics, but if we're ever in the same foxhole, I got your back.

Paul Aijian MD's avatar

Thanks for the great stories! Good for you Celeste, to show up and voice your patriotism at the SBCC board meeting. We need a thousand more people like you, with the courage to stand against the current tide of anti American sentiment taking over our academic institutions. See you at the rally.

Poornima Wagh's avatar

SBCC went to hell in a hand basket when the old guard of trustees was replaced with the new crop of fascists, most of whom came to the board from the Santa Barbara city council like Marty Blum (I call her Marty Gloom) and Peter Haslund who was political science professor. But this happened as early as 2009-2010. The only faculty who was fighting this nonsense was my boss and microbiology professor Dr. Judy Evans Meyer who unfortunately succumbed to ovarian cancer in July 2012. After Judy died there was a vacuum at SBCC as no one, and I mean no one was standing up to the tyranny. I remember when I was attending SBCC in 2007 and all the way through 2012, the community college was a stellar #1 community college in the United States. Now it's just a sorry relic of its illustrious past. I'm so very disgusted with SBCC that I would not even bother stepping on the grounds of the campus.

Carol Redhead's avatar

Both "Our Flag" and An Appeal to Heaven are wonderful stories. Thank you! Carol

Carol Evans's avatar

Thanks for the history, very interesting

Mark Allen's avatar

I was at that meeting. Not quite accurate. What actually occurred is online in video form. Once again misinformation and/or stretching the truth causes the same old tired fake patriotic rhetoric.

The National flag is a symbol of UNITY no matter one’s individual beliefs or choice of lifestyle. The National flag doesn’t pick sides, people do. The National flag is neither Conservative nor Liberal, it’s a melting pot of ALL beliefs under one nation.

For those of you who come to this site simply to complain about what the other side does or doesn’t do and proclaim the end is near for this great republic need to “check your own inventory” and look at the person in your mirror.

The National flag is near and dear to ALL AMERICANS to honor or reflect in any way an American chooses. Some may not respect the flag in a way that pleases you, but that’s each individual’s choice in this country and quite frankly none of our business.

The flag UNITES NOT DIVIDES. Lets keep the flag out of the usual nonsensical divisive bickering.

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Jun 14, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

Exactly what I stated. Not quite accurate according to what the OP claimed happened. Also as I stated, I was at that meeting and agreed with the OP’s concerns. But to state she was attacked by a “mob” is outright wrong.

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Jun 14, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

What part of “I was there” did you not understand. There was far more to it than what you think you know. Your video interpretation skills need some work. There was no “agenda”

or conspiracy against this woman. There was a protocol that ALL attendees of that meeting agreed to follow. The only “heckling” she received was from angry attendees who followed the rules she wasn’t. So don’t try to perform the usual twisting of facts as many posters on this site seem to do. There’s TWO sides to this story so calm down with you false accusations. If she was emotionally broken, she brought that on herself. And for your information, like I even need to explain it to you. I was in agreement with her beliefs, just not supportive of her display. The only “mob” was the one she created at that meeting. I sympathize with her but I don’t subscribe to her approach in defending her actions.

And if you’re looking for an argument, look elsewhere. I deal in facts and truth, not wishful thinking or fantasy accusations.

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Jun 14, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

I don’t need to explain anything. Your interpretation of the video is predictable from where you stand with your views. Mine obviously are different, and quite frankly to each his own, but don’t try to be a smart ass and twist her public comments to anything other than what she displayed. She went too far and crossed the line of what was acceptable and respectful at that meeting. And the only “triggering” was from her display, not the people who were fed up with it. Everyone had the same protected public comment allotments, yet didn’t feel the need to make a spectacle of it or abuse it. So you can twist and turn this narrative to your hearts content fella, but as usual there’s what you believe and what are facts that are quite different.

Also just an observation, but it’s amusing seeing the biased little grade school “approvals” in ‘red’. Also predictable here yet childish.

Colleen G Estrada's avatar

Wonderful morning read Celeste and Mary. Thank you!

Boubel Pamela's avatar

Thank you Mary for the Appeal to Heaven flag history!

Celeste Barber's avatar

To the person who states that I was not threatened in that lecture room. What I saw, heard, and felt in my bones was genuine. The situation, incited by faculty, was dangerous. Dangerous to everyone in that room: trustees, staff, and the students. Students should not have been permitted to stand behind the dais. That was also dangerous, including for the protesters. You cannot see it on the recording, but Chemistry Professor Napoleon, a ringleader, made her way down to just feet behind where I stood. THAT was a threat. She continued to berate me as I concluded my remarks and turned to discover her there. The scene was volatile. The faculty in charge of the students, irresponsible.

Justin's avatar

I'm confused. Does the Appeal to Heaven flag stand for revolution? If it does, doesn't that stand in stark contrast to flying the American flag? A patriot supports their nation and fights against those who would try and tear it down. So if you fly the Appeal to Heaven flag, are you not trying to bring revolution against America?

Thomas John's avatar

The phrase "An Appeal to Heaven" originates from John Locke's Second Treatise on Government, where it is used to describe the right of revolution when no earthly authority can provide justice. Once a flag flown by a squadron of six schooners commissioned by George Washington in October 1775.

But lately the Appeal to Heaven flag has been adopted by various conservative and nationalist movements and associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement. It's also now popular with Christian nationalist groups. It was prominently displayed during the January 6 Capitol insurrection. So once again we have a flag with different meanings to different people.

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Jun 15, 2024
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Thomas John's avatar

The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit "svastika," meaning "conducive to well-being" or "good fortune" . Now look what it means. Oh yeah, but that symbol was flying on many flags on January 6, 2021 at the Capitol riot too. Next you're going to say that the swastika's at the Capitol riot was the their original intent of that symbol too? If that's the case why in the German national colors?

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Jun 15, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

“Capital Police Riot”? that’s a new one. No surprise it sounds like the Capital Police rioted, instead of the MAGA thug insurrection … of which it actually was. But some people continue to make up their own definition to fit their own message.

Thomas John's avatar

Thank you Mark for pointing out the word slipped in.... Just like a politician to reframe a discussion to suit their needs. When I first read J.L. reply I thought they finally coughed up that there was a riot at all. Now it's the cause of the Police?? Sickening.

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Jun 15, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

Don’t be fooled. Yes it does,.

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Jun 15, 2024
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Mark Allen's avatar

Yeah sure, let’s not forget this flag has both the American Revolution and far-right ideologies. Like many flags and historical symbols, the Appeal to Heaven flag has multiple meanings and has been used in differing capacities, and no surprise the Appeal to Heaven flag is now also associated with American far-right movements and supporters of Trump. The flag has appeared at Trump rallies, and it appeared among crowds at the January 6 insurrection. It is also ingrained into the rhetoric of Christian Nationalism. So there’s those agendas as well.

Thomas John's avatar

So if I'm flying a Raiders flag - I might actually like the 49ers?

Mark Allen's avatar

You could also look at it as you’re a Raiders season ticket holder who believes your punter is to blame for your quarterback’s lousy play and your teams owner won’t cut the punter, but cuts the quarterback. So you start flying a 49ers flag? Wait! What?!! Lol

Michael Schaumburg's avatar

Thank you for writing Celeste and Mary.

I attended that huge event at Wake Campus where the public let the SBCC Board know how they felt about patriotism and saying the Pledge of Allegiance TO OUR FLAG preceding their meetings.

I believe that rallying around the country's flag that day made a lasting impression not only on the Board, but on the attendees.

I plan on driving in the flag car parade tonight meeting at Costco (tire area) at 4:30; all are welcome!

Meet each other in person for dinner afterwards. unite2win805.com for info

Janet Fanucchi's avatar

Thank you Celeste and Mary. Lovely reads!

Michael Cook's avatar

Thank you. Readers, pass it on,