Why Seattle won’t do American flag-themed crosswalks

Since rainbow crosswalks were ordered by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and installed by the Seattle Department of Transportation, there has been significant criticism.

Some folks don’t think we should spend public dollars on this kind of project. Others think it’s a distraction.

Related: Microaggressions are an excuse to feel offended

I disagree. I like the rainbow crosswalks because they represent a community and offer celebration of the historical importance of the neighborhood.

I like the idea so much, that at the time I originally defended the crosswalks. I argued we should be doing more of them. Some people agreed. In fact, rogue community activists decided to paint a Pan-African-themed crosswalk in the Central District. KING 5’s Heather Graf says the activists behind this did it “to give a sense of ownership” back to the community.

Now, unlike the rainbow crosswalks, these are patently illegal. They don’t include clear, white outlines, nor are they painted with reflective paint. SDOT knows about them, but has decided to leave them for now. SDOT wouldn’t want to offend the Pan-African community.

SDOT should correct the shoddy work to make them legal and safe, and we should do more of them.

In fact, because Mayor Ed Murray loves this idea so much, I propose we paint American flag-themed crosswalks. I want to see some red, white and blue crosswalks to celebrate our patriotism.

But there’s no way on God’s green Earth that the city or Mayor Murray will allow it. Why? It’s a microaggression against non-citizens, for one. Community activists, too many of which actually dislike this country and what we stand for, won’t allow it. Those are the exact type of activists that Murray tries to appeal to in order to stay in office.

Think I’m wrong? Let’s try. Join me in asking the mayor to post American flag crosswalks so we can all proudly proclaim our patriotism to the greatest country on Earth.

Contact the mayor to ask for the American flag. He’ll ignore it, but all these emails will go on the record.