In another example of mainstream media spin, CNN’s Laura Coates stirred the pot by suggesting that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s decision to fly the “Appeal to Heaven” flag should exclude him from ruling over crucial election cases. Her comments overlook the fact that this flag signifies the never-ending quest for liberty and justice, a value cherished by Americans.
The New York Times shared that Alito was spotted flying this historically significant flag, a symbol dating back to before the American Revolution. To our forefathers, this flag was a defiant statement against the oppressive English Monarchy – it calls for the pursuit of a more perfect union. However, Coates failed to appreciate the flag’s optimistic note and instead connected it with rioters. An unjust and rather historically careless link, if you ask me.
Addressing this topic, Coates queried former FBI attorney, Andrew Weissmann, about whether Alito should preside over cases relating to Trump’s presidential immunity claim or the January 6th cases. Weissmann suggested the Justice should consider recusing himself. They disregard the fact that all Supreme Court Justices, including Alito, made a unanimous decision earlier this year to include Trump on the ballot. So we really have to ask, does excluding Alito change the outcome? I don’t think so.
Their conversation missed the point and took a dig at the symbolic use of the flag during the January 6 protest while dismissing its historical significance. According to Weissmann, the act exhibited an “appearance of impropriety” by the Justice, with no way of holding him accountable – a bit rich for an FBI attorney turned CNN commentator to uphold democratic principles, isn’t it?
In a nutshell, this incident reflects a gross misinterpretation of historical symbols to forward a narrative that suits their agenda. It’s essential to understand that the past cannot be selectively cherry-picked to support contemporary political biases. Despite what they’re peddling, Alito’s choice to fly the “Appeal to Heaven” flag should not undermine his ability to make just decisions in Supreme Court cases. His decision reflects a deep-seated belief in liberty and justice, fundamental principles on which our great nation was built.
