Is it a way to honor “250 years of American sacrifice?” Or is it “performative patriotism?”
Both phrases were used to describe the Puyallup City Council’s decision this week to spend nearly $150,000 on a 100-foot flagpole flying a 20-by-30-foot American flag — a project that divided the council and ignited a passionate debate over patriotism, priorities, and taxpayer money.
Council votes to approve Puyallup’s giant American flag
City council member Dennis King sponsored the motion, which was approved Tuesday night by a 4-3 vote. Deputy Mayor Dean Johnson and councilmembers King, Renne Gilliam, and Jim Kastama voted yes. Mayor Ned Witting voted no, along with councilmembers Lindsay Smolko and Lauren Adler.
“This isn’t about politics, ideology, or political parties,” King said. “Tonight is about honoring 250 years of American sacrifice.”…