Mayor Fires Back After Activist Crosses the Line

Washington State Mayor Robert Clark unleashed a fierce defense of veterans and the POW-MIA flag after an LGBTQ activist accused him of using the military symbol to block Pride flag displays at Newcastle City Hall.

Key Insights

Mayor Clark forcefully responded to accusations that flying the POW-MIA flag was a “political stunt” to prevent the Pride flag display during June.
The controversy stemmed from a Newcastle City Council decision last year to stop flying the Pride flag, which was later reversed following public pressure.
Clark defended the POW-MIA flag’s significance, noting it represents 82,000 service members who never returned home.
The mayor questioned where to draw the line if various flags were permitted on government property, asking if Hamas or MAGA flags would also be allowed.
The heated exchange occurred during a council meeting that was originally focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Mayor’s Fiery Response to Activist’s Criticism

During a Newcastle, Washington city council meeting, an unexpected confrontation erupted when an LGBTQ activist accused Mayor Robert Clark of using the POW-MIA flag as a tactical maneuver to prevent the Pride flag from being displayed at city hall. The activist suggested that Clark’s decision to fly the POW-MIA flag was “disgusting” and merely a trick to avoid displaying the Pride flag during June celebrations, igniting a passionate response from the mayor.

Clark immediately broke from normal protocol to address the comments, stating he would not allow veterans to be characterized as a “political stunt.” The exchange quickly became one of the most viewed moments from the meeting after clips spread across social media, garnering substantial support for the mayor’s defense of military service members and their symbolic representation.

The Historical Significance Behind the Debate

The POW-MIA flag, designed in 1971, serves as a powerful reminder of American prisoners of war and those missing in action. Currently displayed under the American flag at the White House, this black and white banner depicting a silhouetted prisoner against a guard tower and barbed wire has become a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice. Mayor Clark emphasized that the flag represents more than 82,000 service members who never returned home from various conflicts.

The controversy originated from a Newcastle City Council decision last year to discontinue flying the Pride flag during Pride Month. After public opposition, the council reversed this decision. However, the dispute reignited when the activist suggested that the POW-MIA flag was being used as a strategic tool to diminish the Pride flag’s visibility and significance.

The Slippery Slope Argument

Throughout the debate, Mayor Clark raised concerns about the potential consequences of permitting various flags to fly at government buildings. He questioned where officials would draw the line if they allowed multiple flags to be displayed. Clark presented a challenging scenario to the council and residents, asking if they would be comfortable with potentially divisive symbols being flown above city property.

“If we start raising flags, then we’ve got to raise everybody’s. Do you want a Hamas flag flying over the City of Newcastle? Or a MAGA flag?” Clark asked during the meeting. His argument suggested that flying only the American flag would avoid the complex issues of deciding which groups deserve representation through flag displays and which do not, a position he maintained would be more equitable for all citizens.

Public Response and Community Reaction

The confrontation quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with many users expressing strong support for Mayor Clark’s defense of veterans and the POW-MIA flag. The video clips of the exchange garnered hundreds of thousands of views across multiple platforms. The incident occurred during a council meeting originally scheduled to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as well as climate change goals.

The mayor concluded his remarks by emphasizing the connection between veterans’ sacrifices and the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, including the freedom to display the Pride flag. Clark pointed out that the very rights activists exercise today were secured through the sacrifice of military service members throughout American history, some of whom never returned home and are commemorated by the POW-MIA flag.