I'm an American.

But driving through a rural area about two hours north from where I live, I was struck by a few things.

Many Americans hate me. The very idea of me. That hate was on full display as we wound our way through picturesque small towns in my home state.

1/7

There were flags. Lots of flags. Most were red, white and, blue - the ones you would expect to see at this time of year - but there were many variations. So many bore the Tr*mp2020/K*G slogan, some were the flag of the c*nfeder*cy. Others read 'don't tread...'

2/7

We drove around for 5 hours, looking for an escape from our house where we've been cooped up for nearly four months, doing our part to stop the spread of Covid19. 5 hours, driving in and around an area that I knew, if we were to stop or get pulled over, I'd be in danger.

3/7

Every time I saw the Tr*mp flag or the c*nfeder*te flag, my stomach clenched. My hand tightened on the door handle. I was basically bracing myself and I didn't even realize it at first. Hubby was chatting away, and I was looking for the next flag. And the next. The next.

4/7

And after a while, I realized it wasn't just the Tr*mp flag or the c*nfeder*te flag that I had this...visceral, fearful reaction to, it was the American flag. If I saw the flag of my country on someone's house, I didn't think "Patriot" or "Holiday", I thought "they hate me."

5/7

My gut reaction was fear. Fear. Of MY flag. Let that sink in for a sec. It sure threw me for a loop.

6/7

I've never felt that way before. This is what this president (lower case p) has endorsed. Supported. How do we undo that? 'Cause I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who is afraid of these people who call themselves patriots. And hate us. Just because.

7/7

Wow, okay. I didn't expect this kind of response. While you're here, consider donating to @ColorOfChange and @fairfightaction. Wear a mask. Stay safe. Keep up the fight. Vote.