On Feb. 25, I went to replace the American flag that hangs in front of my home. I shopped at several local stores where one would expect to find American flags.

None of these companies are currently carrying American flags because itÂ’s the wrong time of year for American flags. In oth ser words, itÂ’s not the right season for merchandising the American flag for the same reason why nobody is carrying Christmas trees or the jack-o-lanterns.

Out-of-season merchandise?

The American flag is not some old profit-making piece of merchandise. ItÂ’s a symbol! Yes, a symbol of a nation that exists to give the opportunity for these corporations to safely operate their businesses in an environment to make a profit.

Under these conditions, companies donÂ’t stock the American flag for merchandising reasons. They stock it because theyÂ’re supposed to be grateful for the right to sell goods.

Patriotism isnÂ’t supposed to be a merchandisable commodity. The first reason why these companies should be selling American flags is for patriotic reasons, not for profitable reasons.

Why is it that the very same people who want to operate their businesses under the symbol that furnishes the liberty to do so are the ones not willing to stock this symbol year round? Does the symbol of our nation only protect people on the Fourth of July, Flag Day or Veterans Day? No. It protects us all year long!

Michael DÂ’Anthony

Porterville