News from Patrick Flynn

There is a trend of late to use a phrase akin to, “I apologize if anyone was offended by my words or deeds.” Not much of an apology, in my opinion.

So, while my decision to kneel during the Pledge of Allegiance, with my hand over my heart and reciting it as written, was not intended to offend (indeed, I tried to come up with a way to be respectful to the many aspects around this discussion) there is no question that some found it offensive. That is my responsibility, and mine alone, and I sincerely apologize to those I offended.

The good news is that I have had the opportunity to engage in a number of communications with a wide variety of people over the past few days, and expect to continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead. Some have agreed with my gesture, some opposed it; some communications have been productive, some not.  All have been informative.  Here’s what I would humbly suggest to others interested in this topic:

Engage someone with whom you would not normally engage.   Talk to them, try to understand them, try to help them understand you. The media/Facebook/e-mail cannot do this for us – it should be on a personal level. If those conversations occur then whatever consequences I bear will have been more than worth it.

And thank you to those who took the time to inform me of their reaction to my action. I appreciate all of the feedback.

Regards,

Patrick