Mayor Blasts Activist Over Shocking Disrespect

Washington state mayor Robert Clark delivered a scorching rebuke to an LGBTQ activist who called flying the POW-MIA flag a “political stunt” designed to prevent the Pride flag from being raised at City Hall.

Quick Takes

Mayor Robert Clark of Newcastle, Washington forcefully defended the POW-MIA flag after an activist suggested it was being used to block the Pride flag.
The confrontation occurred during a city council meeting where DEI policies were being discussed.
Clark emphasized that veterans’ sacrifices enable all Americans to exercise their freedoms, including flying the Pride flag.
The council had previously reversed a decision not to fly the Pride flag after public feedback.
Clark questioned where to draw the line if various flags are permitted at City Hall.

Mayor Defends Veterans’ Honor During Council Meeting

During a routine Newcastle, Washington city council meeting that was addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, an unexpected confrontation erupted when an LGBTQ activist accused Mayor Robert Clark of using the POW-MIA flag as a means to prevent the Pride flag from being displayed at City Hall. The activist characterized the mayor’s decision to fly the POW-MIA flag as a “political stunt” and “hypocrisy” designed to circumvent flying the Pride flag during Pride Month. This accusation triggered an immediate and passionate response from Clark, who refused to let the comment pass without addressing it directly.

Breaking with his usual protocol of not responding to public comments, Mayor Clark delivered a forceful defense of veterans and the POW-MIA flag. Visibly upset by the comparison, Clark rejected the characterization that honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action was merely a political maneuver. He emphasized that the POW-MIA flag, which is flown under the American flag at the White House, represents a solemn recognition of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, including the very freedoms that allow for Pride celebrations.

Mayor’s Impassioned Response Goes Viral

Clark’s emotional defense of veterans quickly gained traction on social media, with many users expressing support for his stance. The heated exchange became symbolic of broader tensions between traditional patriotic symbols and contemporary social movements. The mayor’s unfiltered response struck a chord with many viewers who appreciated his willingness to stand up for military service members, especially those who never returned home. The video clip of the exchange has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times across various platforms.

Clark’s remarks were particularly pointed when he referenced the human cost of American freedom. “Man, I am p*****. Sorry, this is out of line and perhaps my councilmembers will censure me for this. Do not ever disparage veterans in my presence, those 82,000 people that never came home, while you can fly your Pride flag, they sacrificed their lives,” Clark said, his voice rising with emotion. The POW-MIA flag, first designed in 1971, has long stood as a symbol of national commitment to account for all military personnel who did not return from conflict zones.

The Flag Policy Dilemma

At the heart of the controversy is Newcastle’s flag policy. The city council had initially decided against flying the Pride flag but reversed course after receiving public feedback. Mayor Clark has argued consistently for flying only the American flag at City Hall, raising concerns about the precedent that would be set by accommodating various group-specific flags. He questioned where the line would be drawn if the city started allowing different flags to fly, using provocative examples to illustrate his point.

Clark’s argument centers on the potentially divisive nature of displaying flags that represent specific groups rather than the entire community. “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? How about a Trump flag or an Antifa flag?” Clark asked rhetorically. This concern about fairness and consistency in flag policy reflects a challenge many municipalities face when balancing inclusive representation against practical governance limitations and avoiding potential controversies over which causes receive official recognition.