There's major national news as political controversies and groundbreaking firsts unfold for…flags. Justice Thomas is catching a break from the spotlight as the scrutiny turns to Justice Alito over his public ties to extremist ideologies in the form of flags displayed outside his home. Specifically, ones that were prominently on featured during the January 6th Insurrection and also found in our State House.
One of the main reasons I entered local politics was to defend Arizona from extremism and to ensure the state I love is governed with integrity. Appointed in late fall of 2021, I began preparing for the session by talking to constituents. While at one’s door, I commented on their early October Christmas tree that was already up and glowing bright. Their response was revelatory — it was their "appeal to heaven" so "God would smite President Biden and return Trump to the White House." This prompted me to research Christian nationalism and how the pine tree flag had been hijacked to now represent violently restoring political order to the (white) Christian world.
Two months later, during my first week in the House, you can imagine my stunned surprise to walk out of an elevator straight into an 'Appeal to Heaven' flag. This flag, prominently displayed in full view of the second floor, was deeply problematic to see and signaled to me how dangerously close Arizona was to MAGA extremism. How did it get here? How long had it been here? I immediately went looking for answers but found few.
After several months of raising the issue, the flag was quietly removed one weekend towards the end of the session. Its presence was never officially acknowledged or explained by the House leadership. Although the flag is no longer there, questions about its origin remain. The connection between this ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flag in Justice Alito’s home and in our own People’s House shows the depth of extremism permeating our sacred spaces of democracy.
There should be no acceptance for undemocratic ideologies in our country. Arizona voters have demonstrated their refusal to align with unchecked extremism and will continue to this upcoming election. Stay vigilant and don't hesitate to speak up.