This is not a political post per se. Though I certainly have my own opinions about the current state of affairs, I’m not advocating for or against any philosophy or movement in this story. I’m just thinking out loud and sharing some thoughts. My intent is not to ignite another counter productive Facebook tire fire. Anyway…

I was wondering.. Imagine if I was the public relations person suddenly put in charge of all the nationwide protests happening this weekend. What would I do? Forget which side I’m on. I need results. I need this P.R. account. How would I pitch it to Don Draper?

One rule: Every single person that attends every single rally, carries or wears an American flag.

(And a face mask, duh.)

Why? Three simple points explain the winning strategy: 

1. This is our country and our flag. This is the real America. WE are the real America. The flag got hijacked. We are taking it back. Our country, our flag. No justice, no peace. 

2. Pepper spray and rubber bullets shot into a crowd of protesters holding American flags doesn’t play well on TV.

3. Folks that fly flags thinking only they are real Americans suddenly start getting car honks and people flashing peace signs yelling, “Right on brother, Black Lives Matter, U.S.A, Peace!” It forces dialogue or at least muddies the waters.

The Flag represents all Americans. It belongs to all of us. Don’t just give it up. Anyone who thinks they are more American than the next American is just a bad American.

Anyway, that would be my Mad Men P.R. pitch if I was hired to run PR for the protests.

Or as Ricki C. might say, the MC5 did protest right the first time. Do that.

Colin Gawel founded Pencilstorm and recently performed a solo show for CAPA Livestream ApartTogether Click here for details.