Defending the Colors

Peter Ryan Lynch heads to trial Tuesday morning to defend himself for his September defense of the colors of the United States of America. As you will recall, Lynch found the Mexican national flag being flown unaccompanied by the U.S. flag in front of Scholes Hall at UNM. He notified the ROTC and an hour and a half later when nothing had been done to correct the violation of the U.S. Flag Code, Lynch - a military veteran - took matters into his own hands by tearing the flag down (read our posts here).

Almost immediately The Center of the Race (El Centro de la Raza) started crying hate crime while taking no responsibility for their role in the Great Flag Flap of 2007 (read about it here). Lynch denied any racial motivation and posted a letter right here explaining his actions (read it here).

What has been absolutely stunning to us is that the DA chose to prosecute this case in the first place. But of course anything is possible when our DA chooses to prosecute people like Elton John Richard for trying to enforce the law and protect his property and family... but we digress.

Despite offering to replace the ripped Mexican flag - an offer refused by The Center of the Race - Mr. Lynch will find himself facing a DA and undoubtedly representatives of El Centro de la Raza whose main objective is not the administration of justice but rather the continuation of the victim status racial politics that gives them their power.

Eye Poll: Katherine Martinez Soundly Defeats O'Malley

In another surprising turn of events, Katherine Martinez (M) who is running against City Council President Debbie O'Malley (D) soundly defeated Ms. O'Malley in this past week's Eye Poll. Ms. Martinez received 69% to Ms. O'Malley's 31% in an unscientific poll that can only be described as bucking the conventional wisdom (view the results here).

We honestly don't know how this will play out Tuesday. Our hunch is that the incumbent O'Malley will hold the seat easily, particularly if this election turns out to be a referendum on the Almighty Marty. However, if the election comes down to Councilor O'Malley's propensity to spend our tax dollars and her less than warm and fuzzy personality the Eye Poll may end up being a harbinger of things to come.

This week we wade into the tempestuous waters of the Flag Flap. We understand that Peter Ryan Lynch is receiving large amounts of support from Eye readers along with free legal services from attorney John D'Amato.

Curiously, the Saturday UNM Homecoming football game featured more United States flags than we have ever seen in University Stadium. We couldn't help but wonder if the administration was trying to project a sense of patriotism to donors and alumni after taking a beating in the press over the Mexican Flag Flap.

Frankly we were glad to see Old Glory featured so prominently and the crowd spontaneously singing our national anthem sent chills up our spine. We hate the fact that it takes a series of screw-ups, unfounded charges, and constant media attention to remind most of us that the American flag represents more than just a government, but freedom, liberty, and the sacrifices of patriots that made them possible.

Let us know what you think should happen to Mr. Lynch in this week's Eye Poll. Don't forget to vote!