Left-wing local leader torched after griping about American flags, pushing 'more relatable' replacement

"To me, a pride flag is way more relatable than an American flag. I would not raise an American flag at my house because I wouldn't. I wasn't even born here. But I would raise a pride flag," said Lynnwood council member Isabel Mata on Monday. "As the most diverse city in all of Snohomish County, I don't think that I'm the only one." 

At the heart of the argument is Wilcox Park, known as "Flag Park," which features 27 flagpoles displaying various versions of the American flag. 

The comment set off an outpouring of critical reactions on social media as clips of her remarks spread like wildfire online this week.

Mata walked back her comments when asked by Fox News Digital about her dismissal of the symbolism behind the American flag. 

She added that her comments "were not a formal policy proposal," but to raise "a broader question about how Lynnwood, the most diverse city in Snohomish County, might find additional ways to reflect its community."

"I believe there is room, in a city as diverse as Lynnwood, to celebrate the many cultures, identities, and communities that make it great, alongside the American flag, not instead of it. Any formal changes to public spaces would go through a proper public process with full community input. That is how it should work," she added. 

The designation would give the pride flag protections similar to those afforded to the U.S. flag, military flags and other flags recognized by Congress.