FreedomWorks Statement in Response to Nike Decision to Pull 'Betsy Ross Flag’ Sneaker From Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Wall Street Journal breaking the news of Nike’s scandal surrounding the decision yesterday to pull their Betsy Ross American Flag sneaker from production, Adam Brandon, FreedomWorks President, commented:

“I grew up watching athletes like Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson who made kids like me strive for greatness. Through their sponsorship, Nike projected a positive image that brought us together, rather than divided us. I’m heartbroken to see that rather than unify Americans this Independence day, Nike would rather pull the plug on a design that features nothing other than the American flag, a symbol that embodies the values our nation was founded on. Free markets and free societies allow companies such as Nike to thrive. Nike should be celebrating the American dream, not running from it.

“To discard their American flag design is to subvert the legacy of early American women patriots such as Betsy Ross. It is equally embarrassing for Nike that they would pull their design on the anniversary of Gettysburg, the turning point of the American Civil War during which more than 400,000 Union soldiers died to preserve the ideals that the American flag stands for.

“Governor Ducey of Arizona had the right idea today to revoke Nike’s tax breaks. We hope to see more elected officials do the same. On behalf of FreedomWorks and our grassroots community, we thank Governor Ducey for his leadership.

“Rather than deepening the political divide in America, FreedomWorks calls upon Nike CEO Mark Parker to bring together outside voices who have defended our nation’s values and begin a dialogue that brings us together, rather than driving us further apart. I’m sure Nike thinks this move makes great business sense, but you cannot put a price-tag on core American values that so many have paid the ultimate price to defend.”

This Independence Day, FreedomWorks’ grassroots community will be driving thousands of tweets and calls to Nike, their executives, and their shareholders, asking them to put the shoes back on the shelves, and stop disrespecting our nation’s history. For more information visit www.JustDoItAmerica.com.