Texas Governor’s Blunt Response to Critic: “Get Lost and Go Back Down Under” if US Flags Bother You

William FurneyOct 22, 2023

Minute Read

An Australian TikToker got more than she bargained for when she complained about a large number of American flags flying in the United States — and the governor of Texas told her to get lost and go back Down Under.

‘Too Many American Flags’

Mia Chloe stoked fury when she criticized Americans’ sense of patriotism in a video uploaded to her TikTok account.

“I’m just going to say it: There are too many American flags. They’re on houses. They’re on cars. Some are on couch cushions. You’re the only country that I know that does this.”

Ingrained into Memory

Chloe heaped scorn on Americans for plastering the Stars and Stripes on just about anything possible.

“Could not tell you what it looks like. I know it’s blue and it’s got some stars on it but I think I could draw the American flag from memory.”

Can’t Recall Aussie Flag

The TikToker, who posts about budget travel on the Chinese-owned video site, said she had seen her own country’s flag so few times that she barely remembered what it looked like.

“The only time I’ve seen an Australian flag is on the [Sydney] Harbour Bridge … could not tell you what it looks like. I know it’s, like, blue and it’s got some stars on it.”

Lecturing Americans

Chloe suggested to Americans that they stop draping their flag over everything possible.

“I think I could make a bloody sculpture out of it. That’s how many times I’ve seen it. It’s enough. Let’s pull back on it, OK. Let’s stay humble.”

Governor’s Irate Order

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, was having none of it. Linking the vlogger’s rant against the American flag in a post to his 1.1 million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, the governor told Chloe to “Go back to Australia.” To ram home his point about Americans’ love for their national emblem, Abbott added eight US flag emojis to his post.

Pride in America

The governor’s stance struck a chord with others on social media. One person said on X that they were “proud to be an exceptional nation. As evidence, I present the fact that she, a hater, still spent time and money to visit. LOL.”

US Flag in Texas

Another person opined on X that should the vlogger go to Texas, she might be shocked at the sheer number of American flags on display.

“Wait till she visits Texas and sees all our flags,” they said.

‘Inspiring US Flag’

Still another X user, who said they were Australian, said they were inspired by Americans’ patriotism in flying the flag and suggested the TikToker had no respect.

“As an Aussie who just spent two weeks in Texas, I found the presence of the flags inspiring. I wish we had that kind of patriotism back home,” said the poster, going by the handle Aussie Overlawd. “Unfortunately, these kids have no pride and respect for their country (or others). And I’ve seen a corresponding lack of courtesy and respect for others as well,” they added.

Not First USA Rant

It isn’t the first time the TikToker unleashed a torrent of criticism against the United States. She has also posted videos decrying US supermarkets, saying they were a “trap,” after she spent hours at a Walmart only to come away with a few items.

‘Unlivable Kansas’

She has also suggested it was impossible to live in Kansas due to its weather. “Even though it’s blue skies right now. Give it an hour and it’s going to be thunderstorming; there’s going to be lightning. You’re going to get stuck in a f****** hail shower,” she said in a rant that has also since been deleted.

US Flag Code

Old Glory, as the American flag is also called, has a specific code setting out how to display it. The Stars and Stripes must not touch the ground and it should be illuminated if flown at night.

“It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness,” say the rules.

Out of this World

The US flag is not only flown on Earth but also on the Moon. A total of six flags were placed on Earth’s satellite by astronauts of the Apollo missions. They are likely to be in bad condition, however, because of the harsh lunar conditions.