When the Busheviks are discredited and replaced by more level heads, and our icon no longer so grossly misunderstood, I'll proudly fly it again. Not until- it's presently under hijack.
And one short rant against those who are flying it for their own reasons (and so they should): I learned proper respect for our flag in the military. Flying filthy, ragged examples on your vehicles is not proper respect. Apathetically leaving your flags unlit and outside at night is also disrespectful (but how American). As a defensive driver, I suppose someday I will miss having all those ratty flags marking myopic and tunnel-visioned sheeple behind the wheel.
Which would show just how shallow you and many on the left are Hype. The flag is a symbol for a nation, a set of ideas. It's not the current administration or conflict. Maybe there's an analogy here, if not a very good one. Those like you on the left are quick to hide the flag, to renounce it's meaning when you see it displayed by those you disagree with. As opposed to those of us who would rather make a point in flying the flag when faced with leadership that doesn't represent us. One group sees the flag as representing themselves and their countries ideals and will struggle to insure it remains true to the cause, the other want's to bury it at every given oppotunity.
Did you somehow misread "I'll proudly fly it..." and "I learned proper respect for our flag in the military"? Perhaps we both have illusions about the sentiments of those we disagree with. Whenever I am at protests, as I was today, we fly our nation's flag crisp, clean, and with respect and pride. But it is an overwhelming majority of Americans shouting "If you don't like___ then get the F___ out", conducting other discourse on freedom with their their middle fingers, that sail by in inefficient vehicles with dirty flags fluttering. That's my flag too, but these days I have to be careful about context.
Well dang, hype, maybe you could start conducting weekly seminars down at the Worker's Party union hall and give some instruction to those sad pathetic people in their 'inefficient' cars who have somehow come to the mistaken conlusion that flying their little minature car flags is being patriotic. One thing they never taught me in the military was what was the proper respect for a windlow flag decal. Do I have to remove it from my car at night? If the flag is your flag too, then display it proudly and don't be so disconcerted by this administration. Administrations come and go; your patriotism shouldn't.
You can look your concerns up on innumerable flag etiquette websites if you are truly concerned, although I think common sense would suffice in discouraging the very specific, and commonly-occurring, PHYSICAL abuse I was pointing out. My patriotism is doing fine, and isn't going anywhere, thank you.
Hype, you said "<FONT COLOR=BLACK><FONT SIZE=1><FONT FACE="TIMES NEW ROMAN"><I>When the Busheviks are discredited and replaced by more level heads, and our icon no longer so grossly misunderstood, I'll proudly fly it again. Not until- it's presently under hijack.</I></FONT></FONT></FONT>" I pointed out that flying the flag shouldn't be dependent on the current administrations political stance..... It seems to me that you can't even address a post directed at you with a reply that answers the observation.
You're right- I failed to be specific enough, although with your help it is being clarified, that I can't fly presently the US flag without qualifications and context, and represent my understanding of the ideals defining and holding together my country. The primary issue I commented on is that our flag is being physically disrespected with unprecedented frequency. Both problems will recede after a change of leadership in the Executive Branch. When the bully pulpit is wrapped and concealed defensively in flags, there isn't much red-white-and-blue left for dissenters.
.... set up flag.. take symbolic webcam shot.... POST! <FONT COLOR=BLUE><FONT SIZE=5><FONT FACE="TREBUCHET MS"><I>Tadpole, the American patriot look..... </I></FONT></FONT></FONT> <IMG SRC="http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/a/rainctrl/pizza/picts000.gif"> Hype... the flag was behind me even during the Clinton years... heh, actually I laughed my ass off when I took the pic, I can't believe how well I pulled off the thoughtful "skyward" look.. Dang!
I still come close to shitting my pants opening the post Marquis. I couldn't strike the pose again if my life depended on it....
Something is missing in the pic, oh yea I know what it is, the guy beats his own drum a lot, where is the drum?
So by Bill Moyers's definition of an "OK self defense war", our invasion of Normandy was "a failure of moral imagination, political nerve, and diplomacy." There was no threat of Hitler standing on our shores, at least not for a very long time. There would still be plenty of time for diplomacy. After all, Hitler was a nice enough guy, right? I'm sure he would have come around.
I can find a drum.. it will have to wait though.. not shopping tonight! Immane, it's one of the no win arguments that the left uses.. in the final analysis, defense is only necessary when the threat is at the door. It's a rather silly notion.
Tadpole Actually the picture is very good and it had me going for a second because you look a lot like my son. lol you talk like him too. Needless to say my son and I have some very interesting discussions. But that is what America is really all about isn't it?
I bet it does Justice (leads to interesting conversation) Moreover I'm humbled by the reference to your son. I know mamma's and their pride and I'm honored. Not that I'm his calibre of course, but the idea that I prompted you to think of him. (smile)
