March 1, 2010
To the editor:
Every time I watch an Olympic event, I see total abandon for the proper protocol of the American flag. I’m sure the way athletes from other countries display their flags is also against the protocol directed by their individual countries.
If anything were to change it would be the random draping and running with the winning country’s flag; it is disrespectful and totally against the rules of display the flag. I’m always saddened to think how many Americans have shed their blood to keep the flag in a place of honor only to have it dragged around an Olympic arena like a piece of sheeting.
Below is a list of standards and respect taken from USFlag.org:
• The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
• The flag should not be used as a drapery, for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind.
• The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying or delivering anything.
You are right, she shouldn't disrespect the symbol and charter of our nation.
Of course, people should respect other's beliefs, and look at how that goes. Atheists telling believers they are bible-thumpers and believe in fairy tales; believers telling atheists they are going to a fiery place. Attacks against people because they are white, native, black, religious, non-religious, Alaskan, non-Alaskan, liberal, conservative, etc...
Sorry, rant is over. My point is this: I agree with you. Hold the individual accountable; don't make generalizations.
I think MJ is saying that people care about the flag like they do about the constitution. Look at how our constitution is routinely ignored!
I respect the flag and our constitution. However, more and more people do not. I think that is what AP was trying to say. (AP, correct me if I am wrong)
Are you a complete moron, or did you get out of your cage long enough to access a computer?
The founders could have gave a rats behind about that waste of time called the Olympics. And you don't get to pick your way of honoring the flag, you follow the rules, or you don't. You left wing atheist anti everything commies have no respect for anything except your absolute destruction of everything good in this country. Of course, the flag is at the top of your list as a no biggie da item.
Walkoffs...
You only speak for yourself. I'll bet your government services and entitlements are not meaningless to you.
One tiny correction, the national ensign (US Flag) may be dipped in return of a ship of a foreign nation dipping its national ensign first.
Have you ever accomplished anything so HUGE??
These athletes have just won the biggest event of their lives.
In their own way they ARE honoring our flag.
As far as not using it as a draping - how many military funerals have the flag DRAPED over the coffin?
Believe me, I've seen deliberate desecration of the flag and what our athletes did was nothing of the sort.
Simma' down now... just screwing wid ya.