Our flag is a symbol of our freedom
Recently the Republicans who currently run the political establishment in Washington D.C. tried to ram through a Constitutional amendment to criminalize the desecration of the American flag.
I've read quite a few letters to the editor from angry conservatives decrying Senators Cantwell and Murray for voting against the amendment.
I say bravo to both of them for defending freedom of expression. Bravo to them for recognizing this amendment for what it really is: a midterm elections marketing ploy.
What is, perhaps most incredible, is that burning a flag is not an act of desecration at all. It is the recognized and proper way of disposing of the flag when it is no longer fit to be flown.
As Supreme Court Justice William Brennan once eloquently stated: "We do not consecrate the flag by punishing its desecration, for in doing so we dilute the freedom that this cherished emblem represents."
It doesn't get any simpler than that.
I've read quite a few letters to the editor from angry conservatives decrying Senators Cantwell and Murray for voting against the amendment.
I say bravo to both of them for defending freedom of expression. Bravo to them for recognizing this amendment for what it really is: a midterm elections marketing ploy.
What is, perhaps most incredible, is that burning a flag is not an act of desecration at all. It is the recognized and proper way of disposing of the flag when it is no longer fit to be flown.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.It's especially laughable how the flag is not supposed to be used for advertising. Yet that's all the Republican Party uses it for.
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.Our flag is a symbol of our freedom.When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
- 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, or for covering a speakers 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, fireman, policeman 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.
As Supreme Court Justice William Brennan once eloquently stated: "We do not consecrate the flag by punishing its desecration, for in doing so we dilute the freedom that this cherished emblem represents."
It doesn't get any simpler than that.
