There is protocol out there, of course, and I'm always careful to follow it. I wear a flag on my ambulance uniform and I always treat the flag with respect. I am as patriotic as the next person. And yet, I wonder about why people have such angry responses to any misuse of this symbol of our country and its history. I totally get the lump-in-the-throat feeling seeing it pass in a parade or singing the national anthem. I'm there! I love my country. But just like with family, I know its weaknesses and problems as well. And I grieve over them.
At the end of the day I am still a child of the sixties and I believe in the freedoms we cherish in the USA. And as Justice William J. Brennan said in the Supreme Court decision of July 3, 1989 "We do not consecrate the flag by punishing its desecration, for in doing so we dilute the freedom that this cherished emblem represents" I could not have said it better and its a perfect thing to celebrate on this, the Fourth of July!
5 comments:
Freedom carries with it a responsibility. In much the same way it is a crime to desecrate a religious symbol so should it be with the flag. If we allow any behaviorism, no matter how offensive, under the guise of Freedom, where does it end ?
I understand and appreciate the thought but respectfully disagree. It is unfortunate that this should be necessary but I believe some legal protections should be implemented.
And my friend, that difference of opinion - and the ability to express it - is what makes this country great as well! :-)
Freedom is a relative concept these days. Especially freedom of speech. While desecrating the flag or publicly berating someone is perfectly legal, saying something that may be "taken as offensive" to a social group will make you lose your job, be ostracized by your community and basically end up in worse shape than if you went to jail. You'll be free, but homeless! What's worse - gov't punishment or community punishment?
Interesting point!
Interesting point!
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