Controversy

I have to admit to being somewhat amused at the protests over a local art gallery's exhibit here in East Hampton last week. The artist being shown took the American flag and did all sorts of things to it, like dying it red and painting it gold. It took no time at all for a hew and cry to erupt from locals here who were insulted by the desecration.

I don't like to see the flag disrespected in any way. When it passes me in a parade, I stand and put my hand over my heart. I treat it with respect and I would never desecrate one, because to me its the symbol of the country I love and am loyal to and I believe in what it stands for. My father and brother both served in the military, as did other ancestors. I am a pretty patriotic person.

But I also remember very well the turbulent 1960s when the flag was fair game to many in my generation who were protesting the war in Viet Nam. It was burned, it was worn as clothing, it was spit upon - and it was done legally as protected in the first amendment of the constitution. So it was with this background that I found myself amused to see the very same people of my generation up in arms over the desecration of the flag as done by this artist. My my, how we do change as we get older.

I hope its because we become wiser when we age. I remember my parents dismay over the way the flag was being treated back in those earlier days, and some of the same things they said are the things I am hearing said now. Suddenly we, the rebellious. hippie, children who made sit-ins and protests something to be proud of, are objecting to the  very things we did ourselves when we were young. Life makes me smile so often....