As a former Boy Scout I learned to respect and always handle the (American) flag carefully and appropriately. Perhaps this has made me over-sensitive to how the flag - or images of the flag - are used or misused. I'm trying not to be partisan here and I think that seeing anyone walking on an image of the flag would bother me - but am I alone in that regard? Obviously, from the picture shown, those who set up John Kerry's stage, those who attended his speech and John Kerry himself weren't offended. Am I over-reacting when seeing John Kerry walking on an image of the flag offends me?
Am I just over-sensitive?
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It's not a real flag, it's an image of one.
The context obviously matters.
I'm ok with it in this context.
As much as I'd like to find something wrong with it, I would not feel any differently if GWB were standing there.
The context obviously matters.
I'm ok with it in this context.
As much as I'd like to find something wrong with it, I would not feel any differently if GWB were standing there.
I really don't see any disrespect here. I look at it like when GWB was standing on Presidential Seal during the convention.
By the way, did you hear the John Kerry was in Viet Nam? I just heared that the other day.
By the way, did you hear the John Kerry was in Viet Nam? I just heared that the other day.
Well it pisses me off a little more that John Kerry wrote a book with our flag upside down on the cover in the early 70's. Standing on an image of the flag right-side-up isn't so bad in comparison, I guess.
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By the way, did you hear the John Kerry was in Viet Nam? I just heared that the other day.
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I heard he did two (decorated) tours.
The flag thing bothers me a little.
Jim
By the way, did you hear the John Kerry was in Viet Nam? I just heared that the other day.
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I heard he did two (decorated) tours.
The flag thing bothers me a little.
Jim
My thoughts are that its our flag, the National Ensign. It's not a decoration to be hung around the rooms as in a festival. It should not be worn as an article of clothing.
An it certainly should not be used as carpet or flooring. There are buntings and ribbons designed for these purpose's. To use the actual flag as a decoration is disrespectful.
To hang many flags in the same venue gives the impression of trying to convince everyone of one's patriotism. Kinda like labeling a car lot as "Honest Abe's" used cars. If you have to tout your honesty, what was the driving force behind that action? What needed to be repaired? What is being hidden from view?
If one has to convince everyone of one's patriotism, apparently the something is missing from the daily experience. Patriotism won't rub off the flag as you walk by it nor will it's aura embrace and change yours.
Patriotism is from within, an attitude.
Vick
An it certainly should not be used as carpet or flooring. There are buntings and ribbons designed for these purpose's. To use the actual flag as a decoration is disrespectful.
To hang many flags in the same venue gives the impression of trying to convince everyone of one's patriotism. Kinda like labeling a car lot as "Honest Abe's" used cars. If you have to tout your honesty, what was the driving force behind that action? What needed to be repaired? What is being hidden from view?
If one has to convince everyone of one's patriotism, apparently the something is missing from the daily experience. Patriotism won't rub off the flag as you walk by it nor will it's aura embrace and change yours.
Patriotism is from within, an attitude.
Vick
No, I don't think so. Walking on the flag—or an image of the flag, as the case may be—is rude.
I dont like seeing the flag be used as a floor mat myself for trampling on. on the other hand Kerry has done worse.
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Not only does it seem wrong, it is a violation of the Flag Code.
STANDARDS of RESPECT
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. They are:
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.
http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
STANDARDS of RESPECT
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. They are:
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.
http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html
I saw a place selling American flag door mats.
Is it ok to wipe your dirty feet on an image of the American flag?
Flag door mat
Is it ok to wipe your dirty feet on an image of the American flag?
Flag door mat
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