The American Flag is a symbol of the struggles and triumphs of this great nation. I have always had the deepest respect for the flag and have been raised to respect strict adherence to the Flag Code. No I did not make this up, and as with many thing that I respect, I find myself annoyed with the individuals who create a false culture around something that is well established.
The flag is wildly misused by both liberal and conservatives. Extreme liberals, feeling they are protesting, burn it or display it backwards or upside-down. Of course this is improper, but not for the reason conservatives believe. Some conservatives call for banning of flag burning. Idiocy and knee-jerk reactions such as this rarely add to the debate. This brings us to our first lessons (quoting the Flag Code):
United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8k. - The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning
This is why, again, both sides are moronic. Protesting liberals believe they're sticking it to the man when in-fact they are just disposing of a flag that probably is still fit for display. And Conservatives want to take away a respectable means of disposal.
Second lesson, a pretty obvious one but I felt it should be noted as I mentioned it earlier:
United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8k. - The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
I won't sit here and site the entire Code to you, but I did want to discuss a couple more sections:
United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8d. - The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
United States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8e. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
You hear that you misguided “patriots”. You are not showing respect and admiration by displaying the American flag all over your clothes, you are breaking with the proper tradition you claim to admire. As somehow because you have an American flag bandana, shirt, or thong you are better than the people who disagree with you. I would ask respectfully. Stop. Do you honestly think it's proper for something that displays the flag be thrown in a washing machine? Get dirty as you get dirty?
To section 8e (stated above), I say if you are someone who has a dozens of flags around your house, car, or office that proper care is not being taken, and they are being damaged.
Honestly, if you pride yourself as someone who loves this country and constantly finds yourself surrounded by American flags as a symbol of your patriotism, read the entire flag code. I guarantee you've broken more rules than I have listed here. Better get your fire pits ready, you have some authorized flag disposal to get to.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm
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