I assure you with 13 years and counting of military service, I love this country, and I love the flag that represents it. As another individual mentioned, there is a code of customs and courtesies associated with the flag to dictate how it is handled with dignity and respect. Having the privilege to have performed military honors at funerals, I can assure you everything about handling the flag is very specific. They way it's folded, how it should appear after folding, how it it rotated to be passed to the grieving etc. Everything about how the flag is handled with dignity and respect is specific. Those practices should always be preserved to maintain that sacred presence and reverence for the flag and what it stands for. It shouldn't be used as decor or a wrap for a photo. It also shouldn't be made into clothing (bikinis, boxers, jackets, etc.). Images of the flag upon clothing are deemed appropriate, but when the flag becomes the clothing itself, or a wrap, we are not observing those customs which are intended to show respect for the flag and love of country. I can greatly appreciate the sentiment and good hearted intention behind the photo, but it over looks the practice of actually holding the flag by a high and honorable standard. I don't think it's anything worth getting worked up about as some people seem to be. At least it attempts to be a very positive image, but it does make me cringe in the same way it makes me cringe to see flag bikinis, or stroller awnings, and so on. I hope you can appreciate my reasonable approach without it feeling like an attack. Most people don't even know that flag clothing is counter to code, and wear it with the mindset that it displays pride. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate the code and adherence by it so much more, because it takes greater care and effort to observe it. Have a fantastic God-blessed American day!
I have a bigger problem with a state university banning it in the student government offices (I know, it was later vetoed).
If anything, the symbolism in this photo honors the flag and the things it symbolizes.
My Shipmate is using the flag as a symbol of the blanket of freedom it provides to US citizens and is also signifying that he will lay down his life if necessary to defend the freedom of our country and his baby. He is also signifying that children are the future of America.
And if you disagree with me, that's your choice and right. But it's also my right to tell you to kiss my Red, White and (Navy) Blue ass.
As for the "Zero Tolerance" regarding the flag code, I'm going to have to disagree with CW3 (Join to see). The intent and the situation make all the difference. I also see room for presentation and aesthetics as well. We are a creative race with great attachment to our symbols, as much as we wish to protect the flag, we have a similar dream that the country we protect will extend that courtesy to our children. In many ways, the use of the symbolism in these pictures should evoke that sense of family, service, and country, values that those who decry these photos say they most believe in. It makes me wonder whether their loyalty is to the spirit of America or to the letter of the Law of Rule.
57% Of Republicans Say Dismantle Constitution And Make Christianity National Religion
A PPP poll found that 57 percent of Republicans want to dismantle the Constitution and establish Christianity as the national religion
Except that the "Flag Code" is unconstitutional... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_v._Johnson
So, are you upholding the Constitution or The Flag Code?
I get it, there are ways the flag should not be used... I just find this symbolic presentation to be more reverent than most.
Texas v. Johnson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989), was a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that invalidated prohibitions on desecrating the American flag enforced in 48 of the 50 states. Justice William Brennan wrote for a five-justice majority in holding that the defendant Gregory Lee Johnson's act of flag burning was protected speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Johnson was represented by attorneys David...
The flag code is not a criminal code and I don't think was even part of the decision/case. The Flag code is a guide for the treatment of the flag only and has been used by people that want to ensure appropriate treatment of the flag. It is a part of the official US Code but carries no penalties etc. I think you are conflating the flag code with laws that were on the books against flag burning specifically.
Of course there is always the argument regarding an action such as burning a flag being free speech or not. It was not a unanimous decision by the way.
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