Originally posted by: destrekor
Originally posted by: glutenberg
Originally posted by: destrekor
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: destrekor
Originally posted by: mugs
The store owner was an idiot for flying the Mexican flag above the American flag. He had to realize how much hatred that would bring his way.
But on the other hand, the flag code is violated ALL THE TIME, even by supposedly patriotic people who fly their flags in front of their houses in the rain or at night unilluminated. Businesses violate the flag code ALL THE TIME by using flags in advertisements.
This isn't about the flag code.
how is it NOT about the flag code? There are certain portions of the flag code, that when violated, do not present much of an issue, even for veterans. Such as not lighting up the flag at night, flying the flag when it is beginning to tear due to wind damage, etc etc. These are things, that while frowned upon by many, are not worth putting up much fuss. My own parents have a flag that is one of those that hands off an outward extending pole from the porch, and it's not illuminated. They try and bring it in before storms, but don't always get the chance. Regardless, I don't fret because it's not something I would want to stress over.
HOWEVER, flying The Colors BENEATH another flag, NO MATTER WHAT FLAG IT IS, even if it's a State's flag, is highly offensive to many individuals.
You more or less made my point. It's not about the fact that he was "illegally" flying the flag. People really don't care so much about that - "patriotic" people do it all the time. It was more about the message he was sending by flying the Mexican flag over the American flag. I don't like that message, and I think the guy should go back to Mexico if he feels that way, but the first amendment protects his right to do it just like it protects a protester's right to burn the flag.
This veteran may respect the flag, but he doesn't respect what it stands for.
how? no, I am not missing your point. it's quite obvious. But look at it this way.
Sure, that store owner has the right to do as he pleases
(if he's not illegal, but I'll be nice and assume he is a citizen or at least has the proper rights to be here), but you have to be careful with the rights of the 1st Amendment. It's used too often as a 'do whatever you want pass', and I find that part in of itself disrespectful. However, this is not about that. Or actually, it is.
Think of it like this. He has the
right to fly the flag in whatever way he chooses, but since it is such a glaring violation of the flag code (one that deserves action, imho), then that vet has the
right to take it down and restore justice to The Colors.
How kind of you in not being a bigot.
He has the right to fly the flag however he wants because he's not breaking the law. The veteran exercised vigilante justice not even for a broken law but for his inability to control his emotions. I don't understand why it's so hard for people to understand that the store owner didn't break a law. He broke a guideline that's used by the government for flying flags, not a law.
I've never said it's law. Quit trying to put words into my mouth. And who cares if it's vigilante justice? Sure, no law was broken, however, the store owner's actions' were severely disrespectful to the country he chooses to live in. If you are going to be a citizen, have respect for the history of The Colors and what they represent.
What I absolutely hate about protesters who burn the flag or generally disrespect it, are they are fvcking morons in that they don't see the irony of any statement they are trying to make with the flag. Guess what? You couldn't do that to The Colors if not for the history of them and those who have sacrificed themselves throughout history to uphold the beliefs of them. So, by disrespecting The Colors, you are being disrespectful to the history of this country.
I support the vet and his 'vigilante justice', because he has equal right to restore respect.
Don't live here if you are going to disrespect the history and purpose of The Colors. And no, that's not a stab directed only to Mexican immigrants, but to all citizens who choose to desecrate and disrespect the flag.