I found this story about how the DNC handle the flags after their convention rather disturbing. I also question the choice of credential design used at the DNC convention. All this goes to what I can only conclude is a lack of respect for our flag and for our country. You have a potential first lady who has only become proud of her country when her husband became the Democratic nominee.
Flag Etiquette
STANDARDS of RESPECT
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.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
6 comments:
One would think that the flag is a holy object, deserving of our worship and praise with those standards.
No thanks. A flag is a flag is a flag. It deserves no more respect than any other man made object.
It's a symbol, and only that; not an object to be venerated.
We're bordering on the fine line of idolatry with these rules here. But what do I know. Maybe I'm reading into it.
I am not suggesting that it is something to be worshipped, but rather something that is respected. And my real point is the appearance of a lack of respect for the country by some peoples. When we follow the rules or suggestions on how to handle the flag, it is not that we revere the flag or, in fact, the country, but that we pay respect and gratitude for those who gave the ultimate sacrafice for a country and a people so that we all can enjoy the freedoms that we own. We may not agree about policies or laws or the direction we may be heading, but I think we can all come to a common ground that we live in a country that has freedome becuase of the sacrafice of others. It is that ideal that we respect the flag.
I agree that a symbol like a flag should be respected. My problems is with the "Flag Etiquette, standards of respect"
Great blog. Post more often. :-)
Oh, Michael...we should be happy that Sen. Obama deigns the flag worthy of inclusion in his campaign! We should remember everyone and everything has its use to the good Senator after which it and they are usually discarded...
Of course the Senator reserves the right to go back to his garbage can and attempt to reuse the object or person though like Hillary there may be some balking...
Sounds like jmj is concerned that the Second Commandment and perhaps the First are being violated...
"The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal."
Does "distress that I don't like Obama winning the election" count as a valid reason for flying the flag upside down?
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