Once again our elected busy-bodies feel the need to wrap themselves in the flag in an attempt to "protect" it. Banning flag burning is one of the most assinine approaches to suppression of the 1st amendment. It also makes you wonder what the government plans to do with old retired flags, since the only way to dispose of one is to burn it. That or just let it fly off your car arial and land in the gutter.
The real abuse of the flag is the flagrant misuse of the image and the ignorance of the law; promoting a business, slamming one of the "quick-fade" 'these colors don't run' version on a car, improper display (especially on vehicles) and the hideous jingoistic fashion trends.
Rather than go after protestors, shouldn't we be focusing our political energies at the businesses who are profiting directly from the misuse of the image?
• My flag is old and ready to be retired. What should I do?
Section 8k of the Flag Code (see below) states, "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." We recommend that you contact your local VFW Chapter and ask them for help properly disposing of your flag. And be sure to consider providing a small donation to them for their assistance. Or you can contact your local Elks Lodge (who created the idea of Flag Day, established officially by President Truman, himself a member of the Elks) or the American Legion. Some Boy Scout and Girl Scout troups also can provide this service.
I don't know about you all, but I have never burned a flag, and see no reason to do so. Nevertheless, the day that flag burning becomes illegal, I will burn a flag in protest.
Posted by: flag burning at December 13, 2004 05:19 PM