TOPICS:
JUL 08, 2005 07:03 AM
coldenginelogic said:
I think many people on this thread are misguided in their feelings towards the flag. The flag is not just a symbol of our current government nor does it belong solely to any number of diverse people who might choose to display their feelings with the flag. ( which you may or may not agree with) through flying the flag. Our flag is a visual icon to the things the unite each and every one of us in this countryand has a long history and many different forms. It is ignorant in my opinion to dismiss a flag or a country over a small period of history. You need to remember the whole context of the ideals behind it. This is what I think about when I see our flag
.the history and the people that allow me to live the life I do today
"I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, 'Don't tread on me.' As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, 'till I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers. 'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living. Ben Franklin
[Edited on Jul 07, 2005 by coldenginelogic]
I'm curious to whom this is addressed, as "many" of us on this thread have expressed the feeling that we are not against the flag in and of itself, and proudly recall the things for which, historically, it has stood.
Many on this thread have instead voiced concern that today flying the flag has become a sort of fashion statement, and that some people displaying the flag do so without regard - and in many cases in direct opposition - to the ideals it represents. It is these people to whom many of us object, not the flag.
Of course, there are a smaller number on this thread who dismiss the flag outright, but I would not call them "many."
Just trying to clarify. 
BinkyMcQueen
Philadelphia, PA
December 2002
JUL 08, 2005 07:37 AM
Sick said:
coldenginelogic said:
I think many people on this thread are misguided in their feelings towards the flag. The flag is not just a symbol of our current government nor does it belong solely to any number of diverse people who might choose to display their feelings with the flag. ( which you may or may not agree with) through flying the flag. Our flag is a visual icon to the things the unite each and every one of us in this countryand has a long history and many different forms. It is ignorant in my opinion to dismiss a flag or a country over a small period of history. You need to remember the whole context of the ideals behind it. This is what I think about when I see our flag
.the history and the people that allow me to live the life I do today
"I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, 'Don't tread on me.' As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America. She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, 'till I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers. 'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living. Ben Franklin
[Edited on Jul 07, 2005 by coldenginelogic]
I'm curious to whom this is addressed, as "many" of us on this thread have expressed the feeling that we are not against the flag in and of itself, and proudly recall the things for which, historically, it has stood.
Many on this thread have instead voiced concern that today flying the flag has become a sort of fashion statement, and that some people displaying the flag do so without regard - and in many cases in direct opposition - to the ideals it represents. It is these people to whom many of us object, not the flag.
Of course, there are a smaller number on this thread who dismiss the flag outright, but I would not call them "many."
Just trying to clarify.
many was the wrong word usage but in my mind I was thinking about the subject in a broader sense. ( I have been talking about this subject a bunch lately) so excuse me for that. I agree the trend of the UBERPATRIOT is quite revolting, but that is why I chose to display the Gadsden flag --which was favored to be the symbol of our nation but lost to the stars and stripes. From the dawn of our country people have been divided over the flag...and in the end it is just some nylon and cloth...but the ideals behind the actual item are what I try to think about...hope that clears it up a bit more
Onibubba
Hopkinsville, KY
October 2004
JUL 08, 2005 05:07 AM