Flags

Today I read Stephen Colbert’s take on the use of the American flag. It was not nice. Who ever heard of anyone “humping” a flag?

The use of the nation’s flag is a controversial one. Anti war demonstrators used to do dirty things to it during the Vietnam War.

So here are some guidelines.

One flies the flag on appropriate days if one is a private citizen. During parades, one salutes if one is in the military. Otherwise men remove their hats, and women cry.

Placing the hand over the heart is optional.

One does not expectorate on it, burn it , let it touch the ground while taking it down from the flagstaff, fly it upside down, cut it, wear it in flag form, although many patriotic patterns have been invented for scarves, and clothing.

What one does is fly it on an appropriate staff, and gaze at it reverentially during the Pledge. No kissing, hugging or dragging it through the mud.

If it means so little to government officials that they (he) has to make a big display of affection toward it we are all diminished by this action and attitude.

As Stephen said- It is the only time a flag wanted to be burned.

Burning in the appropriate incinerator is the only way to dispose of the worn out flag, not thrown on the garbage heap like some official likes to do.