Thursday, March 15, 2012

U.S. Flag respect

The U.S. Flag Code calls for respect, dignity and honor to be shown to the U.S. Flag at all times.

Imagine my reaction when I saw the advertising photo for Gary Mullen and The Works in this week's Sidetracks magazine. Mullen will drag his Queen Tribune across the stage at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake on St. Patrick's Day.

I wonder if the Tea Party will show up to heckle him if he wears the U.S. Flag onto the stage.

If you wonder what the toothless Flag Code has to say about wearing the Flag or using it as Mullen does, Google it and you'll find explanations from various organizations.

I thought I might be able to snag an image off Mullen's website, but I can't. Nor could I find that image online, as it appears in the print version of today's paper.

But I did see another outrageous use of the Flag in advertising, and that's in the online banner ad for the June 30th Piano Concert at the Raue. See the piano keyboard painted as a U.S. Flag.

You can remind these performers of your patriotic feelings for the Flag by boycotting their performances. I certainly won't be forking out $59-65 to see Mullen wear the Flag.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wadda 'bout NJ Guvna having the US Flag at half-staff in his state for the death of singer/druggie Whitney Houston?

Now that's disrespect!

Anonymous said...

In this case he is mimicng what Freddy Mercury did 30 years ago in a live performance.

Anonymous said...

Also, the flag code, laws, etc were struck down as unconstitutional in '89ish. There is no current flag code, laws or regulations

Richard W Gorski, M.D. said...

If the people who disrespect the flag of our country saw the damage and harm that so many of our young men and women sustained for this country they would and should hang their heads in shame for their behavior. I would not pay one cent to see them perform whateven they do.

Dave Labuz said...

Mblue Said:

>>>> “Also, the flag code, laws, etc were struck down as unconstitutional in '89ish. There is no current flag code, laws or regulations

As George Constanza might have once replied Blue – as you might also be in your own little “bubble”?

>>>> “Oh no! I’m so sorry! The answer it’s “Moops”!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia02fGpUQfU

A brilliant take on a well-publicized misprint in the Answer Cards in the early days of the Trivial Pursuit game of the era.

You’re incorrect, Blue. The Flag Code still stands as part of Federal Law or Statute. It’s still there for all who’d WISH to honor it. Just as George COULD have honored the commonly known correct answer as being “The Moors”. You, like he, want to hang your hat on a technicality, rather than on honor.

You’re no longer REQUIRED to honor it – but it is your call if you DESIRE to honor it. What the US Supreme Court DID find, was that any PUNITIVE enforcement of the Flag Code was “inferior” to the First Amendment guarantee of Freedom of Speech.

The Flag Code still stands – at least for those still willing to adhere to and respect it – as well as in so doing, are also willing to respect those who’ve served as well as those who died in pursuit of their service for that Flag.

True – The Code no longer demands respect legally, but demands it morally. If that doesn’t work for you? Pride of Country? Pride of Place? Pride and honor of sacrifice? Respect?

Granted, respect is no longer “required” of anything by anyone anymore.

But it sure is heartening when such respect is freely and generously granted.

In so doing, respect generously and freely granted also results in generous and freely granted respect you’ll receive for having done so. Sometimes the greatest things in life are those that are free.

Dave Labuz said...

Sadly, Bulldog -

According to the Flag Code, it is any Governor's preroggative to do so.

Nowadays, even Freddie Mercury's pet gerbil would rate a flag at half-staff.

And what's with Whitney or Bobby always being noted for having so many bathroom countertop meals, both at home and on the road?

I guess "living the dream" ends up being a BLT Club with fries and slaw you eat while doing your makeup or taking a dump.

Not a lot of self-respect there. But then again, meals ain't just for the dining room anymore.