American flag needs to be defended, not protected
Veterans' Day honors veteran. I was at the high school for the special service. I may not be worthy of the fine efforts but I certain appreciate it.
I want to thank all the high school students who participated and a special thanks to the beautiful young lady who was delegated the assignment of escorting and looking out for me during the program.
Most of the participating veterans were seniors. We are all individuals. We do not represent a class of people and politically break down about the same as the rest of the community. The one issue that may be more emotional is the flag. Some are part of a group for "protect the flag." These people believe that the government should have the power to pass laws to protect a flag because insulting it will cause strong emotions. Loss of freedom always comes in the pretext of protection so our flag would be protected but reduced in value.
My side wants the flag defended in all its power and glory. The Supreme Court has sided with me. The flag represents a token of expression. The flag represents my freedom not your value system. The flag represents our country, not our government. Politicians come and go but the flag remains. In fairness to the other side, we pledge our allegiance to the flag and the "republic for which it stands." The republic is the government and now the Republican Party.
Each office is a person, so insulting the flag can amount to slandering those who are doing their job. The issue stems from the Vietnam War. Protesters used the flag. Remember, Vietnam was not a party issue. It was the Democrat Johnson war and then the Republican Nixon war. You could not tell party affiliation by war enthusiasm.
In those days, party issues were social and domestic programs. When we left our borders, there were no Republican and Democrats. We were all Americans. Today, party politics divide us emotionally. Most who want the flag protected are Republicans and people like me who want it defended are not. The government now has the power to change the Supreme Court and make the Stars and Stripes the protected flag of the Republican Party. If you came by my home on July 4 and did not see the flag flying, you would assume I was out of town. After the protect the flag laws pass, if you don't see my flag you will assume I am not a Republican. All Idaho congressmen have voted to "protect the flag." Be careful what you want.
HARVEY PINE
Sandpoint
American flag needs to be defended, not protected
Veterans' Day honors veteran. I was at the high school for the special service. I may not be worthy of the fine efforts but I certain appreciate it.
I want to thank all the high school students who participated and a special thanks to the beautiful young lady who was delegated the assignment of escorting and looking out for me during the program.
Most of the participating veterans were seniors. We are all individuals. We do not represent a class of people and politically break down about the same as the rest of the community. The one issue that may be more emotional is the flag. Some are part of a group for "protect the flag." These people believe that the government should have the power to pass laws to protect a flag because insulting it will cause strong emotions. Loss of freedom always comes in the pretext of protection so our flag would be protected but reduced in value.
My side wants the flag defended in all its power and glory. The Supreme Court has sided with me. The flag represents a token of expression. The flag represents my freedom not your value system. The flag represents our country, not our government. Politicians come and go but the flag remains. In fairness to the other side, we pledge our allegiance to the flag and the "republic for which it stands." The republic is the government and now the Republican Party.
Each office is a person, so insulting the flag can amount to slandering those who are doing their job. The issue stems from the Vietnam War. Protesters used the flag. Remember, Vietnam was not a party issue. It was the Democrat Johnson war and then the Republican Nixon war. You could not tell party affiliation by war enthusiasm.
In those days, party issues were social and domestic programs. When we left our borders, there were no Republican and Democrats. We were all Americans. Today, party politics divide us emotionally. Most who want the flag protected are Republicans and people like me who want it defended are not. The government now has the power to change the Supreme Court and make the Stars and Stripes the protected flag of the Republican Party. If you came by my home on July 4 and did not see the flag flying, you would assume I was out of town. After the protect the flag laws pass, if you don't see my flag you will assume I am not a Republican. All Idaho congressmen have voted to "protect the flag." Be careful what you want.
HARVEY PINE
Sandpoint