Red Meat Alert: Flag desecration video from Maine
posted at 2:15 pm on April 16, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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It doesn’t get any redder than this, or for that matter, whiter or bluer. This video shows an outraged veteran objecting to an “art” display at the University of Maine at Farmington with replicas of American flags placed on the floor so that students can walk on them. (The blue fields show that the “artist” doesn’t exactly understand the layout of the stars, nor the correct color of blue to use.) Representatives of UMF prevent the veteran from picking them up and at one point threaten to have him removed from the campus. Eventually, he stands in front of the display holding a hastily-made sign with the word “Disgrace”, and has at least one man join him in his protest
The music is too loud to hear some of the conversation, but you’ll get the gist:
I’m certain to annoy a few readers, but this worked out about right in the end. The artist has every right to offend, although one would have hoped that a few adults in the UMF administration would have put an end to this project. The veteran didn’t have the right to disturb the display, but he did have the right to peacefully protest it. It’s a sickening display, especially when a few students at the end go out of their way to stand on one of the “flags”, but both the art and the protest are covered under the First Amendment.
The bigger question is why American students feel such hatred and antipathy towards the country that guarantees the very right to expression used by both parties in this confrontation — and why they can’t figure out how to replicate their own flag more accurately. (via Mark Tapscott)
Update: Gateway Pundit has some pictures of the “event”.
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American flag–ok. muslim flag–death.
L
letget on April 16, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Yes, college artists are known for their courage, aren’t they?
Ed Morrissey on April 16, 2008 at 2:20 PM
Your tax dollars at work…!
dmann on April 16, 2008 at 2:21 PM
The veteren should have beated the “artist” to a pulp. Freedom of “speech” supposedly requires responsibility. If I can come under attack for uttering the “N” word but an “artist” can descerate my flag then we’re at a sad point in our history.
Onager on April 16, 2008 at 2:22 PM
They learn it at college. They learn it when the powers that be don’t protest the exhibit. Why didn’t the college professors and trustees and alumni PROTEST the exhibition?
Because that would show the students they don’t agree or appreciate it. But they do. And that’s the answer to your question.
JiangxiDad on April 16, 2008 at 2:23 PM
They also learn it when their parents don’t pull them out of that sh*thole. Jeesh. Is this really rocket science?
JiangxiDad on April 16, 2008 at 2:24 PM
The veteran and the assisting student would make a nice presidential ticket.
At least most of the students walked around the flags.
Grafted on April 16, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Ask Barry & Michelle O.
KelliD on April 16, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Can imagine the death threats if it was a cartoon pic of mohammed they were walking on
William Amos on April 16, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Probably because they haven’t the slightest clue as to how good they actually have it. Maybe a couple of months in China, or Saudi Arabia, Cuba or Venezuela would provide them an opportunity to appreciate what they have.
The indoctrination they incur plus extreme ignorance of what others around the face, and their own history adds up to the above.
darwin on April 16, 2008 at 2:28 PM
What’s the artistic merit here? This illustrates no talent greater than the ability to offend anyone with a modicum of love and respect for this country and a grasp of what it took to create it.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 16, 2008 at 2:28 PM
The problem isn’t this particular artist’s freedom of expression. The problem is that if he turned around and put a muslim flag on the ground for people to walk on, his “exhibit” would be closed down and he’d be kicked outta school.
The problem is the lopsided nature of how Freedom of Speech is applied (or not)
apollyonbob on April 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Desecration of the flag, whether through burning or in this manner is in NO WAY an expression of free speech. It is, in fact, wilful and malicious, and by extension a denial if the country.
irongrampa on April 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
The artist appears to have been a “she.” I gather the vet was too much of a gentleman to stoop to that level. What’s sad is that more of the students did not stand with the vet.
And wasn’t there some row a while back about the college republicans at another university laying the Hamas flag on the stage to be walked on, and that being bigoted and racist? I know it’s a bit of preaching to the choir, but what’s the difference?
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Sickening? It’s just a flag, Ed. I agree with your analysis otherwise, but there’s nothing sickening about walking on a flag, or burning a flag for that matter. Childish, yes.
Enrique on April 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
But didn’t you know? Laying out replica flags for people to step on is the highest form of patriotism. I saw that on a bumper sticker.
scatbug on April 16, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Word.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Wait a minute, it’s not “art” unless people are urinating on the flag.
C’mon! Get with the program!
OhEssYouCowboys on April 16, 2008 at 2:32 PM
I wonder what would happen if someone put a rendering of the Hamas banner or Iranian flag down so people could walk all over it.
darwin on April 16, 2008 at 2:32 PM
As disgraceful as this display was, I must confess that I was very pleased to see the majority of people walking through those halls going out of their way to avoid the flags. I am assuming the goth kids purposely standing on the flag towards the end are associated with the artist, thus agreeing that America deserves to be treaded on.
BackseatDriver on April 16, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Not quite sure how you came to this conclusion, but open to hearing about it.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Did you notice though that 99% of the people, including the one on crutches, went out of their way not to walk on the flags?
ArmyAunt on April 16, 2008 at 2:34 PM
I would have pulled the fire alarm
Kaptain Amerika on April 16, 2008 at 2:34 PM
I think there needs to be some variation of ’scared straight’ for these liberals who think it’s ‘cool’ to hate America. Like they take disenfranchised youth to prison to show them what it would be like if they were jailed, they should have a program to let them experience what it would be like to live in a repressive regime. Fly them to Cuba for a week to let them attempt the same things there that they do here.
Maybe then they will appreciate how good this country is. It is good that people still defend the flag. . . because without them, one day, there will be no flag left to defend.
ThackerAgency on April 16, 2008 at 2:34 PM
That would have had greater consequences than being escorted from the building, and would have given more attention to the attention whores.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:35 PM
As an artist friend of mine puts it: “Controversy is the last refuge of a failing artist.”
Vic on April 16, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Did you notice when he shook the veterans hand that he then took off his wrist watch? That was at about 2:45. I don’t think I have to explain the significance of that.
cjs1943 on April 16, 2008 at 2:38 PM
The bright red irony of it all is that these students’ political heroes (Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, FDR, etc.) would have jailed them as traitors for such displays. Perhaps just as ironic is that their current political avatars (Obama and Hillary) would do the same if they thought it in their own interest.
spmat on April 16, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Personally, it bugs me when veterans decide to take matters into their own hands and disrupt this kind of display. I’m no fan of walking on the American flag, but what those veterans fought for is not the physical integrity of the flag but the rights of free people to peacefully assemble and demonstrate among other things. This display, silly as it may be, falls under that category.
Big S on April 16, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Art? This is nothing but derivative. We’ve already had Piss Christ, dung on The Madonna, and Woody Harrelson wearing a diaper US Flag in The People vs. Larry Flynt. This is just a cheap stunt designed to get people enraged. There’s no courage even on display as we have freedom of speech and no real threat to her life. No art, no originality. The student would get an F in my class.
rbj on April 16, 2008 at 2:41 PM
I like that idea, but I think Castro would probably do what he did with Michael Moore, and only show them the good life in Cuba. What would be better would be to have citizen first generation immigrants come to our schools and tell why they love America.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:41 PM
After the protest and after showing their absolute disdain for their country, the students started packing for Spring Break in Daytona.
awake on April 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
I think the veteran showed great restraint! More so than I believe I am capable of doing. I have tolerance of many things. That is not one.
I do wish the camera person had shown the faces of the students standing on the flag. Their parents would be so proud. /sarc
3rd Recon
Eyes of the Dragon
Suburbandad on April 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
So they don’t teach history in college? Or is the “America is the biggest evil on the face of the earth and that’s why I choose to live here” kind of history.
It would make it a lot less infuriating if any of these assholes actually had a valid argument against America.
They can always leave, right? I would have had a really tough time staying out of handcuffs if I were there. Good on the Vet and everyone else that didn’t react violently.
As for your exit question Ed? These kids learn this crap in college and high school, unchecked.
Geronimo on April 16, 2008 at 2:42 PM
I was going to ask you to explain the significance, but now that I think about it, I guess I don’t.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:43 PM
I did notice that. Thank God there’s at least one student willing to fight for what is right.
txsurveyor on April 16, 2008 at 2:43 PM
samuelrylander–if you think so little of this symbol of your country as to revile it, thenI suspect your love OF the country is questionable. That wasn’t directed at you personally, simply an explanation of my position here.
irongrampa on April 16, 2008 at 2:45 PM
So does his Big S. He can counter protest and thank God he had the sack to do so. It’s just wrong. They have the right, of course, that doesn’t make them right.
WBC has the right to protest their acidic hate, PGR has the right to block their protest.
Geronimo on April 16, 2008 at 2:45 PM
I seem to remember an incident in San Francisco where a group of conservative college students conducted a protest using paper Hezbollah or Hamas flags. The kids got into trouble because the student union or administration said these flags were religious symbols and as such could not be desecrated. Welcome to Ameristan!
dmann on April 16, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Flag desecration is a hot button for me, as I served proudly under that flag, and I’d suspect any former military would pretty much feel the same.
irongrampa on April 16, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Well, at least they aren’t doing it with a Hezbollah flag, or a flag of China or Zimbabwe or Saudi Arabia. Then there would be hell to pay.
Riposte on April 16, 2008 at 2:48 PM
I suggest putting posters with the University President’s image next to the each flag. Then see which image is stepped on by most of the students.
faraway on April 16, 2008 at 2:49 PM
No argument here, I completely agree. Yet it still qualifies as “free speech” from every definition I’ve ever heard. The second part of your original statement “willful malicious…denial of the country” all makes sense too. It’s just that part about it not being free speech that I am asking for clarification on.
samuelrylander on April 16, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Heh, good one.
Yep, with their help and the help of Rev. Wright and the left they have managed to create a generation of moonbats that have been conditioned (brainwashed) to believe America is at fault for all the ills of the world, America is Evil and oppressive to its people, they are victims of our tyrannical government and they’d be better off if America were more like NK or Iran, after all those nations are much more free and tolerant than the evil American empire has ever or ever will be!
It’s scary to think about it, but there are idiots that actually hold these beliefs and you can find most of them at our universities where they are continually being conditioned (brainwashed) by the socialist rat professors currently infesting our institutions of learning!
Time to call in Orkin and clean house at the universities!
Liberty or Death on April 16, 2008 at 2:52 PM
“We are actually protecting your right to disagree.”
What a foul, condescending little creep that woman is. No doubt a childless, unmarried bitter crone. Hey, woman (and I use that term loosely), the purpose of those flags being on the floor is for lowlifes to walk on them. And if your strange, unhealthy looking freind didn’t notice, most everyone is walking around the flags and not walking on them. So go back to your sad little hovels and commiserate with each other and other pathetic excuses for human beings and tell each other how enlightened you are.
peacenprosperity on April 16, 2008 at 2:52 PM
The most obnoxious part of it all is that you know the self-righteous brat behind the whole thing feels proud for doing something so “Daring and controversial”.
Typhonsentra on April 16, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Considering the fact that some of them have seen extraordinary danger, been in combat, been wounded, seen their fellow servicemen go through the same, or even die it should be no surprise they get just a little pissy about people trashing that sacrifice. Even if they haven’t seen danger, they devoted themselves to defending these assclowns, only to be thanked this way.
These vets are human, not that the dumbasses stomping all over the flag recognize that humanity. You might disagree with their actions, but letting it bug you seems unfair to them.
doubleplusundead on April 16, 2008 at 2:53 PM
It’s in college, in front of, ostensibly, silly children/young adults, who are there to be taught something by their supposed elders and betters.
It’s not like the exhibition was in a gallery in town. You may be able to handle the notion of offensive free speech.
But how are these impressionable kids supposed to know it’s offensive when it’s sanctioned by the elders? That’s why they think it’s ok.
JiangxiDad on April 16, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Yes, he does, but trying to pick somebody else’s flags up off the floor in an attempt to “defend” them crosses the line.
Big S on April 16, 2008 at 2:54 PM
I doubt that every flag blasphemer student hates America. The motive of the artist is to provoke a reaction. When some artsy kids burned a flag on my college, they just talked about freedom. It’s better that such people are ignored.
Hating America is when the flag is burned and people have a political agenda beyond freedom. These people need to be fought politically.
thuja on April 16, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Once you start justifying breaches of freedom of expression based on emotion, you’ve taken the first steps towards disregarding those freedoms totally. You know, the “artist” has feelings too.
Big S on April 16, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Also, the administration are pussys. All these lib types are. If enough parents showed up tomorrow to withdraw their kids from the school, the school would cave. That’s not a denial of free speech, it’s just a decision not to consume someone else’s.
JiangxiDad on April 16, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Yeah, he was stopped and I don’t blame him for being rattled. There is such disdain for this country these days from total morons, it’s hard to stomach.
Geronimo on April 16, 2008 at 2:57 PM
samuelrylander-
I completely believe in their right of free speech i.e. desecrate American flag. I also believe that “Symbol” embodies everything that I was willing to fight and die for. Free will being what it is, I wonder how much the artist is willing to fight for his/her right to display that “art”? I also wonder if I would call my lawyer before or after the fact.
3rd Recon
Eyes of the Dragon
Suburbandad on April 16, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Okay, let’s see if I can get past my disgust here. Free speech means, to me, that you’re allowed to revile and show contempt for this symbol. Physical manifestation–i.e. buring, walking on, etc., crosses the line and then becomes unacceptable. I would show at least grudging respect toward any symbol of a recognized nation, even though I didn’t agree at all with the politics of said nation. Physical protest, as I said above is NOT acceptable.
irongrampa on April 16, 2008 at 3:02 PM
I agree, and I’m not justifying trying to stop these Short-Bus All-Stars little flag desecration display. As annoyed by the sniveling little Marxist twats as I am, I’m in agreement on that point.
However, letting the vet’s action ‘bug’ you is unfair to the vet. I don’t think it should bug you, just recognize his reaction as natural and human, certainly say and do the right thing, but at least try and show some understanding for the vet.
doubleplusundead on April 16, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Disrespecting and improper display of the American Flag is not a right. Thousands of lives have been lost defending this flag and no punk a$$ school kid has any right to improperly display it. The socialist school systems that have been created in this country are absolutely sickening. God bless the veteran and student who were trying to uphold the honor of our great freedom symbol. What are we teaching our children today?
trs on April 16, 2008 at 3:06 PM
As the University of Maine at Farmington, so goes…the University of Maine at Machias?
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 3:06 PM
As the University of Maine at Farmington goes, so goes…the University of Maine at Machias?
mymanpotsandpans on April 16, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Bwahaha, that was great.
Geronimo on April 16, 2008 at 3:07 PM
I too was glad to see the majority of people walking around the flags. Too bad more didn’t stand with the old hero…
The irony of the tall, bald dude trying to argue that the flag is only a “symbol” and he didn’t fight for said symbol. I guess the Constitution is just a symbol too…
Wyznowski on April 16, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Oh, I understand his emotional reaction, and I’m glad he wound up doing the right thing and holding the sign rather than taking the flags. My comment wasn’t so much aimed at this gentleman, but the many others, such as HotAir’s beloved “flag vigilante”, who do go over the line and disrupt others’ displays whether they are intentional or not.
Big S on April 16, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Im sick to my stomach after that, I think I would take A&B charge and smacked a few jaws, including the moron rent a cop.
Viper1 on April 16, 2008 at 3:17 PM
To some people, it’s not just a flag. To you obviously it is, and I won’t argue that you should feel differently. To others, clearly Ed, it’s something so much more. There’s no reason for you to try and convince them that they are wrong.
Esthier on April 16, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Looked to me as though most of the students were making an effort to walk around the flags rather than over them.
The Ugly American on April 16, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I will stand by and peacefully watch their flag protest. Just as I will peacefully watch as a vet knocks the next bonehead that decides to step on the flag up side the head.
8straight on April 16, 2008 at 3:18 PM
The vet showed true courage. It’s easy to go with the In crowd and throw a flag on the ground. It takes courage to stand up for your convictions against the crowd. What will happen when our country ceases to produce men such as these? Are those little goth brats going to stand up fro our country, or pee their pants when the islamists come?
I’m proud of the vet exercising his right to free speech.
My hubby does that when he crosses his arms, or else the watch rubs up against his skin.
JustTruth101 on April 16, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Thank you for keeping me from getting banned. After reading your comment I was able to glue my keyboard back together in a friendly fashion.
Limerick on April 16, 2008 at 3:22 PM
to the Big S’s and Enriques
While you certainly are in the right to say what you think about this, I have the right to respond to this ” exercise in speech”. I would have not had the restraint this vet exhibited. I’m a combat Vietnam vet and being the sick, unstable and guilt ridden Marine I’m supposed to be, those flags would have been picked up and I would have accepted the consequences. I will never, ever accept the idea that it’s just a flag. Never! My cross to bear, I suppose.
MNDavenotPC on April 16, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Fair enough, and I thought the guy that cut down the flag made a bad move too. However, the sentence they gave him was horribly abusive, that judge is dick.
doubleplusundead on April 16, 2008 at 3:23 PM
MNDavenotPC-
God bless you for your service. I got your 6.
3rd Recon
Eyes of the Dragon
Suburbandad on April 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM
There is no artistic merit here. None. I’m an art teacher. I have a degree in painting, scultpture and art history. I didn’t learn a damn thing in college as far as technique is concerned. That was 15 years ago. The University “Art” system isn’t worried about whether or not a student has skill or talent–they profs look for “identity” or “affirmation”. It’s all a crock of crap.
I knew a girl that went from being a business major to an English major and then finally she became an art major. She couldn’t draw to save her life–not even a stick figure. Even she admitted that. So she majored in sculpture. And later got a full ride to YALE for her master’s in art.
Whatever.
robblefarian on April 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Anybody know how to contact the artist? I’d like to ask her to put Hezbollah flags all over the floor.
JustTruth101 on April 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Why is this man standing alone?
RobCon on April 16, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Good Lord the left is pathetic, just pathetic.
186k on April 16, 2008 at 3:29 PM
The old hippie who is trying to run the guy off in the first of the tape is the UMF president, Theo Kalikow. Her contact information is kalikow@maine.edu (Telephone: 207-778-7256)
Kasper Hauser on April 16, 2008 at 3:30 PM
You’re very welcome. I’d hate for you to be forced out of this site anyway.
Esthier on April 16, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Just a flag? Put the Gay Rainbow flag, African flag or Arab Flag with cresent on the floor and, as Alan Funt on Candid Camera used to say “Watch the Fun and the Frolic”
RobCon on April 16, 2008 at 3:30 PM
He isn’t. Something the artist will never experience, let alone understand.
I’ve fought for it, and folded it. The later is the biggest honor of my life.
It is a heck of a lot more then cloth and dye.
Limerick on April 16, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Roger that, 3rd Recon…. I always got stuck with point, anyway….lol Semper Fi!
MNDavenotPC on April 16, 2008 at 3:31 PM
People who think it’s not big deal to desecrate a flag have never truly served under it. I do not just mean military, I also mean, Police, Firefighters, EMT’s or just about any other person who does “service” for the American public. Anyone who has truly put their A** on the line for their fellow American knows the true meaning of that flag. You may or might not have the right to do this, but don’t blame me when I punch you right in the face for doing it.
gator70 on April 16, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Was it some impromptu thing he caught wind of? Or maybe it’s a solidly lefty campus?
doubleplusundead on April 16, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Yeah, the hell you say, he also had the right to civil disobedience, just like the Pinkos. Sacrifice for a just cause.
http://asovereignnation.blogtownhall.com/default.aspx
Speakup on April 16, 2008 at 3:32 PM
sorry….latter…..geez Lim get a grip.
Limerick on April 16, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Disgusting display of “art”. The Vet showed more class than I ever could. And, by the way, for that bald POS, I didn’t serve in the military either and I don’t think of the flag as just a symbol of our country. It’s a lot more than that.
Torch on April 16, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Sec. 8. – Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
(a) The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
(f) The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(g) The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
(i) The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
WHOOPS, LOOKS LIKE IT’S A LAW!:
Previous to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations governing display of the United States Flag. It was on this date that the National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag Conference which was attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups. This purpose of providing guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures relating to display and associated questions about the U.S. Flag was adopted by all organizations in attendance.
A few minor changes were made a year later during the Flag Day 1924 Conference. It was not until June 22, 1942 that Congress passed a joint resolution which was amended on December 22, 1942 to become Public Law 829; Chapter 806, 77th Congress, 2nd session. Exact rules for use and display of the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) as well as associated sections (36 U.S.C. 171) Conduct during Playing of the National Anthem, (36 U.S.C. 172) the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Manner of Delivery were included.
So, ahem….how is it somebody’s right to lay it on the ground?
gator70 on April 16, 2008 at 3:37 PM
My first Nat. Guard drill is this weekend. My old ass gets to put on combat boots for the first time in 14 years.
Can I choose who exactly I get to defend? Or not?
It would make me feel better about the whole deal.
I respect their right to dissent. I’m even opposed to flag protection legislation.
But dear God … why can’t these people understand that the flag doesn’t represent George Bush. It represents the hope of America, the best of what we are; it represents not our government but our ideals … our potential.
When these idiots desecrate the flag, what they are really doing is trampling on the very things they claim to hold most dear.
How stupid. Can’t they just burn a picture of the President or something? It causes me physical pain to see that flag treated that way. It really does. Me and millions of others.
I wouldn’t disrespect their symbols. I wouldn’t. So why do they have to disrespect mine? Why is my symbol meaningless – and yet they’ll march in the streets to protect countless other symbols?
Sigh. It never fails to amaze and disappoint. They don’t even know what they’re doing.
Here’s a better flag story for you: I spent last weekend up north visiting an elderly relative. I offered to do any chores around the house she needed to have done; she’s pretty old and her husband has passed on.
She had one request: hang her flag. Her husband was a WWII vet and it had bothered her for months after her flag broke in a storm.
So I spent Saturday afternoon hanging a big beautiful piece of Old Glory.
Granny gets it. She matters.
The people in the video don’t get it and don’t matter.
Professor Blather on April 16, 2008 at 3:37 PM
How does 99% white Maine show it’s down for the struggle? Doesn’t matter what struggle, any lib/progressive cause will do.
JiangxiDad on April 16, 2008 at 3:38 PM
All I know is, that if I feel the need to punch the screen while watching a clip, something is VERY wrong.
who the $@&% gives the right for students or anyone for that matter to stand ON MY FLAG???
makes me SICK!
Yitzchokm on April 16, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Professor Blather
God speed to you and thank you for what you are about to endure. It IS rather amusing (in a sick sort of grunt thinking way). that we who have worn and are wearing the uniform , will be expected to stand in front of our fellow citizens who are supportive of leftist, collectivist, socialistic and anti- war thoughts when Sharia will be upon us. Funny thing is, we’ll be glad to stand anyway!… Again, I salute your service and if I may say Ooh rah!
MNDavenotPC on April 16, 2008 at 3:46 PM
I wonder how the field at Yorktown looks to this ar-teest?
Or Gettysburg and Fredricksburg? Pearl Harbor, and the Frozen Chosen? Phu Bai and Guadalcanal? Were the USS Houston and HMAS Perth just iron? Those neighbors in the Ardennes just cold?
Nevermind. It is like asking a turd not to stink.
Limerick on April 16, 2008 at 3:48 PM
It’s likely just an apathetic campus, like most colleges. I only saw three people intentionally standing on the flag. Everyone else went to great lengths to stay off of the flags, even the kid in crutches.
Esthier on April 16, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Ed,
“It’s a sickening display, especially when a few students at the end go out of their way to stand on one of the “flags”, but both the art and the protest are covered under the First Amendment.”
I have said it before and I’ll say it again: desecrating a flag is not “speech”. Do I think desecrating a flag should be illegal? No, not anymore than desecrating a Bible or a Koran is. Destroying things isn’t “speech” – it’s destruction. There is no law against destroying your own property, except in some cases where there are large values at stake that affect other people (like houses).
Laying flags on a floor isn’t “speech” because without using speech to say what you mean by doing so, all you’ve done is lay flags on the floor.
Burning a flag is no more speech than lighting a turd on fire.
Seixon on April 16, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Guess I’ll leave this thread, I can’t comment without getting too pissed. Just have to say that those concerned can tromp or burn a flag a day—but NOT around me. Have a great day, people.
irongrampa on April 16, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I’m kinda glad my campus wasn’t too aggro. Liberal, sure, but not bad.
doubleplusundead on April 16, 2008 at 3:57 PM
The students’ personalities are as yet unformed. As JiangxiDad said its the Marxist professors and other adults who by their authority who incubate the mental atmosphere of anti-Americanism.
aengus on April 16, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Okie From Muscogee
aengus on April 16, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Story on the project
It was meant as a social experiment — the artist wanted to see how many people would step on the flags as opposed to going around them, as well as judge the reaction of people on the flag itself. According to the article, she’s a conservative Republican who felt guilty about putting the flags on bare ground, but putting paper underneath them would have made it risky, too.
ScoopPC11 on April 16, 2008 at 4:14 PM
ScoopPC11 on April 16, 2008 at 4:14 PM
According to the article, it was hard for her to put the flags on the ground. All I can say to that is, why do it then? I find the article a bit hard to swallow and a way for the university to have an out.
Torch on April 16, 2008 at 4:22 PM
They consider themselves brave for exercising a right that was secured and defended by better men than they’ll ever live to be.
The most outrageous moment in the video was when the old hag informed the veteran that they were “protecting” freedom of speech. They weren’t. The vet protected freedom of speech– they were just flouting it.
In the end, he was able to exercise (with far more dignity) the same right that they did. I wonder how many of them would have been able to step up to the plate and defend that right the way he did.
morganfrost on April 16, 2008 at 4:22 PM
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