LETTERS: Flag desecration hateful form of protest
To the Editor:
Once again the subject has come up concerning a Constitutional Amendment to outlaw desecration of the American Flag. This time it was initiated because of the female college basketball player who turned her back to it during the playing of the National Anthem. There also have been various acts of desecration during recent anti-war demonstrations.
It always has troubled me that people would choose to desecrate the U.S. Flag as a form of protest. However, if one believes in the Bill of Rights one must accept that desecrating the American Flag as a form of protest is probably a right covered by the Bill of Rights. No matter how repulsive I find this act, I would have to defend an individual's right to do so.
However, having said that I still wonder why this method of protest? Also, why all the hateful words directed at our country that cross the line of civilized behavior. Why would Sean Penn go to Iraq, why does Barbra Streisand direct such hateful words at President Bush, why would 10 Hollywood celebrities state they would leave the country if George Bush was elected President (unfortunately they lied)? Finally, what is it about these few people that compel the national news media to provide a national and international podium for them to spew their hateful words? Charlie Daniels also has put forth very strong opinions, but exactly opposite those of Barbra Streisand and others. What does it say about the media that he has not been given the same attention that the aforementioned have?
I read many articles in support of a Constitutional Amendment to defend the flag where in the authors eloquently pour out their hearts concerning what the flag means to them and discuss how they do not understand how those that desecrate it can not understand what all it stands for.
It is my contention that those that desecrate the flag and say or perform hateful actions directed at our country fully understand. They are not in reality performing an act of "protest" but an act of "hate," and it is directed at our constitutional system, the very institution that protects their right to do so. We as a nation have observed our constitutionally prescribed methods of electing our leaders, establishing laws and setting national policies. We have debated the issues, taken votes, and preceded accordingly. Those that choose to act in the hateful manner I described, do so because their views do not prevail. Then knowing full well the reverence the U.S. flag is held in by the majority of this country as well as their pride in the nation's accomplishments, they attack the very symbols that so many hold dear in order to cause all the pain they can to those that chose a different path than theirs. Who are these people? One has but to review history to find that in the last 40-50 years they seem to come from the same geographic locations, the same professions, and find themselves relative outcasts outside their little cliques.
One has but to remember that these acts are committed by a few small-meaningless-insignificant wiseacres that are well publicized by those who consider themselves the "intellectual elite" and are pursuing a personal agenda. I am confident that history will judge these individuals IRRELEVANT.
Dan Holub
Marion
