A Modest Proposal for the 4th: Take Back Old Glory

In Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches, there were two kinds of these odd beach-dwelling creatures -- those with stars on their bellies and those without. The ones with the stars saw themselves as inherently superior:

When the Star-Belly Sneetches had frankfurter roasts

Or picnics or parties or marshmallow toasts,

They never invited the Plain-Belly Sneetches.

They left them out cold, in the dark of the beaches.

Then along came a stranger, one Sylvester McMonkey McBean, who had a contraption that applied -- for a price -- stars to the bellies of the decoratively challenged:

Then they yelled at the ones who had stars at the start,

"We're exactly like you! You can't tell us apart.

We're all just the same, now, you snooty old smarties!

And now we can go to your frankfurter parties."

Then the snobby Sneetches had their stars removed -- yes, McBean's machine could do that, too -- and starlessness became the coin of the realm, after which it all descended into on-again-off-again chaos until it was impossible to keep track of who'd been who and they decided to just all get along as equals -- albeit impoverished equals, as they'd given all of their money to the con man who'd repeatedly applied and removed their stars.

But enough, for now, about Sneetches.

Of all the stupid things done by the anti-war crowd, the most gratuitously moronic was allowing the sanctimonious hypocrites of the right to co-opt the nation's most basic icon, its flag. The emblem of the country's highest aspirations was mindlessly ceded to the holier-than-thou zealots who used it as a bludgeon against the less fanatical.

Having unburdened itself of patriotism, the left proceeded over the years to also give away religion, national security and, finally, the elections themselves, but this devolution, into the pathetic puddle of unprincipled, acquiescent wimpiness that the Democrats have become, started with -- or rather, without -- the flag. It's hard to remember a presidential election in which that cavalier surrender hasn't exacted a serious price.

Eventually the lapel was established as the battlefield, and the degree of one's patriotic fervor is now presumed based on whether or not said lapel sports a flag pin. The flag pin wearer clearly loves his country -- for Christ's sake, he's wearing its flag! -- and as for the flagless, well, one can only wonder why they hate America so much that they won't allow its proudest symbol on their persons.

Republicans love to demagogue the flag, and this year that and fear-mongering are all they have. The presence or absence of the mini-Stars 'N' Stripes has the potential to erupt into a weeks-long October distraction, with the contemptible castrata of the media not just providing the stage but also trilling in the chorus. But we can prevent it, and so easily that there's really no excuse not to.

All of the conventional political wisdom of decades is mere rubble in the wake of the Bush-Cheney catastrophes. Whether or not they have health insurance or can afford the gas to drive to their jobs is more important to many past "values" voters than whether or not homosexual couples can call their unions "marriage." Significant numbers of previously intolerant evangelicals are now focusing on saving the earth instead of merely hating hordes of its occupants. Formerly dark red states are purple and may well turn blue. The right is reeling, they can't find a single thing to point to that's better than it was before Bush, so while they're busy dealing with issues of basic survival, let's just slip in there and take back the damn flag. Take it back from the war criminals and their apologists and enablers that have wrapped themselves in it even as they've been methodically destroying the republic for which it stands.

Barack Obama, who earlier took some flack for his empty lapel, is on the cover of the latest Rolling Stone with flag pin gleaming. We should follow his lead. Everyone who's voting for Obama -- and especially those who are public figures (i.e. Keith Olbermann, Jack Cafferty, Rachel Maddow) must immediately procure a flag pin and not be seen without it before November 5th. If you can't do it with pride, do it as an act of subversion.

When everyone's wearing the flag it will be neutralized. It will cease to provide cover, and then all those with a need to display their moral superiority will have to find a new symbol to set them apart. A new image to mount on a pin and attach to fabric that says, "I am, in my essence, better than you."

I suggest the Star-Belly Sneetch.

Comments

[protagonia]

The ones who most dread the re-claiming of the flag are the neo-cons. They wanted it for themselves.

Others may serve them as the see fit.

I for one, refuse them that pleasure.

[savannahdem]

I don't wear the American flag. Many of my conservative friends wear one in their lapels all the time. But I wear something maybe more indicative of my patriotism that they could NEVER wear, something that is truly representative of service to this country. I always wear a lapel pin of my US Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). None of them have ever served, I have. The ARCOM is awarded for heroism and military merit (noncombat). I was awarded it for meritorious service as an Army Engineer Officer over 25 years ago.

They may wear their US flags, but I wear my metallic miniature ribbon in my lapel every Saturday to synagogue, and I wear it proudly. Most of my congregation is in love with the GOP, and they know I'm a Democrat, but they NEVER better challenge MY patriotism.

[MrCoffeeCup]

Caution this message is FLAGGED!!!

I ENJOY THE FOLLOWING FROM OUR PATRIOTIC CITIZENS.....
a. Participating in the election processes: register, debate, VOTE!
b. Discussing concepts and ideas with as much civility as possible.
c. Exposing a problem, and then also offer specific remedies for all!
d. Respecting others, even if they're the sniveling, slimy, members of that
other party! You know who I mean.... yeah those cretins.
e. Working to create new jobs, products, services, for a profit!
f. Lapels should be for a Boutonnier­e(flower)! Peace my brothers! Make it a
a veriegated Carnation with red and blue and white colors.
Help a florist stay in business. Buy a flower.
g. Patriotism resembles a sacrament,it is the inner grace and strength
from the outer symbol of devotion to your country. Devotion is shown by
actually DOING something for your country.
h. The Flag is the outward symbol which covers all of it's citizens,
yeah, those others which drive you up the wall with their cultural
nauseous lifestyles. You know who I'm tlaking about...yeah them!
Don't know to whom I refer? The ones who open the egg on the wrong
end. How did they ever get here and then survive??
i. And here it ends with I . I am an American. I am proud of being
and American. I am happy my family is American. I am blessed!

[AnnieNigma]

Three weeks ago I was in a drug store and walked by a tin of flags. For some reason I stopped and stared. I remembered attending a silent peace vigil the week before the war began, a vigil attended by over two hundred people in a small town that was never reported in the local paper with offices right down the street. I thought of the many letters to the editor I had written with damning info from the BBC in opposition to our own media's gushing pseudu patriotism, letters that never saw publication. And,, suddenly, I reached out and picked up two flags to place in my window boxes.

I'm taking back my flag, and I'm voting to take back my country from war criminals.

[Torus34]

I do not wear a flag pin, nor do I intend to do so. To judge a person's love of country by an external symbol is childish. I left childhood behind many years ago. It's just as foolish to judge by what a person says.

So what can we use as a standard? Actions, of course. In particular, actions which require sacrifice.

Consider talk show hosts. These are people who, day in and out, blather about their love of country.
I have searched the bios of these talk show hosts for a specific action which demonstrates patriotism: service in the US military. I found one. Just one. She happens, btw, to be [Surprise!] a liberal.

A veteran.

[SonofLiberty1]

Veteran,


It's NOT the flag pin...

but it was choosing NOT to salute the flag.

Finally Obama did the right thing and said he was careless...

Why he was careless we may never know...

[DavidEm]

I THINK you're referring to the well-circulated photo where he doesn't have his hand over his heart---while SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. The bloggers circulating it said it was taken during the pledge of allegiance.
We don't raditionally "salute" during the national anthem. Remember?
Please use your independent intelligence when these artificial controversies are stirred up between now and November by political operatives who have nothing better to stand on.
Please?

[AzRealProgressive]

Talk show host: Oliver North. Jack Hackworth (now deceased). Career service. And many others in the recent past. More veterans than not.

Sacrifice has a different meaning for everyone.

[GreyHairandGreyMatter]

I've never fully understood why we allow pacifists, anti-military activists and conscientious objectors to claim a position of superior moral authority over those of us willing to bear and use arms in our nation's wars.

Pacifism in the face of expanding tyranny and murder is nothing but parasitism. An anti-military advocate such as Senator Obama is able to literally breathe and speak only because better and self-sacrificing men and women go in harm's way to sustain the right of the pacifist to exist and expound his vision.

There is no honor in vilifying those who volunteer to die on our behalf.

Accordingly, while I like and respect General Wes Clark, e.g., I also agree with Bob Dole that it might have been better if Wes had stayed home and in bed last Sunday. Senator McCain certainly has his own share of foibles too, but Obama in my opinion isn't even in the same league as these guys and because of his blatant anti-militarism he's even unworthy to carry their bags much less be President!

Egads, I still find it hard to fathom that Senator Obama or Senator McCain are the best candidates that this great nation can muster to be our future President.

-- GreyHairan­dGreyMatte­r--

[peacekitten]

so you think gandhi was a parasite?

some odd priorities.

[rabrophy]

We let people speak in this county because we have freedom of speech and the press.

I fought, bled and damn near died in Vietnam ( I was sucking mud and blood at Khe Sanh while Bush and Cheney were sucking brews at Yale) and when I came back I spoke and protested against the war.

Do you applaud the former and condemn the latter?
Sir, with all due respect, I did not fight for your type of America.

[AzRealProgressive]

May I ask what Marine unit you were with at Khe Sanh? Very few are aound now to tell the tale. There were some characters there, please give us a short history.

Please expound so others will understand what Khe Sanh was. It is important to do so.

Thank you,

[TheIndependenceParty]

From the Revolution to WWII my grandfathers served this nation in our military, but not so we could be at a perpetual stateof war with someone, ... quite the reverse! They lost family and faculties in defense of our Nation, defense, madam, ... and not offense! Not in an agressive war against a nation without even an air force. They would be ashamed of the use to which this president has put our defense forces. I also hear no "villification" from Progressives toward our soldiers. Again, ... quite the reverse! Progressives drove through the new GI Bill which Bush and McCain opposed. Bush and McCain were afraid the volunteers might eventually want to return home to get on with their lives! I hope so, for they deserve a chance to see and raise their families.

I am also hard pressed to find where and when Obama has expressed this "blatant anti-militarism" you claim. Cite your source, or hold your pen!

Learn to discern the heroes from those who put us at greater risk, such as Bush and Cheney. The only way Bush can wage a justifiable War in Afghanistan, against those who DID attack America, is to extend the tours of those already there.

Far from leaders, these are pathetic shadows of men. They deserve our disdain and contempt. I reserve my pride for our daughters and sons who do the heavy lifting for our defense, ... and leave the carrying of McCain's heavy baggage to you, ... if you

[AzRealProgressive]

Blah, blah, blah.

To cite a source you ask for, just review the words of Obama. He spoke them. It is tiresome pointing out just how many positions this guy has. And how often he changes them.

A Chicago politician. Older Americans know what that means.

[AzRealProgressive]

Well said Grey matter.

[Dave01]

I would if I could find one that was Made in the USA! Every one that I have come across is made, where else? China. Same with the American Flag. That is what really chaps my butt! We need AMERICAN MADE MERCHANDISE! Especially if it is supposed to represent the USA!

[AzRealProgressive]

Best post I have seen in weeks.

The issue all of us should be writing about.

[Snowball]

Great idea, I'm going to proudly wear a flag pin on my Che Guevara t-shirt from now on.

[peacekitten]

(part 1 of 3.1 posts - sorry)

from the united states code regarding the proper use and display of the flag:

Section 3:

".....who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandis­e,........­.....shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court........."

Section 8 Respect for the flag

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

(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.

(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled,

[peacekitten]

(part 1 of 3)

from the united states code regarding the proper use and display of the flag:

Section 3:

".....who, within the District of Columbia, shall manufacture, sell, expose for sale, or to public view, or give away or have in possession for sale, or to be given away or for use for any purpose, any article or substance being an article of merchandise, or a receptacle for merchandise or article or thing for carrying or transporting merchandis­e,........­.....shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the court........."

Section 8 Respect for the flag

(b) The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

(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.

(e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled,

[peacekitten]

sorry for the double post.

[peacekitten]

(part 1A of 3 - sorry)

(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.

(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.

(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

==========­==========­=====

[rextrek]

I'll start taking "some" pride in the Flag when the flag is MADE IN AMERICA!

[peacekitten]

(part 3 of 3)

if you really want to take the flag back from the "things" that stole, start by honoring the principles it stands for, and don't back down. wear a lapel pin if you want, as long as it is given, or dispersed by a non-profit organization. if it says "made in china" put it back. the last i heard we weren't exporting chinese flags to them, and we should keep the manufacture of our own flags here in this country.

simply displaying it and patting yourself on the back as a "good patriot" is nothing. honor and respect what it stands for, the millions who have given their lives to defend those principles, and living your life by them is patriotic. don't let others intimidate you out of being a democrat, or worse yet, a liberal. being a genuine liberal is much more than simply voting a democratic ticket. it's a way of looking at the world, at our fellow human beings, and ourselves that's tempered with mercy, justice and compassion.

be proud of being an american.

be proud of being a liberal.

be proud of our flag.

but most of all, be proud of being a human being who stands for justice, the letter of the law, mercy, compassion, and a chance to live in a great country that is not so much defined by the temporary occupants of a large white house as it is by the hearts and minds of its people.

[SouthPrairie]

I liked your post too. Together we stand. There's no other option.

[doctorwang]

I liked it too, but it was kind of long and disjointed. Maybe next time you should try using a link....like for "the united states code regarding the proper use and display of the flag". That way you can get your (excellent) points across in one posting. Just a thought....

[peacekitten]

(part 2 of 3)

the code itself is not a binding legal document, but grants the powers of punishment for treating the flag with disrespect to the states.

bush has broken this code repeatedly, by signing his name on some flags & allowing them to touch the ground.

everyone who has flown a chinese made flag attached to the windows of their cars, violates this code in three (or four, depending on how it was disposed of) ways, allowing it to become tattered and torn, not displaying from the right front fender, and having purchased it as a piece of merchandise for profit. if, when it was no longer attractive, it was thrown in the trash, that is another violation.

purchasing clothing looking as though it was made from a flag is a violation of the code.

and the purchase of all those stupid lapel pins is a violation as well, if they were purchased from a company who sold them to make a profit. not to mention the idiotic car magnets. if they are given free of charge, or sold at the cost of the materials and nothing more, then they pass muster for being worn. according to the code, red, white and blue bunting, or just the colors, with blue on top, white in the middle and red on the bottom are appropriate for display as decoration if the flag is endanger of being disrespected.

[pcplz]

I totally love your work and words here. Good for you peacekitten.

[jsanglier]

Nah

Right wingers always steal flags. The National Front did it over here in the UK (flying it upside down half the time, the thick idiots)

Right wing politics relies on jingoism which is hardly better demonstrated than with a bit of flag waving.

Centre ground and left wing politics, however, relies on going into corners and kicking yourself till it bleeds. Flags just get caught in your shoe laces at such parties and are better left at home for the Right wingers to steal.

Tough being a flag.

[AzRealProgressive]

My, you are an optimist and a sentimentalist all in one post.

Jingoism, a small word rarely spoken outside of elitist classrooms. Most Americans have tethered it to the terminology of those, you know, 60s professors who try to be cool.

[protagonia]

Home schooled, were you?