Comments on: Local News – Patriotism or Defiance?

By: Matt Norman

Matt Norman — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:29:19 +0000

Something just occured to me. Maybe this is neither patriatism, nor defience, but good business. This man has managed to get thousands of dollars worth of free publicity by putting a few dollars worth of American flags on the cars in his lot. Hmmmm……..

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:15:55 +0000

Travis,
Actually, I do agree with you … I think the overall “ban” on how many flags you can fly is too liberal … that more thought should go into an ordinance, more clarity.

Plus – I think (THINK) that there are already some well-established guidelines on the proper etiquette and use of the American Flag.

I remember Rev. Dave Hanson walking into CRCSSI once to bring something by … and as he stood in our sanctuary, he politely pointed out the fact that the American Flag we had on our stage was on the WRONG side of the stage. We had no clue, and were grateful for his guidance.

I think that veterans also police this issue to a degree – if they see gross usage of the American flag, they are likely to stop and mention it to a store owner.

In this case, it seems (according to the Brunswick news, at least) that the veterans are stopping to show support … of course, the owner here of the car dealership is a veteran himself.

By: Travis

Travis — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:42:23 +0000

Oddly enough I go back and forth on this. I definitely think that American flags should not be included in the general ‘flag’ ordinance. On the other hand I often times think that people use that leeway to pull off their own agendas. I just wonder, does he REALLY put those flags out to support America or is it just because he wants to have a brightly colored object flapping over every car on his lot? I am not accusing him of this, just ASKING. I fear that if they allow people an American flag exemption then we might just see grossly placed and misused American flags flying in strings everywhere.

If someone wants to proudly support the troops, country or whatever, why not a flag pole with a properly displayed flag in the middle of the lot or on the roof? Then the flag would be set apart from all the other advertising gimmicks out there.

Anyone with me?

By: Billy Chia

Billy Chia — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:30:12 +0000

Yeah, I believe we are called to be defiant in during certain times of injustice.

By: Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:22:25 +0000

Matt -

SPLENDID response!

By: Matt Norman

Matt Norman — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:17:48 +0000

I think that the ordinance should be changed, or at least those trying to inforce it should concider why the ordinance was written. We need to think about the purpose for which laws were written, not just the black and white letter of the laws.

As for whether this is patriatism or defiance, the answer is yes, it is both. Patriatism is often a matter of defiance.

By: Bernard Shuford

Bernard Shuford — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:10:20 +0000

Fly, Old Glory, fly! That ordinance is ridiculously stupid.

By: Daddy

Daddy — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:25:01 +0000

I’m proud of the stand this guy is taking, and I stand with him in faith! It’s time for the good people of this land to stand up and “fly” like the flags. No more burying our heads in the sand. “Arise, shine, for your Light has come!”

By: Robert McKinnon

Robert McKinnon — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:17:23 +0000

If I were to comment on what they’re trying to do I may say something that ain’t too Christian. Enuf said

By: Shannon Lewis

Shannon Lewis — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:08:31 +0000

Let them fly!