[Aug 12, 09:45]Terry [e-mail] I agree that the flag is a symbol, and that being patriotic is more than just waving the flag.
By that same token though, the flag is a symbol of our country, and I feel a person should think about their treatment of that symbol. One can show their respect for this country by flying the flag, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and respecting the flag. Likewise, one can excersize their freedom of speech by burning the flag, stepping on it, throwing mud on it, or whatever, even if I don't like it.
While accidentally stepping on it is one thing, I do find the behavior of the individual in question to be disrespectful. In my opinion, unless he's trying to make a statement, he should not be treating the flag this way.
I would never do something like this. I would fly the flag to show support for my country, our troops, and our veterans. I might burn the flag or step on it to protest something. But I'd never use it for a drop cloth simply because it was convenient.
While the guy in question certainly has a right to do this, he shouldn't be surprised to see the backlash from this.
[Aug 12, 09:56]Luke [e-mail] Whatever the case (drop cloth, protesting, just an accident, etc), I still feel that people should have better things to worry about, especially after the owner made an apology and fired the painter. They are protesting a store because its owner hired a painter (now fired) who may or may not have known what he was doing?
[Aug 12, 11:41]Terry [e-mail] I'll agree it's time to move on. The owner has done all he could; the rest remains on the painter. The results are going to linger, though, especially since it appears we're not dealing with completely rational people.
[Aug 12, 12:24]Luke [e-mail] I'd say your last comment hit the nail on the head.
[Aug 12, 15:16]Alandovos The real question is if you made it to the post office today :)
[Aug 13, 18:59]Moneypenny The REAL real question is, what the hell is going on Wisconsin these days?! After the lady got outraged, "She headed to Bushy's, a local tavern, seeking support." Good job, fucknut. Go to your local tavern to incite a riot over an Indian guy stepping on a flag. And I'll be over at Oktoberfest trying to convince people that gay marriage is a travesty.
[Aug 13, 19:12]Luke [e-mail] Yeah, I found that amusing.
I think I'll go to WalMart to discuss the merits of freedom of religion.
[Aug 19, 16:13]Katie
I thought certain lovers of bacon might be amused by this...
[Aug 23, 21:56]Matt [e-mail] The U.S. Supreme Court's majority opinions in the late 80's/early 90's makes the best argument. No matter how repulsed anyone may be at just the thought of 'desecrating' the flag, it is a form expression that should remain protected. Removing that right betrays the values and ideals symbolized by the U.S. flag; paradoxically, attempts to protect/preserve it from defilement make it less meaningful.
While this particular individual may not have been making any statement or expression through his use of the flag, I absolutely agree, trying to incite a potential riot over such as incident is insane. If this particular individual was trying to make an extreme statement, though, these people probably would take the same action or worse; it's doubtful they're angry because they believe there's an etiquette to desecrating a flag that isn't being followed.
[Aug 24, 15:08]Alandovos The story about the woman's memorials going to get rid of Bush made today's Phoenix paper, go Wisconsin!
I thought certain lovers of bacon might be amused by this...
Bacon Head Scares Burglar