HGTV: Use an American flag as a tablecloth!

[ss1088]

I can't be the only one who sees more than a little irony in the fact that there are people here actually threatening violent intervention against those who are exercising their First Amendment rights (and, like it or not, that's what "desecration" of the flag is), while at the same time using as partial or full justification for that violence the fact that "I spent 'x' number of years defending those rights," and/or "there were many who died" in defense of those same rights. Sometimes these threads are just too darn funny.

Wait.....Is someone actually on my side?

[ss1088]

But claiming ignorance to why someone would be offended is not fine.

I don't understand why this is not acceptable. Can you elaborate. I actually had a hard time following your whole post, but this is what stuck out to me the most.

Let's cut the red herrings about rape, and flag burning, etc. and stick to your original comment. You said, "I don't see how a flag being used as a decoration is relevant."

That is the issue. You don't see! You don't see what the flag means to millions of Americans, some who fought for our rights, and the families of those that died for our rights. You are blind as to why we salute the flag, or pledge allegiance to the flag, or hold the Star Spangled Banner as our national Anthem in reverence. That's the whole point - you don't see! It appears that you simply consider the flag just another corporate logo, and perfectly fine to be stained and marred by scraps food. Millions, upon millions of Americans do not agree with you, regardless of your right to be blind.

I understand that many people would be upset by the issue. I just think it is being blown out of proportion, that is the main point I am making. Was this really worth the time to write an article about? I guess you are right that I see the flag as more of a logo for the United States, rater than a physical manifestation of my rights, freedoms and the sacrifices my ancestors made for the country. Some people seem to look at is almost as a sacred idol. I fully support anyone who wants to look at the flag this way, I just think it is wrong to demonize those who do not take the flag as seriously, especially when there was no real intent to do so.

[G26ster]

I can't be the only one who sees more than a little irony in the fact that there are people here actually threatening violent intervention against those who are exercising their First Amendment rights (and, like it or not, that's what "desecration" of the flag is), while at the same time using as partial or full justification for that violence the fact that "I spent 'x' number of years defending those rights," and/or "there were many who died" in defense of those same rights. Sometimes these threads are just too darn funny.

You miss my point if your post is directed at me. I'm not defending violence against those who agree that desecration of the flag is a right, in fact I call the posts about retribution or putting those people in the same category as rapists "red herrings" that are distracting to the issue. I am calling ss1088's attention to that fact that there are millions of people that are "rightfully" offended by desecration, but will defend your right to do it, and he is ignoring that issue because "he" doesn't see the "big deal." No different than being offended by hate speech or displays, and at the same time defending one's right to do so. The point is the failure to recognize the insult millions feel, and saying "no big deal." I don't believe anyone said that HGTV had "no right" to post the article, only that it was very poor taste and disrespectful to do so. Just because disrespect is a right, most folks don't disrespect others because it's their right to do so. That's bad form. I hope you find this post equally "funny."

[Pacifist]

You miss my point if your post is directed at me. I'm not defending violence against those who agree that desecration of the flag is a right, in fact I call the posts about retribution or putting those people in the same category as rapists "red herrings" that are distracting to the issue. I am calling ss1088's attention to that fact that there are millions of people that are "rightfully" offended by desecration, but will defend your right to do it, and he is ignoring that issue because "he" doesn't see the "big deal." No different than being offended by hate speech or displays, and at the same time defending one's right to do so. The point is the failure to recognize the insult millions feel, and saying "no big deal." I don't believe anyone said that HGTV had "no right" to post the article, only that it was very poor taste and disrespectful to do so. Just because disrespect is a right, most folks don't disrespect others because it's their right to do so. That's bad form. I hope you find this post equally "funny."

My comment was directed at the thread as a whole, but more so at particularly humorous posts that advocated (even threatened!) violence as an appropriate response to a Constitutionally protected and defended act. If you wish to include yourself in that subset, feel free to do so---your choice.

As to HGTV's tasteless, inappropriate, and wholly improper use of the U.S. flag, I can almost assure you that the New York ultra-liberals at Scripps who were responsible for both assembling and approving the display are quite busily and incredulously asking themselves exactly what it was that they did that was so wrong and assuring themselves that they won't ever make that same mistake again as next Flag Day, there will be no effort whatsoever made to honor the holiday, so in their minds, the "problem" is solved. They have no concept of honor, duty, morals, or patriotism. That's simply the way NY (and most other) liberals think.

In any event, on whichever side you may find yourself in any disagreement, there is, and I believe fortunately for us all, no Constitutional safeguard nor protection against being insulted or offended.

Oh, and yeah, I did find your apparent eagerness to be included in the "group-of-the-offended" somewhat humorous, but it didn't offend me in the least.

[G26ster]

My comment was directed at the thread as a whole, but more so at particularly humorous posts that advocated (even threatened!) violence as an appropriate response to a Constitutionally protected and defended act. If you wish to include yourself in that subset, feel free to do so---your choice.

As to HGTV's tasteless, inappropriate, and wholly improper use of the U.S. flag, I can almost assure you that the New York ultra-liberals at Scripps who were responsible for both assembling and approving the display are quite busily and incredulously asking themselves exactly what it was that they did that was so wrong and assuring themselves that they won't ever make that same mistake again as next Flag Day, there will be no effort whatsoever made to honor the holiday, so in their minds, the "problem" is solved. They have no concept of honor, duty, morals, or patriotism. That's simply the way NY (and most other) liberals think.

In any event, on whichever side you may find yourself in any disagreement, there is, and I believe fortunately for us all, no Constitutional safeguard nor protection against being insulted or offended.

Oh, and yeah, I did find your apparent eagerness to be included in the "group-of-the-offended" somewhat humorous, but it didn't offend me in the least.

Thanks for the tongue in cheek response. And no, I have no desire to be included in that subset, so just include me in the "offended" group please. Oh, and yeah, you need to do better than just finding my position on respecting our flag "somewhat humorous." How a bout a good belly laugh?

[Dirthawking]

The same people that see no problems, or disrespect being protrayed here are probably the same ones that say "Happy Memorial Day" every year.

While it is free speach, and I will, being a disabled vet, protect your right to free speach, I think in this case it all boils down to not knowing anybetter.

[Pacifist]

The same people that see no problems, or disrespect being protrayed here are probably the same ones that say "Happy Memorial Day" every year.

While it is free speach, and I will, being a disabled vet, protect your right to free speach, I think in this case it all boils down to not knowing anybetter.

I personally think that we should beat the crap out of those folks, just to teach them a lesson.

No, actually, I see this as another issue of utter ignorance and lack of historical perspective, so, when appropriate, I take it upon myself to attempt to have a civil discussion with such ill-informed individuals with the intent to inform them as to the real meaning of the day and, particularly, the inappropriateness of such a "greeting." I have to say that the overwhelming majority of such conversations end with something to the effect of, "Thanks, that makes sense. I really never thought about it that way."

So how do you typically handle such opportunities?

[Dirthawking]

I usually explain that as a Veteran, we have our own day, and that Memorial day is a day of rememberance, that without the sacrifice of a lot of brave men and women we would not need a Memorial day.



If they still don't understand they usually get the "Sorry to have bothered you, please enjoy your BBQ"

[Wes]

Should people really be that upset about this? It's obvious that there is no malicious intent here. To say that its un-American or an insult to our military it simply delusional. While HGTV probably should have been smart enough to realize there is a certain segment of the population that would be offended by this, let's not demonize them for it. There are plenty of other valid reasons to be upset at HGTV. Their intent was clearly patriotic.

To answer the question above: no, I don't really see it as a big deal if someone burns our flag. I think an American should have that right to express themselves, even if I don't agree with it. It doesn't cause any real harm. It may be an exercise of their freedom of speech, which is actually something people actually gave their lives for. However, It's not something that I would personally do or advocate.

I am going to avoid any topics of religion because my response will just be deleted.

I do respect you having an opinion and being able to voice that opinion.........but if someone is burning our flag in my presence the fight will be on......may not win that fight , but it will be on. I lost a lot of my friends for my flag and my country.

This.

It is a shame patriotism and love of country is not a priority to as many as in the past. I gave 6 years of my life defending this country and way of life including the Constitution and BOR.

If I ever see a flag desecration....well...pity the poor fool.

The time will come soon when true patriots will have to prove themselves again.

The rest of you who are not can keep your faces buried in your cell phones at the mall or hunker in front of the idiot box watching Idol or Bachelor.

Anygunanywhere

It is clear that you, and the other brave men/women who defend our country and flag will only continue to be disrespected so I would just like to thank you and them alike. I dont have time for those who can't understand that sometimes a symbol means more and can't comprehend that its not just about the code. I have many friends who have fought for the same and their and your service is one of the most respectable things a person can do. People have the right to do and say what they want but that doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

[MadMonkey]

I don't think HGTV had any nafarious intentions in this situation, but I also doubt they were being patriotic... it would seem to me that it's just what they do, and someone who isn't schooled in the flag code decided this would be a cute idea. I'm not raging about it, but I AM annoyed that they didn't know. They just need some education.

[philip964]

OK about burning the flag. I was taught that was the only way to destroy the American flag when it was old and tattered was to burn it. So when I see these "friends of America who receive our military and humanitarian aid" burning our flag, I go. "Oh I guess it was time for them to destroy their old and tattered American flags" Fortunately I never see Old Glory touching the ground or stamping on it, as that would make me mad. I am really glad these people in other countries are so respectful of our flag. Usually the News always shows the flag being flown properly, waved around and on fire. A nice touch.

For table decorations normally one has something like this, instead of using a real flag. " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Using the American flag and the Texas flag as a tarp for painting is right up there with letting it touch the ground. The American flag is on the left side of the truck, the correct side and the Texas flag is hung at the same height as the US flag which is allowed and correct in Texas.

[anygunanywhere]

I can't be the only one who sees more than a little irony in the fact that there are people here actually threatening violent intervention against those who are exercising their First Amendment rights (and, like it or not, that's what "desecration" of the flag is), while at the same time using as partial or full justification for that violence the fact that "I spent 'x' number of years defending those rights," and/or "there were many who died" in defense of those same rights. Sometimes these threads are just too darn funny.

Just because SCOTUS has ruled that flag burning is an allowed expression of ones 1A rights does not make it correct. SCOTUS also once ruled that blacks are not human and that it is acceptable to kill the unborn which proves that SCOTUS is fallible. Blindly following untruth is wrong.

Anygunanywhere

[Dadtodabone]

I can't be the only one who sees more than a little irony in the fact that there are people here actually threatening violent intervention against those who are exercising their First Amendment rights (and, like it or not, that's what "desecration" of the flag is), while at the same time using as partial or full justification for that violence the fact that "I spent 'x' number of years defending those rights," and/or "there were many who died" in defense of those same rights. Sometimes these threads are just too darn funny.

Just because SCOTUS has ruled that flag burning is an allowed expression of ones 1A rights does not make it correct. SCOTUS also once ruled that blacks are not human and that it is acceptable to kill the unborn which proves that SCOTUS is fallible. Blindly following untruth is wrong.

Anygunanywhere

I believe it was 3/5ths, not completely inhuman. This thread really does illustrate the divide in how members of our society feel and think about our nation, it's history and traditions.

[Pacifist]

...This thread really does illustrate the divide in how members of our society feel and think about our nation, it's history and traditions.

Exactly! I, too, find it somewhat surprising to see how many here appear to be more philosophically aligned with radical jihadists (i.e. those who regularly advocate and, indeed, invoke violence as a means to control and attack thoughts and actions with which they disagree), than they do with true Constitutionalists (i.e. those who have advocate for and/or have served, fought, and died in the preservation and protection of the right to freely express one's thoughts and ideas). Whoda thunk?

[philip964]

OK about burning the flag. I was taught that was the only way to destroy the American flag when it was old and tattered was to burn it. So when I see these "friends of America who receive our military and humanitarian aid" burning our flag, I go. "Oh I guess it was time for them to destroy their old and tattered American flags" Fortunately I never see Old Glory touching the ground or stamping on it, as that would make me mad. I am really glad these people in other countries are so respectful of our flag. Usually the News always shows the flag being flown properly, waved around and on fire. A nice touch.

For table decorations normally one has something like this, instead of using a real flag. " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Using the American flag and the Texas flag as a tarp for painting is right up there with letting it touch the ground. The American flag is on the left side of the truck, the correct side and the Texas flag is hung at the same height as the US flag which is allowed and correct in Texas.

" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; See not burning the flag but stepping on it. This is what makes me mad. An American celebrity, who should be kicked out.