NationStates Jolt Archive


Little known facts about the US flag

Panhandlia
12-04-2005, 04:49
US forces are doing another sweep for stupid terrorists in Baghdad.

I call them "stupid" because you'd think they'd have learned by now that if you're in a place where you can see an American flag surrounded by American soldiers, you shouldn't be a terrorist there because you'll be dead soon.

I mean, isn't that one of the more obvious things represented by the American flag?

Here's some

TOTALLY TRUE TIDBITS ABOUT THE AMERICAN FLAG

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* American flags rarely bite unless provoked.

* Methods of provocation include poking it with a stick or being a filthy hippy.

* Each star on the American flag represents one of the 50 states, although McDonalds is eyeballing the naming rights to the one in the upper left corner

* When a patriotic American dies, the flag is lowered to half-staff. When John Kerry dies, expect to see a week of nationwide double-staffing.

* Monkeys have no flag, and must therefore be exterminated.

* Ditto terrorists.

* And the French.

* Yes, I know, TECHNICALLY they have a flag, but they only every really use the white part.

* Some people think it's unpatriotic to buy an American flag unless it's actually made in America. However it really doesn't matter where the flag is originally made, as long as it eventually flies over bullet-ridden terrorist corpses.

* Or live Frenchmen.

* Trust me, they're on the list.

* If an American Flag becomes worn or damaged, it must be disposed of respectfully by burning it in a solemn ceremony. The flag should be neatly folded, set on top of a commie, and set ablaze.

* If you don't have a commie handy, you can use a Kennedy, although these tend to be soggy and not burn well.

* It is disrespectful to wear the American flag as an article of clothing such as a shirt or a pair of pants. Thongs are ok, though.

* In a fight between an American flag and Aquaman, Aquaman would trip over his own damn feet, fall down, and smash his head open on a rock.

* Some people REALLY shouldn't try to fight on land.

* The best way to illuminate your American flag is to place a halogen light no more than 10 feet from the base of the flagpole and aim it toward the lower right corner of the blue field, although purists insist that you should use rockets' red glare.

* The original design for the American flag featured a coiled snake on a white background and the words "Don't F**k With Me!", which was later modified due to pressure from the FCC.

* The best American Flags are made from the bark of the Tree of Liberty, the roots of which must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants.

* If Michael Moore were touched by an American flag, he would immediately burst into unholy flame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So... what do YOU know about the American flag?
Colodia
12-04-2005, 04:55
Ford Prefect didn't need a towel, he needed an AMERICAN FLAG!
Monkeypimp
12-04-2005, 04:56
The flag seems to burn well from what I see on the news.
Nekone
12-04-2005, 05:05
* If you don't have a commie handy, you can use a Kennedy, although these tend to be soggy and not burn well.
Disagree with this one... most Kennedys are soaked in Alcohol thus will burn brightly... and for a very long time.
CanuckHeaven
12-04-2005, 05:05
~~~~SNIP~~~~
Good luck on your trolling!! :eek:
Greater Wallachia
12-04-2005, 05:14
So... what do YOU know about the American flag?


That it apparently incites idiocy in some people, I guess it should come with a warning tab.
Evil Arch Conservative
12-04-2005, 05:17
So... what do YOU know about the American flag?

I know they print it on their (no doubt low quality 1-ply) toilet paper in some societies. So full of themselves are they that they never connect the use of it with their chronic cases of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. They usually just blame it on McDonalds. This could be a contributing factor since McDonalds cleverly serves only camel shit and rocks in these countries.
Colodia
12-04-2005, 05:17
That it apparently incites idiocy in some people, I guess it should come with a warning tab.
Warning: May kick ass sounds appropriate. ;)
Infallible Satire
12-04-2005, 05:33
* When a patriotic American dies, the flag is lowered to half-staff. When John Kerry dies, expect to see a week of nationwide double-staffing.
In Republicans' pants.

http://www.ridiculopathy.com/stock/bush_boner.jpg
The Mycon
12-04-2005, 06:15
* Methods of provocation include poking it with a stick or being a filthy hippy.

* Monkeys have no flag, and must therefore be exterminated.

... bullet-ridden terrorist corpses.
* Or live Frenchmen.
* Trust me, they're on the list.
Last time I posted a thread advocating genocide, it got deleted, and it was a lot less direct than any of these three. You might have guts, but you might simply be trying for a suicide-by-mod here...
Delator
12-04-2005, 06:47
Originally posted by Panhandlia

* In a fight between an American flag and Aquaman, Aquaman would trip over his own damn feet, fall down, and smash his head open on a rock.

* Some people REALLY shouldn't try to fight on land.

Might just be me, but that was awesome!
Earths Orbit
12-04-2005, 06:55
Might just be me, but that was awesome!

Seconded.
For much amusing commentry on aquaman, visit seanbaby.com and check out the superfriends page.
Elsburytonia
12-04-2005, 07:04
Panhandlia - that was awesome.
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 07:04
US forces are doing another sweep for stupid terrorists in Baghdad.

I call them "stupid" because you'd think they'd have learned by now that if you're in a place where you can see an American flag surrounded by American soldiers, you shouldn't be a terrorist there because you'll be dead soon.

I mean, isn't that one of the more obvious things represented by the American flag?

Here's some

TOTALLY TRUE TIDBITS ABOUT THE AMERICAN FLAG

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* American flags rarely bite unless provoked.

* Methods of provocation include poking it with a stick or being a filthy hippy.

* Each star on the American flag represents one of the 50 states, although McDonalds is eyeballing the naming rights to the one in the upper left corner

* When a patriotic American dies, the flag is lowered to half-staff. When John Kerry dies, expect to see a week of nationwide double-staffing.

* Monkeys have no flag, and must therefore be exterminated.

* Ditto terrorists.

* And the French.

* Yes, I know, TECHNICALLY they have a flag, but they only every really use the white part.

* Some people think it's unpatriotic to buy an American flag unless it's actually made in America. However it really doesn't matter where the flag is originally made, as long as it eventually flies over bullet-ridden terrorist corpses.

* Or live Frenchmen.

* Trust me, they're on the list.

* If an American Flag becomes worn or damaged, it must be disposed of respectfully by burning it in a solemn ceremony. The flag should be neatly folded, set on top of a commie, and set ablaze.

* If you don't have a commie handy, you can use a Kennedy, although these tend to be soggy and not burn well.

* It is disrespectful to wear the American flag as an article of clothing such as a shirt or a pair of pants. Thongs are ok, though.

* In a fight between an American flag and Aquaman, Aquaman would trip over his own damn feet, fall down, and smash his head open on a rock.

* Some people REALLY shouldn't try to fight on land.

* The best way to illuminate your American flag is to place a halogen light no more than 10 feet from the base of the flagpole and aim it toward the lower right corner of the blue field, although purists insist that you should use rockets' red glare.

* The original design for the American flag featured a coiled snake on a white background and the words "Don't F**k With Me!", which was later modified due to pressure from the FCC.

* The best American Flags are made from the bark of the Tree of Liberty, the roots of which must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants.

* If Michael Moore were touched by an American flag, he would immediately burst into unholy flame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So... what do YOU know about the American flag?

First of all, you are a fucking retard. Even if you were trying to be funny, you aren't. The French, Commies, and yes, (terrible as it may sound) even terrorists are people too. I agree that we need to take care of and respect our flag. However, saying that the flag needs to be respected, then saying it can be worn as butt floss, is pushing the boundaries of your conservative ways. My suggestion, open your mind and try to see how other people and countries see the U.S. Then maybe you will understand why people respect the flag and take care of it, so you won't have to make a bunch of lame ass attempts of making up "facts" to say you are an asshole republican. :sniper:
Nekone
12-04-2005, 07:06
Seconded.
For much amusing commentry on aquaman, visit seanbaby.com and check out the superfriends page.
Like the Marvel Superhero Role Playing Game.

"not all powers are awsome... the PTB ask you what you can do? 'I can breath under water' *poof* they stick your head in a fishtank."
Gartref
12-04-2005, 07:08
It took Betsy Ross 40 days and 40 nights to stitch that flag of freedom, and when she climbed down Mt. Rushmore and showed it to the continental congress - they wept with awe and covered her nakedness.

God Bless the United States of America, forever without ending, Amen.
Earths Orbit
12-04-2005, 07:27
First of all, you are a fucking retard. Even if you were trying to be funny, you aren't. The French, Commies, and yes, (terrible as it may sound) even terrorists are people too. I agree that we need to take care of and respect our flag. However, saying that the flag needs to be respected, then saying it can be worn as butt floss, is pushing the boundaries of your conservative ways. My suggestion, open your mind and try to see how other people and countries see the U.S. Then maybe you will understand why people respect the flag and take care of it, so you won't have to make a bunch of lame ass attempts of making up "facts" to say you are an asshole republican. :sniper:

Um, I found this amusing. I'm not an American. I take issue with a lot of American attitudes, especially that unique brand of arrogance peculiar to Americans. I certainly don't think all are bad, or that even most are bad.

I just think that this post was amusing. It very cleverly pinpointed that arrogance, and made fun of it in a clever way. I honestly doubt there was any serious attempt to say that the flag should be used as a sign of the terrorists being killed.
It really reads to me more like a subtle criticism of the fact that people are killed under the american flag.

If you took the comments about the french and the commies seriously...honestly, what were you thinking when you read the comments about aquaman? Did you take that seriously as well?
I can understand how you might find this tasteless, but I do believe you missed the original intent if you think the post was advocating killing people.
Greater Yubari
12-04-2005, 07:32
It's a piece of cloth, who cares.
Elsburytonia
12-04-2005, 07:33
so you won't have to make a bunch of lame ass attempts of making up "facts" to say you are an asshole republican. :sniper:

All asshole Republicans over here please. I would love to be an asshole Republican over a Dopey Democrat.

Fortunately I am Australian and a proud LIBERAL (Conservative-Right)
Murderous maniacs
12-04-2005, 07:39
Fortunately I am Australian and a proud LIBERAL (Conservative-Right)
damn liberal bastards, as if you actually think the VSU (voluntary student unionism) legislation is a good thing. is the student unions go down, we lose vital support for students who need it. i find it amusing that the liberal club at uni supports it, considering they take money from our clubs association, which is part of the student union
Spiel Mit Mir
12-04-2005, 07:47
I am Australian.

I am a member of the Australian Labor Party.

AUSTRALIA SHOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT FLAG!
Elsburytonia
12-04-2005, 07:50
AUSTRALIA SHOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT FLAG!

Wow, and this is your biggest issue.

No wonder we kicked your ass in the Federal Election!

Australia's flag is just fine.
Spiel Mit Mir
12-04-2005, 07:51
Wow, and this is your biggest issue.

No wonder we kicked your ass in the Federal Election!

Australia's flag is just fine.


No, it isn't my biggest issue, it is just within the context of this thread, which is about flags.
Elsburytonia
12-04-2005, 07:55
damn liberal bastards, as if you actually think the VSU (voluntary student unionism) legislation is a good thing. is the student unions go down, we lose vital support for students who need it. i find it amusing that the liberal club at uni supports it, considering they take money from our clubs association, which is part of the student union

Ahhhhhh yes student politics.

I too was a student politician at Deakin in Geelong. I also fought for VSU the last time.

Why should a off campus student pay for services they are never going to have an opportunity to use?

Why should I as a Liberal give funds to an organisation which funnels money into the ALP coffers?

Why does a student union duplicate services already offered by the university? (Trust me I argued for counciling services to be cut from the student union because the Uni already provided councilors.)

If a union provides good services that the students want they will pay for it and they will participate in its activities.
Elsburytonia
12-04-2005, 08:02
Sorry I do digress.

Star spangled banner and all.

Hot Dogs, McDonalds, White House, CIA yada yada yada...
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 21:24
If you took the comments about the french and the commies seriously...honestly, what were you thinking when you read the comments about aquaman? Did you take that seriously as well?
I can understand how you might find this tasteless, but I do believe you missed the original intent if you think the post was advocating killing people.

I knew this was supposed to be a joke. However, I found it tasteless and ignorant. Thanks for agreeing.
Armandian Cheese
12-04-2005, 21:30
*The American Flag should be painted onto bullets, so as to make sure terrorists feel the American way in their hearts before they die.
Isanyonehome
12-04-2005, 21:54
First of all, you are a fucking retard. Even if you were trying to be funny, you aren't. The French, Commies, and yes, (terrible as it may sound) even terrorists are people too. I agree that we need to take care of and respect our flag. However, saying that the flag needs to be respected, then saying it can be worn as butt floss, is pushing the boundaries of your conservative ways. My suggestion, open your mind and try to see how other people and countries see the U.S. Then maybe you will understand why people respect the flag and take care of it, so you won't have to make a bunch of lame ass attempts of making up "facts" to say you are an asshole republican. :sniper:


grow a sense of humour..or at least pretend to.. or go away.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:05
All asshole Republicans over here please. I would love to be an asshole Republican over a Dopey Democrat.



I agree. But that aside-this was meant to be humorous and I got a few laughs out of it.Some was clever, some was offensive, but I take it for what it is.
No need for people to become hysterical.
Pschycotic Pschycos
12-04-2005, 22:09
It's a piece of cloth, who cares.

It's not the cloth genius, it's what it stands for. Duh. Might I suggest the good ole' book "Flag Symbolisim 101", or my personal favorite,
"Flags for Dummies".

I can't believe I read that.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:12
It's not the cloth genius, it's what it stands for. Duh. Might I suggest the good ole' book "Flag Symbolisim 101", or my personal favorite,
"Flags for Dummies".

I can't believe I read that.


Dont waste your breath trying to explain something like this to a person who makes that statement. Maybe its just a piece of cloth to them. Too bad for them. They likely have little feeling for whatever thier piece of cloth represents as well.
Pschycotic Pschycos
12-04-2005, 22:15
Dont waste your breath trying to explain something like this to a person who makes that statement. Maybe its just a piece of cloth to them. Too bad for them. They likely have little feeling for whatever thier piece of cloth represents as well.

Those are the worst kind, no sense of Patriotism whatsoever. I got slightly PO'd when they lowered the stars and stripes for the pope at my school cause it goes against proper ettiquite, and I get yelled at! Hello, fly it properly or don't fly it at all and get out of my nation!
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 22:17
*The American Flag should be painted onto bullets, so as to make sure terrorists feel the American way in their hearts before they die.

This is exactly the closed minded ignorance I am talking about. Terrorists, as bad as they are (and don't think I am advocating them by any means) don't deserve to die right away. Yes, we should fight back, but I am not saying that we should capture terrorists and shoot them on the spot. I would rather put them through the American Justice system and let them rot in prison or be put to death at the hands of the government.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:20
Those are the worst kind, no sense of Patriotism whatsoever. I got slightly PO'd when they lowered the stars and stripes for the pope at my school cause it goes against proper ettiquite, and I get yelled at! Hello, fly it properly or don't fly it at all and get out of my nation!


I'm still up in the air over that one. I respect the Pope and I knew we lowered our flags to show our respect towards him, though I feel it should more be observed for Americans.

Whats really getting me is this growing trend of students in grade schools, excercising their right not to stand during the "Pledge of Allegiance". They sit in their seats. To me-this is defiance and deliberately disrespectful. I hate it.
I guess it is their right, but that right was secured by men who bled and died for it. So-instead of being grateful and showing a small measure of respect, they are taking it for granted and saying "F--- You" instead.
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 22:21
The standard US flag can absorb 3 times its weight in urine.
Drunk commies reborn
12-04-2005, 22:22
Terrorists, as bad as they are (and don't think I am advocating them by any means) don't deserve to die right away.
Are you advocating torturing them to death? I like the way you think.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:22
This is exactly the closed minded ignorance I am talking about. Terrorists, as bad as they are (and don't think I am advocating them by any means) don't deserve to die right away. Yes, we should fight back, but I am not saying that we should capture terrorists and shoot them on the spot. I would rather put them through the American Justice system and let them rot in prison or be put to death at the hands of the government.


I think that was more of a "dark humor" statement, rather than serious. And we dont shoot the terrorists we capture. We shoot the ones we fight, but we havent executed any that have been captured.
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 22:22
I guess it is their right, but that right was secured by men who bled and died for it. So-instead of being grateful and showing a small measure of respect, they are taking it for granted and saying "F--- You" instead.

As a combat veteran, I will tell you now that I fought for peoples' right *not* to stand more than anything else.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:23
Whats really getting me is this growing trend of students in grade schools, excercising their right not to stand during the "Pledge of Allegiance". They sit in their seats. To me-this is defiance and deliberately disrespectful. I hate it.
I guess it is their right, but that right was secured by men who bled and died for it. So-instead of being grateful and showing a small measure of respect, they are taking it for granted and saying "F--- You" instead.

Hey: they have a right to take it for granted and say 'Fuck you'. Otherwise we are talking about an obligation here.
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 22:25
Those are the worst kind, no sense of Patriotism whatsoever. I got slightly PO'd when they lowered the stars and stripes for the pope at my school cause it goes against proper ettiquite, and I get yelled at! Hello, fly it properly or don't fly it at all and get out of my nation!

Is it your nation? Since when did you become G.W.? Even HE doesn't own the nation. You might try reading the Declaration of Independence some time. However, I agree that the flag represents something and I don't like people who look at it as a piece of cloth either. My newest rant is saying that people like you who say "get out of my nation" are the dumbest fucks in america. Everyone has a right to say their opinion. That is what makes America great. It was written in my local newspaper that Jessica Lange is against George Bush, and therefore against America. So she should leave the country. NO YOU FUCK! She never said that she was against America. If she was against America, she would have a different title besides Actress. She would be a terrorist. And if she didn't love the country, she wouldn't live here. YOU FUCKING PEOPLE ARE ALL SO IGNORANT. I don't mind though. It just makes it easier to waste you with my superior argument skills. YESSSSS!!!
Drunk commies reborn
12-04-2005, 22:26
I'm a member of the BPOE. Our organization has lobbied to pass an anti flag burning ammendment. I don't agree with that though. I think it's a form of expression. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and to express it when they see fit. Still, anyone who does burn a US flag is a worthless piece of crap in my estimation, and I'm more than willing to tell them that to their face. Free expression goes both ways.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:27
The standard US flag can absorb 3 times its weight in urine.


Its actually much more than that, judging by the stink of all the foreigners that supposedly hate us and our flag, but flock here in droves to make our dollars. It can also support tons and tons of slime that suck off of the social programs and contribute nothing but disease and hatred.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:28
However, I agree that the flag represents something and I don't like people who look at it as a piece of cloth either.

...but it is a piece of cloth.

She never said that she was against America. If she was against America, she would have a different title besides Actress. She would be a terrorist.

Being against America does not make you a terrorist. Possibly a dissident, but not a terrorist unless you engage in terrorism.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:29
I'm a member of the BPOE. Our organization has lobbied to pass an anti flag burning ammendment. I don't agree with that though. I think it's a form of expression. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and to express it when they see fit. Still, anyone who does burn a US flag is a worthless piece of crap in my estimation, and I'm more than willing to tell them that to their face. Free expression goes both ways.


I agree with you-they are free under our laws, to express themselves in my country, burning my flag. I want to freely express myself by showering them with rocks and bottles.
Swimmingpool
12-04-2005, 22:31
That was funny.
I just think that this post was amusing. It very cleverly pinpointed that arrogance, and made fun of it in a clever way. I honestly doubt there was any serious attempt to say that the flag should be used as a sign of the terrorists being killed.
It really reads to me more like a subtle criticism of the fact that people are killed under the american flag.
If you've seen Panhandlia's other posts, this isn't true, he's serious. He's a far-right winger. Still the post was good!

*The American Flag should be painted onto bullets, so as to make sure terrorists feel the American way in their hearts before they die.
This is exactly the closed minded ignorance I am talking about. Terrorists, as bad as they are (and don't think I am advocating them by any means) don't deserve to die right away. Yes, we should fight back, but I am not saying that we should capture terrorists and shoot them on the spot. I would rather put them through the American Justice system and let them rot in prison or be put to death at the hands of the government.
HE. IS. NOT. SERIOUS.

Those are the worst kind, no sense of Patriotism whatsoever. I got slightly PO'd when they lowered the stars and stripes for the pope at my school cause it goes against proper ettiquite, and I get yelled at! Hello, fly it properly or don't fly it at all and get out of my nation!
It's perfectly customary for a nation to lower its flags to half-mast to express sorrow. For almost all of last week all Irish flags flew at half mast, often accompanied by Vatican flags. It's a perfectly customary thing to do.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:31
I agree with you-they are free under our laws, to express themselves in my country, burning my flag. I want to freely express myself by showering them with rocks and bottles.

And your recourse to violence makes you a better man how, exactly?
Drunk commies reborn
12-04-2005, 22:32
I agree with you-they are free under our laws, to express themselves in my country, burning my flag. I want to freely express myself by showering them with rocks and bottles.
Better to verbally provoke them. Then any witnesses will be able to say that the anti-American asshole took the first swing and you were only protecting yourself.
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 22:33
Being against America does not make you a terrorist. Possibly a dissident, but not a terrorist unless you engage in terrorism.

I realize that, but my point was that terrorists are against America and what it stands for. That was my point.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:35
nevermind: confusion as to whom I was responding here.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:35
As a combat veteran, I will tell you now that I fought for peoples' right *not* to stand more than anything else.


I understand, but isnt it a good feeling to do something you know is right without knowing you are protected wether you do or tou dont? Its the whole point of it.
I'm not saying they should be required to-quite the opposite. We are not talking about pledging our allegiance to a man or even a political party-we are pledging it to ourselves and our way of life. The whole reason we are here.
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 22:38
Burning a flag does not make you a terrorist.
Did I ever say That? when did I say that?
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:38
Burning a flag does not make you a terrorist.

No-it doesnt-thats true. Its a poor way to make a powerful statement-and provoke your enemy. I'm not sure why there isnt more violence as a result of flag burning. I've never seen one burned in person-only on tv. I know I would feel very hostile.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:40
Did I ever say That? when did I say that?


See edited version: I had confused you with Carnivorous Lickers there for a moment. My response to you made no sense.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:41
No-it doesnt-thats true. Its a poor way to make a powerful statement-and provoke your enemy. I'm not sure why there isnt more violence as a result of flag burning. I've never seen one burned in person-only on tv. I know I would feel very hostile.

Surely this mean it isn't a poor way, but rather a strong way?
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:41
And your recourse to violence makes you a better man how, exactly?

I didnt say it would make me a better man. And I dont need to fit your interpretation of what a better man is. I was never one to turn the other cheek either.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:42
I didnt say it would make me a better man. And I dont need to fit your interpretation of what a better man is. I was never one to turn the other cheek either.

So, people must be forced at threat of violence to respect the values enshrined in the US flag?
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:44
Surely this mean it isn't a poor way, but rather a strong way?


No-it is poor. What message are you trying to send by burning something that some people hold dear? You are inciting rage and bringing things to a boil. And dont for a minute pretend that the unbiased intellectual witnessing from the sidelines will see the flag burning and say "You know, those rascals do have a good point, let me see how I can support them-they've got such spunk!".
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:46
So, people must be forced at threat of violence to respect the values enshrined in the US flag?


No-they just need not burn it. Thats all. Its easier not to burn it.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:47
No-it is poor. What message are you trying to send by burning something that some people hold dear? You are inciting rage and bringing things to a boil. And dont for a minute pretend that the unbiased intellectual witnessing from the sidelines will see the flag burning and say "You know, those rascals do have a good point, let me see how I can support them-they've got such spunk!".


Its very strength as a method of provocation is its power. It is a case of synecdote: unable to destroy the United States or the parts of it that people hate, they instead destroy a symbol of it.
The Cat-Tribe
12-04-2005, 22:48
I understand, but isnt it a good feeling to do something you know is right without knowing you are protected wether you do or tou dont? Its the whole point of it.
I'm not saying they should be required to-quite the opposite. We are not talking about pledging our allegiance to a man or even a political party-we are pledging it to ourselves and our way of life. The whole reason we are here.

There are many reasons to object to taking the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public oaths of anykind are against some religions.

The "under God" language is objectionable to many.

Some object to the "team spirit" approach to patriotism.

Although aimed at requiring the pledge, much of West Virginia State Board of Ed. v. Barnette (http://laws.findlaw.com/us/319/624.html). 319 US 624 (1943), is appropriate comment:

Any credo of nationalism is likely to include what some disapprove or to omit what others think essential, and to give off different overtones as it takes on different accents or interpretations.

...

Struggles to coerce uniformity of sentiment in support of some end thought essential to their time and country have been waged by many good as well as by evil men. Nationalism is a relatively recent phenomenon but at other times and places the ends have been racial or territorial security, support of a dynasty or regime, and particular plans for saving souls. As first and moderate methods to attain unity have failed, those bent on its accomplishment must resort to an ever-increasing severity. As governmental pressure toward unity becomes greater, so strife becomes more bitter as to whose unity it shall be. Probably no deeper division of our people could proceed from any provocation than from finding it necessary to choose what doctrine and whose program public educational officials shall compel youth to unite in embracing. Ultimate futility of such attempts to compel coherence is the lesson of every such effort from the Roman drive to stamp out Christianity as a disturber of its pagan unity, the Inquisition, as a means to religious and dynastic unity, the Siberian exiles as a means to Russian unity, down to the fast failing efforts of our present totalitarian enemies. Those who begin coercive elimination of dissent soon find themselves exterminating dissenters. Compulsory unification of opinion achieves only the unanimity of the graveyard.

It seems trite but necessary to say that the First Amendment to our Constitution was designed to avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings. There is no mysticism in the American concept of the State or of the nature or origin of its authority. We set up government by consent of the governed, and the Bill of Rights denies those in power any legal opportunity to coerce that consent. Authority here is to be controlled by public opinion, not public opinion by authority.

The case is made difficult not because the principles of its decision are obscure but because the flag involved is our own. Nevertheless, we apply the limitations of the Constitution with no fear that freedom to be intellectually and spiritually diverse or even contrary will disintegrate the social organization. To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous instead of a compulsory routine is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds. We can have intellectual individualism and the rich cultural diversities that we owe to exceptional minds only at the price of occasional eccentricity and abnormal attitudes. When they are so harmless to others or to the State as those we deal with here, the price is not too great. But freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.

If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.
Frisbeeteria
12-04-2005, 22:48
First of all, you are a fucking retard.

so you won't have to make a bunch of lame ass attempts of making up "facts" to say you are an asshole republican.

My newest rant is saying that people like you who say "get out of my nation" are the dumbest fucks in america.

NO YOU FUCK!

YOU FUCKING PEOPLE ARE ALL SO IGNORANT.

It just makes it easier to waste you with my superior argument skills. YESSSSS!!!
Shweatyyeti, your "superior argument skills" just won you a coveted Official Warning for flaming, flamebaiting, and trolling. Perhaps you need a moment to read up on the Glossary of Forbidden Actions (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=288255) here at NationStates. It becomes harder to read them when you're forumbanned, which is exactly the direction you're heading.

Straighten up or hit the road. We don't much care which.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator
Shweatyyeti
12-04-2005, 22:49
I think it's funny how suddenly everyone is on the defensive. :D
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:49
No-they just need not burn it. Thats all. Its easier not to burn it.

It is easier not to do many things rather than to do them, but that is avoiding the issue. Would it have been easier to not invade Iraq instead of invading it? Would it have been easier to remain as a British colony, rather than rebelling?
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 22:51
I understand, but isnt it a good feeling to do something you know is right without knowing you are protected wether you do or tou dont? Its the whole point of it.

I take it you've never served. No, that isn't the whole point of it.

Doing what's right and doing what's popular are almost always on opposite sides of the fence. This nation was founded on dissidence and civil disobedience. To call for the nation as a whole to stand when some words are said to a piece of cloth is to spit on everything the Found Fathers fought for. We are a nation of ideas, not of symbols.

The kid who doesn't stand is just as American as the one who does. The man who fights to have "under God" removed from the pledge is just as American as the man who says it whether he believes in God or not. John Kerry is just as American as George Bush.

We're a nation full of dissidents. To ask for anything else is immoral and repugnant.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:52
Its very strength as a method of provocation is its power. It is a case of synecdote: unable to destroy the United States or the parts of it that people hate, they instead destroy a symbol of it.


And you're supporting this method of lashing out at the United States?
I dont agree with what you're saying, and dont care for your smug tone, but I dont think I would gain any worthwhile support against you by publicly destroying a symbol of something that that you stood for.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 22:52
This nation was founded on dissidence and civil disobedience.

...

We're a nation full of dissidents. To ask for anything else is immoral and repugnant.


Yay! for Keruvalia.
Carnivorous Lickers
12-04-2005, 22:53
I take it you've never served. No, that isn't the whole point of it.

Doing what's right and doing what's popular are almost always on opposite sides of the fence. This nation was founded on dissidence and civil disobedience. To call for the nation as a whole to stand when some words are said to a piece of cloth is to spit on everything the Found Fathers fought for. We are a nation of ideas, not of symbols.

The kid who doesn't stand is just as American as the one who does. The man who fights to have "under God" removed from the pledge is just as American as the man who says it whether he believes in God or not. John Kerry is just as American as George Bush.

We're a nation full of dissidents. To ask for anything else is immoral and repugnant.

I said "what you know is right"- I didnt infer that you should do what everyone else was doing for the sake of being like everyone else.
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 22:59
I said "what you know is right"- I didnt infer that you should do what everyone else was doing for the sake of being like everyone else.

And I'm telling you that standing and not standing are both "right". Saying the pledge and not saying the pledge are both "right".

What is not "right" is imposing your view of "right" on anyone else.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 23:04
And you're supporting this method of lashing out at the United States?

Do I support people's rights to burn flags? Certainly. They are nothing but symbols.

While we're on the subject of the american flag, could someone explain to me why it is never meant to touch the ground? The fact that the flag of the nation is considered tainted by contact with that nations soil is one I find beyond all understanding.
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 23:05
I said "what you know is right"- I didnt infer that you should do what everyone else was doing for the sake of being like everyone else.

And I'm telling you that standing and not standing are both "right". Saying the pledge and not saying the pledge are both "right".

What is not "right" is imposing your view of "right" on anyone else.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 23:12
What is not "right" is imposing your view of "right" on anyone else.


Does this conflict with your experiences in the service?
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 23:21
Does this conflict with your experiences in the service?

Not really, no, because while in the service, your "rights" are pretty limited. You give up things like "Free Speech" and "Free Expression" and whatnot in order to serve. However, once you're in civilian clothes again, you're once again a citizen with full rights and privileges thereof.

However, one of the most stringently taught lessons we learned was that when on foreign soil, we don't impose our will. We do the job we are asked to do, but we interfere with the day to day lives of foreign nationals as little as possible.

Otherwise, the US Army would be setting up Christian churches on Muslim lands. Not our job.
Drunk commies reborn
12-04-2005, 23:24
And you're supporting this method of lashing out at the United States?
I dont agree with what you're saying, and dont care for your smug tone, but I dont think I would gain any worthwhile support against you by publicly destroying a symbol of something that that you stood for.
It's the right of every American to do what he sees fit with his own property. If someone buys a flag he can display it proudly, or he can burn it. It's his choice, not yours. Of course you have the right to let him know what an asshole he's being by burning the flag. Freedom of expression is a wonderfull thing.
Bodies Without Organs
12-04-2005, 23:31
However, one of the most stringently taught lessons we learned was that when on foreign soil, we don't impose our will. We do the job we are asked to do, but we interfere with the day to day lives of foreign nationals as little as possible.


This is actaully the nub of the question I was asking: having joined you obviously believe that it is right to follow the orders from above, but doesn't following these orders in time of conflict constitute imposing what is right on others?
Keruvalia
12-04-2005, 23:38
This is actaully the nub of the question I was asking: having joined you obviously believe that it is right to follow the orders from above, but doesn't following these orders in time of conflict constitute imposing what is right on others?

I believe a soldier's primary duty is to obey the chain of command, yes. It risks lives not to. My war, however, was a war where we were doing what we were asked to do. Kuwait wanted Iraq out and they asked us for help. We helped them. It's no different then seeing a woman being beaten by her boyfriend. You don't think about it, you just help.

However, this current war, yes, I believe every soldier has a duty to put down their weapons and go home. I, personally, feel very sad for the men and women serving in this conflict and I do not believe history will look kindly upon them.