To Fly Our Flag In Our Own Nation Is Offensive?

The World Upside Down

FIX BAYONETS: IS OUR FLAG OFFENSIVE? Submitted by Shannon Ward: 

This is the reasoning behind the question:
Breitbart ... March 6, 2015
UC IRVINE STUDENT GOV. BANS AMERICAN FLAG FROM ‘INCLUSIVE’ SPACE

On March 3, 2015 the student members passed a resolution to ban the American Flag from the common area on the college campus of Irvine, CA Matthew Guevera wrote: “The American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism,” he bemoaned. “Flags not only serve as symbols of patriotism or weapons for nationalism, but also construct cultural mythologies and narratives that in turn charge nationalistic sentiments.”


I would like to examine his contempt for the "nationalistic sentiments", beginning with the image to the left. What nationalistic sentiments do you see expressed there? Our sentiments as a people came together for the good of the nation and the world during times of strife and war. We responded during two world wars. Did the citizens who suffered under occupation of the Nazis in France, Italy and other European countries view the American's and the allies as a source of freedom or that of "imperialism."

When America and other allies, represented by many different flags freed those in concentration camps did those liberated look at the flag as a source of "imperialism" or one of freedom to pick up their lives that were left. Many came to view America as that "shining city on the hill" looking for a new start in a land that allowed them to be free. I look to ask Mr Guevera as to what his political ideology is in all of this. Are you of the mind of La Raza? Which would explain a great deal as to your angst toward "our grand old flag" and what she represents.

We are a unique nation and one of our major flaws now is that many of our immigrants, both legal and illegal, are becoming little islands unto themselves and are not integrating into our lifestyle.

Our values were put forth by our founding fathers based on the principles of Judeo/Christian values which is what our country was founded on. Today those values are scorned and trampled by those who come among us taking advantage of our generosity, while denouncing our heritage.

These words are written on another representative of our nation, The Statue of Liberty. Read the words, really read what the words mean. We are the most inclusive country in the world. We are a nation that has formed by allowing others onto her shores with the intent of making a better life for themselves and their families.

The New ColossusBy Emma Lazarus, 1883

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command.
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame."Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries sheWith silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

As for the removal of our flag. We have many men and women who died for our nation that the flag represents. Do I claim our country to be perfect? No, we as a nation have made many mistakes. However, the mistake you are making is vilifying our nation's symbol and therefore offending all Americans that fought for your rights to be ignorant of our history. You are tearing down a representation of what men and women died for during wars long past in their efforts to maintain freedom. Are you going to remove the flags of Mexico, and the flag of the State of California? How about the Rainbow flag?

After all, they do not include those who don't live in California, are not of Mexican heritage and the Rainbow flag could be deemed offensive to many of Judeo/Christian beliefs.

I however have observed the lack of tolerance on California campuses toward Jews in the last month. Never in my life time after the history of what has happened in Europe under the Nazi occupation would I suspect my own country would tolerate the hatred toward those of the Jewish faith.

So you college students who are throwing out Old Glory, may want to return the millions of dollars that this country pays for you to have the privilege of an education. As for the professors who are so outraged about the flag and what it represents, you had better be prepared to return your salaries as provided by state and federal funds. After all I wouldn't want you to contradict your beliefs and thereby making you a hypocrite by accepting such tainted money that affords you your lifestyles that you probably enjoy. Another option for those offended by our flag: MOVE to another country!
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