Maybe it's just a piece of cloth. Maybe there would be a lot less crap in the world if our "leaders" were not able to indoctrinate us into thinking we were doing anything useful in fighting for a symbol.
Taking a thing, no matter how symbolic it is to you, and imbuing it with some sort of higher power, well, some might say that's worshipping idols.
Seeing this breaks my heart, this blatant disrespect for the nation we live in, just because they didn't feel like taking the flag down. I hate people like that. If America sucks so bad GET THE FUCK OUT, you know?
i think disrespecting the symbol of any nation is wrong. it would be like someone putting graffiti on my mailbox. its not really horrible or badly damaging, but its disrespectful
This just killed me! I cannot stand to see Our Flag in that kinda condition. I bitch and complain about the way things are in our country...it's my right. I would have to hunt someone down to take her down. I guess I'm patriotic in that way.
The phrase from "The Star Spangled Banner" that goes "Our Flag Was Still There" is ringing in my ears right about now, AND I'M CANADIAN! I imagine that the original flag that was still there was really mangled, but it was still flying. This one is true to the original. To me that's a good thing. By the way, the big Mexican flag in Cancun was looking a little beat up the last time I was down there... I'd have more respect for a flag that has seen some action than a bright new one, but that's me.
No need to explain your position. Plus "Patriotism" isn't a bad word. Just because some psychos take it to extremes doesn't mean the rest of us have to retreat from something that is good and healthy. I am a proud patriot.
(cut and paste definition)
pa·tri·ot
One who loves, supports, and defends one's country.
We were given gold stars by teachers in grammar school when we memorized it...all the kids were obsessed with collecting the gold stars...must have gold stars...must have gold stars...I wanted the glue. Tasted better.
I know it wouldnt bother me to see a tattered flag of my country, but then again I only live in Scotland (ya know, next to England). To use an American term, Scotland is 'full of fail'.
Its grey
Its materialistic (VERY)
It masses are generally ignorant
Its cold
Drugs are EVERYWHERE
People are miserable (like im being now)
Success is a big bank ballance
My g.f doesn't live here.
The best thing about the UK is that there is a better country from every direction (N.E.S.W)
Well, I'm moving on post soon as you know, and there's this part of the day, at 6pm called retreat. It's when everyone stands respectfully and watch the flag get taken down by a detail of 4 soldiers with a bugle call... It's very strange to people who have never seen it before. But everyone stops, no matter what they are doing. It shows that this country really isn't as bad as it is. Lol and that's rare for anyone to EVER hear from my mouth. ;)
It's more than a peice of nylon flapping in the breeze, it represents not only all of us, but all those who died fighting to protect what they thought it represents.
I feel the same way, Curt, seeing a flag in that condition isn't proper. It conveys a state of emergency and distress. I feel the same way when I see kids at a high school letting the flag hit the ground, not folding it properly and not treating it with the proper reverence.
It is a symbol of our country, and it symbolizes freedom for all people, even people who may not be that patriotic.
A flag is a symbol of a nation. It should be shown the respect you would show any important symbol. We recently replaced our Swiss flag, exactly because it was getting tattered on the edge.
Norway has many rules about the flag. Also, there are set times it has to be lowered or raised (before, respectively after). Lowered before sunset, or before 9 PM, whichever comes first.
On the other hand, Switzerland seems not to have such strict rules, but I still observe the "not on floor" rules etc
Maybe its because you really do love this country. I know a lot of people that have traveled around the world say they appreciate our country even more when they return. I just wish we had health care for all people. That is one of our national disgraces, I feel. We can afford to "police" the whole world, but we can't take care of our own? That is a shame and a disgrace.
You are correct, sugar. Folks of our generation have all been indoctrinated to say the pledge, & know the Star-Spangled Banner. But, I do still feel honestly patriotic, & I do think that is disrespectful. When my flags get old, I take them to the VFW for proper retirement.
I have to agree with you, while I do not consider myself a hardcore patriot I do find it a bit offensive that people still fly their flags in that kind of condition. This country is already in a bad enough state no need to let the flag show the wear and tear.
Great question Curt = I asked myself the same thing this spring = neighbors across the street flew a flag until it was in such tatters I almost bought them one to replace it. Finally around Memorial day they replaced it. I finally came to terms with it because at least it was a US flag- here in the barrio its usually the mexican flag that is flown.
Flag stands for more than the country, government or the people - it stands for an ideal - that we have yet to attain. So a tattered flag reminds us of our failures - but should also remind us to strive to reach that ideal. First step - retire the tattered flag.
OK - way to metaphorical for this early in the morning - my apologies.
Well, I just figure it's the only flag we have and it represents our country. So certainly we'd like to see it in good shape and not tattered or treated disrespectfully. Although, at least they were flying the flag, so hopefully they meant well :)
I totally agree - regardless of what a flag represents to you as an individual, there is a certain respect they deserve. You don't fly tattered ones, you don't let them touch the ground etc etc. It bothers me a lot to see things like that.
WOW! I have contacted the Mayor's office over some of the disgraceful colors(flags) flows over hotels in this city! It took six faxes to the Mayor and letters to the Hotel Owners to get anything done..
The flag means a lot to me too....and it is wrong to disrespect it, they should take those down and properly dispose of them by burning them (the only way to dispose of the colors [flag])!
I completely agree, it does need to be taken down and replaced. There are a lot of men and women (and don't forget their families)who have sacrificed a great amount for what the flag was intended to represent. Awesome video.
I would take that down not because I find it offensive, but because others would. Though I do NOT believe in war, my grandfather (who served in WW2) has taught me to respect the men and women who fight for our country. Every time he sees a flag flown respectfully, he tells me, he feels like the time he served was worth it. So I don't really care either way about the flag- it's just a piece of cloth to me. But I know that people like my grandfather do care and they deserve the utmost respect.
That said, I don't say the Pledge of Allegiance anymore- I think it's kind of creepy. I don't want to pledge my heart to a giant flappy piece of cloth!
I agree. I think it should be taken down and replaced with a new flag. From what I've heard, it's supposed to be burned when it gets like that. In a way, it doesn't sound right to burn a flag, but then again, I suppose keeping around a torn up flag wouldn't be a good thing to do either.
They should be taken down and Burned believe it or not. :) Great Video as all ways.
BlogTVdotcom tonight 6pm I'll be live and having Co host's every few minutes to pimp there workings. Look me up Aceswolf. Come by Have some fun. Listen to some tunes :)
Yeah - I think that is a bit dsrespectful. That's always what I have been taught. I ALWAYS thought your supposed to get a new one when the old one becomes tattered.
nice dramatic ending....really doesn't bother me...If it were to the point of half of it was in rags I think maybe then it would be time to retire...I think it looks okay otherwise
I dunno. I find it a beautiful flag because it is that way. It has a certain symbolism to me, maybe I am the only one that sees it in this way. A thing or a person doesn't have to be perfect to be valueble and beautiful. And we all know America isn't perfect, but it has his good attributes. That's just my point of view
And there's another thing I just thought about. I think a tattered flag is more of a testomony to the soldiers that are fighting for America. Something like we had to sacrifice but were still doing it. not that I support the war. but do support the troops. Maybe I just think to much
We had a battered flag like that at work...It really bothered me that it was like that. I have the same questions myself about what patriotism means to me. I'll be the first to tell people if their using the image of the flag inappropirately. Who know? Maybe we're patriotic AND open minded. hand in hand? POSSIBLY. :)
Hey, shouldn't you be asleep by now? Or did you decide to skip sleep tonight?
Mind you, I said I was going to sleep two hours ago and am still going here. YIKES!
Anyway, what was the subject??
Oh yeah.
I think you might have a point about the open mindedness combined with the stuff we were taught. And... does this mean we're talking about respect AGAIN?? LOL
Actually, you're right. I have that streak in me, no doubt about it (hence the look of this video at the end - I totally fussed over it). But there's a history to the American flag that was pretty much drilled into my head, plus the symbolism, etc.
You could say that a flag in that condition has been loved & has faithfully done it's job for a long time. It's what we would call 'lived in' over here.
At least you guys over there are proud to fly your flag. Over here people seem to suspect your some kind of fascist if you fly the flag :)
Yeah, that's what I'm getting from what Anthony wrote in his comments. The only flag that I can think of that would inspire that kind of reaction over here might be the confederate flag. From what I understand, people tend to connect it with racism.
I saw Anthony's comments after i posted mine. It's a real pity those flags are viewed that way. It's the same old story though. People have died because of their belief in those flags. Those deaths should be honoured.
Unfortunately there are always those who will hijack a flag for their own warped beliefs :)
Wow, cool effect at the end. The first related video... now that is a tattered flag. I was a cub scout. We learned all the rules of the flag. All I remember is that if anything bad happens to it, you have to burn it.
And I'm not sure about the effect at the end now. It seemed appropriate at the time but reviewing it now... eh. I probably should have just cut to black and ended right there. Who knows.
There was some talk recently in the UK about introducing a pledge of allegiance for kids, basically because a large proportion of the population apparently doesn't feel truly British (we're talking certain Muslim teenagers). If that ever happened I would not allow my kids to do it.
Also, if I ever see a flag at half mast it annoys me because I then have to wait until I get home / to a computer to find out if the Queen has died!
It's one of those things that the authoritiea talk about but almost everyone hates, so hopefully they got the message and are not silently working on it right now. It's the same with ID cards. Very few people want them, and I will refuse to carry one if they're brought in, but when the Conservative party come to power next year (and they will - not that I'm saying I support them) it's likely the whole thing will be scrapped.
Interesting! Over here sometimes flying our St.George or Union Jack is seen as "not politically-correct" WTF! I don't care about that, have it painted on the face of my channel icon!:)
Oh really? So there are guidelines/whatever for how the flag can or should be displayed? Sounds similar to what we have here for our flag (though you constantly see the pattern on everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs to bumper stickers).
Unfortunately, it is seen as a symbol of racism to some as it gets adopted by such parties who believe england should be exclusively for white people. Some people think my icon looks a bit like a football holigan, (I don't really like football that much LOL!)
Yeah, just to add to this: as an Englishman I would be reticent to fly the St. George (England's flag) but not the Union Jack (Britain's) for that very reason. People would assume my politics were super right wing.
That irritates me too. I was taught by my dad from an early age how to treat a flag with respect. I even knew how to fold a flag the proper way so that it ended up as a triangle. It's a powerful symbol and a tattered or dirty flag is a sign of disrespect, even if it was unintended.
I got a snotty lecture the other day from a guy at a baseball game. I had just arrived and I was up by the concessions, I had not even been to my seat. I was talking to my friend and I had not noticed that the national anthem was playing and the people in the stands were saluting the flag. This guy starts shouting at me about being American, he was a total jerk. Part of what he lectured me about was to put my hand on my chest and turn around an be an American. It was unbelievable. G
Defiant teenager attitude. I knew nothing about politics back then. It ended there. She yelled about a lot of stuff. She was this little old slavic woman with a heavy accent, but she was always yelling. If I remember correctly, it was my freshman science class that she taught.
I think if you'd gone to HS about 30 years earlier, you'd have had at least a week's detention... and perhaps your parents would've been investigated. D'OH!
One thing that does get my blood boiling a little bit is the fact that hardly anybody cares about things like civil liberties/"rights" (self-ownership, freedom of association, property rights, etc) or the constitution, but suddenly they get all "patriotic" when it comes to the flag. They care about the symbol, but not what it stands for. It's bullshit.
Here's a great video called "Most Americans Don't Care About Freedom":
Well yes, we are conditioned but we do place a lot of import on our national symbol. Do children still say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools? I remember post 911 the surge of patriotsm: flags were flapping from everywhere (hated the car ones - sort of reduced the flag to sport team symbol)and then how the flags became so faded and tattered, I remember feeling so disheartened. It was as if the flag was symbolizing the fading and shredding of the unity we shared for that brief moment in time.
Ditto on the car flags. There was so much merchandising going on, it turned my stomach. It was like a tie-in campaign with the loss of all those lives. Seemed like a full year went by that I was still seeing those hanging from people's car windows. Ugh!
Now I must have been to a different college of flagelation because when I used to have flags up on my old treehouse in the olden days BL (before Lesley)I used to like them more when they had gone a bit frayed and tatty. Adds a bit of character like old civil war flags I think. But then I wear old favourite shirts till they look like that so what do I know?!
"Indoctrinated" I love that word. I have such a hard time making a distinction between that and educated. Something to do with being conscious that we are being educated, and something to do with choice. You got me thinking Curt. Cheers!
You're right on this. I love America, and I don't like it when I see a tattered flag or people disrespecting the national anthem. I'm the first American in my family, and while I don't always agree with our government's policies, I love my country. We should take pride in America, because America can be just what you want it to be. The flag is a symbol of you, not the government or things you don't like, but the things you love.
a flag in that condition should be taken down and retire it. if they don't have the time to retire it, they can take it to their local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post and they can retire the flags. also, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops learn how to retire the flag properly and you can take a tattered flag to one of their troops and they will retire it properly. i should know, i was a girl scout and still am a girl scout (lifetime membership) and also a army veteran.
it also ticks me off to see flags tattered like that and not taken care of correctly. we've lost our respect for our nation's flag. doesn't matter if your patriotic or not, the flag represents us and shouldn't we take care of it? sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine to see so many people not take care of a flag correctly. i have been wanting to teach children about respecting the flag because i was taught in school to respect the flag and how to retire the flag correctly
Boobtubious and ohjoannabanana left similar comments. Kinda cool to hear this stuff. I was never in scouts or anything like that so this is news to me.
ah. i grew up learning to respect the flag and to just see that ticks me off. i even see it here in my town. we have a huge flag that our town's VFW had put up that flys over the town and i've seen the flag on it really really tattered and i just didn't like seeing it. we also had one stolen off of the pole once. kids today can't respect anything.
My dad, who was in the Air Force, told me that when a flag gets tattered like that, they're supposed to take it down, retire it in a ceremony, and (if I remember correctly) burn it.
I guess no one has the time for that anymore?
Also, I think it's kind of ironic that old flags are to be burned, and many people think it's anti-patriotic to do so. Quite honestly, I can't think of anything more patriotic than a country that doesn't persecute its citizens for burning the flag.
Well who knows what the situation with the flag is - the only thing I know is that the flag is in bad shape. What I don't know is what's going on with the people in charge of it. I've certainly worked in offices that were swallowed up in chaos. Am wondering if it's even my place to ask those folks.
Yep...we are trained! LOL It always bothers me to see the old glory flying tattered. But come to think of it, it does speak volumes about the "image" of the US at the moment...
If it is flying at a business, chances are it is a case of neglect. I think they tend to fly the flag due to feeling they should rather than for respect. But then again, I seem to be growing more and more anti-corporate these days...:-)
I'm gonna go with Angels answer! Maybe it has some wild war history behind it like "saving pvt ryan" or it's a last memory of someone looking over that place. Or maybe it's just ripped... I kinda like the whole cool story behind it idea. you should ask.
the people that live next to me had a flag that was in shreds. I have never seen a flag so bad. It was ripped from one side to the other in several areas, chunks missing and it was so badly faded that the red looked pink. My uncle is a namvet and he actually walked over there, banged on their door and requested they take it down.. two weeks later they did.
when ever the national anthem is played I always crossed the heart. And made my son do it. If he didn't he felt my hand on the back side of his head and at 20 he still does but I think he has learned by now...MIKMA WAS HERE
In recent years I've seen school security do it (including my son's college)... but never a child. With the lack of respect much of our youth have these days, I doubt they'd treat the flag properly.
I've walked past that flag a couple times and noticed it. For some reason today, though, it struck me. Still not sure why - could be all the political stuff in the news lately.
I think like you I don't necessarily wear my patriotism on my sleeve but that would have kind of perturbed me to see that happen here. I wonder too is that I've been taught to feel that way or what. I think it just comes down to being respectful of certain symbols that respresent our countries. May only be a piece of fabric but it's what that fabric represents that is important and should be respected. :)
To me... each flag tells a story! Some have endured war ~ tattered, torn, soiled. Some have endured horrific storms ~ drenched and shredded. Some.. well they simply age.. just like all of us do. A flag is an amazing symbol. We may never know the story of each flag we encounter.. yet I see each possessing beauty regardless of condition.
Aging is beautiful... antiques, people, cheese.. and yes, even flags!
Interesting perspective. I really hadn't thought of that. I mean I'm 99.99% certain it never endured a war, but there very well could be a story behind why it's still hanging in that condition.
I guess I view things differently than most.. I see beauty in almost anything.
There's a flag at a car dealership near where I grew up. It's a HUGE flag.. somewhat tattered, and very faded! I remember seeing that flag growing up, and I believe it's still the same one. It's endured hurricanes; it's been lowered to half mass in respect of some who have died; it's a constant when all else changes...
I'd be sad if they replaced it with something shiney and new. To me,that flag feels like home.
I agree that it should be taken down. I'm not the most patriotic person all the time, either, but if there was a Canadian flag flying on a pole that looked really torn up, I think most people would want to see it replaced with a new one, too. :)
I guess I really shouldn't question how something like this can get to us - maybe the question should be why the people in charge there aren't moved to do something.
it's not like we have a shortage of american flags, so it only makes sense why they would repair it. but somehow, this really bothers me too. good point.
I know when we bought my grandpa a flag for his flagpole, it was like $300. And that was cause we bought it from a Mom and Pop store who paid for it from a large company- meaning that everyone had to make a profit. But this is the US Government, they can just demand a flag. Ha ha.
And thanks for the wonderful comment about my name. =]
I checked and they also don't take it down at night, which I'm pretty sure is another 'no-no' in flag etiquette (probably should have researched this before I even uploaded).
maybe you are SOMEWHAT patriotic then
subtenk0 9 months ago
@subtenk0 Heh. Probably.
OhCurt 9 months ago
I think it's disrespectful. I deal with flags through my job and as soon as one starts to get damaged in any way it gets replaced.
bugadoodle 3 years ago
Doesn't seem right....
kissnyuszi 3 years ago
Maybe it's just a piece of cloth. Maybe there would be a lot less crap in the world if our "leaders" were not able to indoctrinate us into thinking we were doing anything useful in fighting for a symbol.
Taking a thing, no matter how symbolic it is to you, and imbuing it with some sort of higher power, well, some might say that's worshipping idols.
ROBwithaB 3 years ago
Seeing this breaks my heart, this blatant disrespect for the nation we live in, just because they didn't feel like taking the flag down. I hate people like that. If America sucks so bad GET THE FUCK OUT, you know?
dbz71620 3 years ago
i think disrespecting the symbol of any nation is wrong. it would be like someone putting graffiti on my mailbox. its not really horrible or badly damaging, but its disrespectful
DeathBringer9000 3 years ago
Well I'd take issue with the graffiti on the mailbox thing. Then again, my mailbox isn't a national symbol.
Not sure where I was going with this reply.
Getting a chuckle out of your user name. It's too bad you couldn't have brought donuts, though. I'M HUNGRY!
;-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
Maybe it's somehow significant? Maybe that actual flag flew somewhere important?
Or maybe the person's just lazy.
AngryAussie 3 years ago
And a bit hostile - it's the last time I inquire about ANYONE'S ripped up flag.
OhCurt 3 years ago
This just killed me! I cannot stand to see Our Flag in that kinda condition. I bitch and complain about the way things are in our country...it's my right. I would have to hunt someone down to take her down. I guess I'm patriotic in that way.
(((Hugs)))
~Mimi
Lethesunshine 3 years ago
(((Mimi)))
Yeah, I get where you're coming from.
OhCurt 3 years ago
The phrase from "The Star Spangled Banner" that goes "Our Flag Was Still There" is ringing in my ears right about now, AND I'M CANADIAN! I imagine that the original flag that was still there was really mangled, but it was still flying. This one is true to the original. To me that's a good thing. By the way, the big Mexican flag in Cancun was looking a little beat up the last time I was down there... I'd have more respect for a flag that has seen some action than a bright new one, but that's me.
phekwig 3 years ago
Interesting perspective, Andy.
You may be onto something here. Maybe the folks down in Cancun are thinking along those very lines if that's the case for their flag.
OhCurt 3 years ago
Hurricanes tend to damage flags a bit...
fehquig 3 years ago
No need to explain your position. Plus "Patriotism" isn't a bad word. Just because some psychos take it to extremes doesn't mean the rest of us have to retreat from something that is good and healthy. I am a proud patriot.
(cut and paste definition)
pa·tri·ot
One who loves, supports, and defends one's country.
bowlingballout 3 years ago
I like that definition. And, yeah, that's a very sane approach.
Thanks!
:-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
I'm a fairly patriotic person... but is it strange that I find something rugged and appealing and... real?... about semi tattered flags?
livingpassion 3 years ago
We were given gold stars by teachers in grammar school when we memorized it...all the kids were obsessed with collecting the gold stars...must have gold stars...must have gold stars...I wanted the glue. Tasted better.
anniehiggy 3 years ago
awesome!
UnificationNow 3 years ago
yeah.. i share the same feelings. it's tacky. or rather, it seems disrespectful.
thebigfatlamp 3 years ago
well we are trained but as we get older we realize what it represents. So for me it does bother me.
DawndeeDALLAS 3 years ago
I know it wouldnt bother me to see a tattered flag of my country, but then again I only live in Scotland (ya know, next to England). To use an American term, Scotland is 'full of fail'.
Its grey
Its materialistic (VERY)
It masses are generally ignorant
Its cold
Drugs are EVERYWHERE
People are miserable (like im being now)
Success is a big bank ballance
My g.f doesn't live here.
The best thing about the UK is that there is a better country from every direction (N.E.S.W)
myGTAfiles 3 years ago
I think it bothers you cause your a tranny......yea thats it.
;-)
electronica1985 3 years ago
Curt just take it down yourself.
onemon22 3 years ago
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
CatchFlipsidE 3 years ago
Remember 7 years ago when we were proud of this country. Yeah me neither.
Justinmazing 3 years ago
Time for a new flag, that's ridiculous!
cynlynj 3 years ago
Everyone has some patriotism. It's natural for people to feel ties to the place(s) they have lived.
It's home.
newbsauce11 3 years ago
Well, I'm moving on post soon as you know, and there's this part of the day, at 6pm called retreat. It's when everyone stands respectfully and watch the flag get taken down by a detail of 4 soldiers with a bugle call... It's very strange to people who have never seen it before. But everyone stops, no matter what they are doing. It shows that this country really isn't as bad as it is. Lol and that's rare for anyone to EVER hear from my mouth. ;)
ArmyIssu3dWife 3 years ago
It makes me sad to see flags like that.
Haynes1994 3 years ago
Sometimes that shows what is wrong with this country anymore. Lack of pride in the simple things. Like changing a flag that is ready to be retired.
Our local VFW will take your tattered flags and they regularly have a ceremony in which they retire the flag and burn it honorably.
Not just burn it like trash.
Good thought provoker Curt.
SunnyDazStormyNitz 3 years ago
And we stayed till the end. LOL
SunnyDazStormyNitz 3 years ago
Crybaby
DeltaMuffin 3 years ago
It's more than a peice of nylon flapping in the breeze, it represents not only all of us, but all those who died fighting to protect what they thought it represents.
audionautix 3 years ago
That flag needs to be taken down...and burned!
EmotionalMorphine 3 years ago
I have no trouble with being patriotic. It's not a bad thing in and of itself, just a thing that bad people sometimes makes us of ashamed of being.
-- Matt
TheHappyShow 3 years ago
I feel the same way, Curt, seeing a flag in that condition isn't proper. It conveys a state of emergency and distress. I feel the same way when I see kids at a high school letting the flag hit the ground, not folding it properly and not treating it with the proper reverence.
It is a symbol of our country, and it symbolizes freedom for all people, even people who may not be that patriotic.
Staydol 3 years ago
A flag is a symbol of a nation. It should be shown the respect you would show any important symbol. We recently replaced our Swiss flag, exactly because it was getting tattered on the edge.
Norway has many rules about the flag. Also, there are set times it has to be lowered or raised (before, respectively after). Lowered before sunset, or before 9 PM, whichever comes first.
On the other hand, Switzerland seems not to have such strict rules, but I still observe the "not on floor" rules etc
Marihani 3 years ago
Maybe its because you really do love this country. I know a lot of people that have traveled around the world say they appreciate our country even more when they return. I just wish we had health care for all people. That is one of our national disgraces, I feel. We can afford to "police" the whole world, but we can't take care of our own? That is a shame and a disgrace.
Joanie
Joan3424 3 years ago
You rock, Curt! BTW, the proper way to dispose of a worn-out flag is (this is the actual rule) burning it. Even more to think about, huh?
TheWaterScorpion 3 years ago
this response doesn't exist.. like the tattered flag that is burned doesn't exist.
enderwigginsx 3 years ago
Hmm... I dunno, either. :-0
spleaser 3 years ago
You are correct, sugar. Folks of our generation have all been indoctrinated to say the pledge, & know the Star-Spangled Banner. But, I do still feel honestly patriotic, & I do think that is disrespectful. When my flags get old, I take them to the VFW for proper retirement.
Thanx for pointing this out! *hugs*
ShortbusMooner 3 years ago
You're just anal about things being right, Curt. That's it, that's all. -roc
popparoc46 3 years ago
I have to agree with you, while I do not consider myself a hardcore patriot I do find it a bit offensive that people still fly their flags in that kind of condition. This country is already in a bad enough state no need to let the flag show the wear and tear.
Tofer62 3 years ago
Frankly, I think the tattered condition of that flag represents the current state of our nation. Distress.
Sandguy99 3 years ago
I can understand, i dont think I'd notice it myself though.
FroGhandi 3 years ago
Great question Curt = I asked myself the same thing this spring = neighbors across the street flew a flag until it was in such tatters I almost bought them one to replace it. Finally around Memorial day they replaced it. I finally came to terms with it because at least it was a US flag- here in the barrio its usually the mexican flag that is flown.
thizizliz 3 years ago
It's a mirror...
TimberGeek 3 years ago
Flag stands for more than the country, government or the people - it stands for an ideal - that we have yet to attain. So a tattered flag reminds us of our failures - but should also remind us to strive to reach that ideal. First step - retire the tattered flag.
OK - way to metaphorical for this early in the morning - my apologies.
dl737 3 years ago
I liked this a lot! Very good metaphors? Nice job!
BEENDOWNHEARTEDBABY 3 years ago
Thank you Rey!
dl737 3 years ago
I'm Canadian but the same applies... eh?
5*
NBMonkey 3 years ago
Well, I just figure it's the only flag we have and it represents our country. So certainly we'd like to see it in good shape and not tattered or treated disrespectfully. Although, at least they were flying the flag, so hopefully they meant well :)
bigheadlittlehead 3 years ago
like Rey said...its about respect!
PrincessDiana161 3 years ago
I totally agree - regardless of what a flag represents to you as an individual, there is a certain respect they deserve. You don't fly tattered ones, you don't let them touch the ground etc etc. It bothers me a lot to see things like that.
zebidee55 3 years ago
Do they still that pledge of allegiance thing in schools?
RoobyJuice 3 years ago
yea that is pretty sad.
Chivalryaintdead 3 years ago
Replacing them with colors (flag)that are proud to be flown! It isn't just about patriotism it's about respect!
Respect for my comrades who died, and for those of us who have shed blood on foreign soil for our Country!
ciao bello...
Reynaldo
BEENDOWNHEARTEDBABY 3 years ago
WOW! I have contacted the Mayor's office over some of the disgraceful colors(flags) flows over hotels in this city! It took six faxes to the Mayor and letters to the Hotel Owners to get anything done..
The flag means a lot to me too....and it is wrong to disrespect it, they should take those down and properly dispose of them by burning them (the only way to dispose of the colors [flag])!
continued.....
BEENDOWNHEARTEDBABY 3 years ago
I completely agree, it does need to be taken down and replaced. There are a lot of men and women (and don't forget their families)who have sacrificed a great amount for what the flag was intended to represent. Awesome video.
meanojeeno 3 years ago
We still doing it cause we have to. I think its important though. Shows respect, gives a sense of pride and brings attention to something important.
MGB1000 3 years ago
Looks like a job for the Boy Scouts to me.
ydnarOrandy 3 years ago
To live love and learn. We all feel Tattered now a days. God save the King ( just feel like saying it )
We all need a change
czarwright 3 years ago
I would take that down not because I find it offensive, but because others would. Though I do NOT believe in war, my grandfather (who served in WW2) has taught me to respect the men and women who fight for our country. Every time he sees a flag flown respectfully, he tells me, he feels like the time he served was worth it. So I don't really care either way about the flag- it's just a piece of cloth to me. But I know that people like my grandfather do care and they deserve the utmost respect.
SmashThSilence 3 years ago
That said, I don't say the Pledge of Allegiance anymore- I think it's kind of creepy. I don't want to pledge my heart to a giant flappy piece of cloth!
SmashThSilence 3 years ago
long live america! ohcurt for president!
ralfonzo83 3 years ago
That flag should be replaced. Tatty!
YTsHaDoWkNiGhT 3 years ago
I agree. I think it should be taken down and replaced with a new flag. From what I've heard, it's supposed to be burned when it gets like that. In a way, it doesn't sound right to burn a flag, but then again, I suppose keeping around a torn up flag wouldn't be a good thing to do either.
LuckyStrike502 3 years ago
They should be taken down and Burned believe it or not. :) Great Video as all ways.
BlogTVdotcom tonight 6pm I'll be live and having Co host's every few minutes to pimp there workings. Look me up Aceswolf. Come by Have some fun. Listen to some tunes :)
Peace
Aceswolf 3 years ago
Yeah - I think that is a bit dsrespectful. That's always what I have been taught. I ALWAYS thought your supposed to get a new one when the old one becomes tattered.
thenudo 3 years ago
nice dramatic ending....really doesn't bother me...If it were to the point of half of it was in rags I think maybe then it would be time to retire...I think it looks okay otherwise
xenafairy3 3 years ago
I dunno. I find it a beautiful flag because it is that way. It has a certain symbolism to me, maybe I am the only one that sees it in this way. A thing or a person doesn't have to be perfect to be valueble and beautiful. And we all know America isn't perfect, but it has his good attributes. That's just my point of view
eefgirl 3 years ago
That's probably a healthier way of looking at it than I realize. It almost surprises me that I didn't consider that POV before posting this video.
I love the feedback in these comments.
Thank you for yours.
:-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
And there's another thing I just thought about. I think a tattered flag is more of a testomony to the soldiers that are fighting for America. Something like we had to sacrifice but were still doing it. not that I support the war. but do support the troops. Maybe I just think to much
eefgirl 3 years ago
It should be replaced with a better one and that one kept as a memory maybe?
sweetcarolinagirl79 3 years ago
I'd be curious to know if the law dictates that the ruined one be burned, or if it's just a tradition/standard.
OhCurt 3 years ago
We had a battered flag like that at work...It really bothered me that it was like that. I have the same questions myself about what patriotism means to me. I'll be the first to tell people if their using the image of the flag inappropirately. Who know? Maybe we're patriotic AND open minded. hand in hand? POSSIBLY. :)
anakin1814 3 years ago
Hey, shouldn't you be asleep by now? Or did you decide to skip sleep tonight?
Mind you, I said I was going to sleep two hours ago and am still going here. YIKES!
Anyway, what was the subject??
Oh yeah.
I think you might have a point about the open mindedness combined with the stuff we were taught. And... does this mean we're talking about respect AGAIN?? LOL
OhCurt 3 years ago
The answer is you're simply perfectionist ;o) I guess I wouldn't even have noticed that the flag is damaged ;o)
BattlefieldDoktor 3 years ago
Actually, you're right. I have that streak in me, no doubt about it (hence the look of this video at the end - I totally fussed over it). But there's a history to the American flag that was pretty much drilled into my head, plus the symbolism, etc.
OhCurt 3 years ago
You could say that a flag in that condition has been loved & has faithfully done it's job for a long time. It's what we would call 'lived in' over here.
At least you guys over there are proud to fly your flag. Over here people seem to suspect your some kind of fascist if you fly the flag :)
andymooseman 3 years ago
Nice ending btw :)
andymooseman 3 years ago
Yeah, that's what I'm getting from what Anthony wrote in his comments. The only flag that I can think of that would inspire that kind of reaction over here might be the confederate flag. From what I understand, people tend to connect it with racism.
OhCurt 3 years ago
I saw Anthony's comments after i posted mine. It's a real pity those flags are viewed that way. It's the same old story though. People have died because of their belief in those flags. Those deaths should be honoured.
Unfortunately there are always those who will hijack a flag for their own warped beliefs :)
andymooseman 3 years ago
Wow, cool effect at the end. The first related video... now that is a tattered flag. I was a cub scout. We learned all the rules of the flag. All I remember is that if anything bad happens to it, you have to burn it.
NorCalCorsello 3 years ago
I saw that related vid just now - WOW!
And I'm not sure about the effect at the end now. It seemed appropriate at the time but reviewing it now... eh. I probably should have just cut to black and ended right there. Who knows.
OhCurt 3 years ago
I think it was fine. It just seemed like you were showing off a cool effect. I don't think people will over analyze it. Never know.
NorCalCorsello 3 years ago
LOL - yeah, maybe. I was fussing because the ending felt too abrupt.
OhCurt 3 years ago
There was some talk recently in the UK about introducing a pledge of allegiance for kids, basically because a large proportion of the population apparently doesn't feel truly British (we're talking certain Muslim teenagers). If that ever happened I would not allow my kids to do it.
Also, if I ever see a flag at half mast it annoys me because I then have to wait until I get home / to a computer to find out if the Queen has died!
BaubleRob 3 years ago
I'm guessing all the news reports you've read have so far been that she's okay. Otherwise it might be time for them to re-evaluate their sources.
Interesting about the UK pledge - any idea if that could actually be instituted?
OhCurt 3 years ago
It's one of those things that the authoritiea talk about but almost everyone hates, so hopefully they got the message and are not silently working on it right now. It's the same with ID cards. Very few people want them, and I will refuse to carry one if they're brought in, but when the Conservative party come to power next year (and they will - not that I'm saying I support them) it's likely the whole thing will be scrapped.
BaubleRob 3 years ago
Interesting! Over here sometimes flying our St.George or Union Jack is seen as "not politically-correct" WTF! I don't care about that, have it painted on the face of my channel icon!:)
ajdpadbury 3 years ago
Oh really? So there are guidelines/whatever for how the flag can or should be displayed? Sounds similar to what we have here for our flag (though you constantly see the pattern on everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs to bumper stickers).
OhCurt 3 years ago
Unfortunately, it is seen as a symbol of racism to some as it gets adopted by such parties who believe england should be exclusively for white people. Some people think my icon looks a bit like a football holigan, (I don't really like football that much LOL!)
ajdpadbury 3 years ago
Wow, so much I don't know about that flag then!
(and I had to remind myself what football is over there as opposed to what falls under that header here).
:-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
Yeah, just to add to this: as an Englishman I would be reticent to fly the St. George (England's flag) but not the Union Jack (Britain's) for that very reason. People would assume my politics were super right wing.
BaubleRob 3 years ago
That irritates me too. I was taught by my dad from an early age how to treat a flag with respect. I even knew how to fold a flag the proper way so that it ended up as a triangle. It's a powerful symbol and a tattered or dirty flag is a sign of disrespect, even if it was unintended.
sukatra 3 years ago
I was never taught that - and I'm still clueless - but then again it's never come up that I've needed to know it.
My reaction surprised me because I'm usually the first one to say "to hell with tradition" ...guess I need to rethink that one.
OhCurt 3 years ago
I got a snotty lecture the other day from a guy at a baseball game. I had just arrived and I was up by the concessions, I had not even been to my seat. I was talking to my friend and I had not noticed that the national anthem was playing and the people in the stands were saluting the flag. This guy starts shouting at me about being American, he was a total jerk. Part of what he lectured me about was to put my hand on my chest and turn around an be an American. It was unbelievable. G
ABQdoubleG 3 years ago
That's way over the top, IMO. Who appointed that guy and officer of the Patriotism Police? Yeesh.
OhCurt 3 years ago
i didn't stand for the pledge once and I was yelled at by the teacher.
1938superman 3 years ago
Wow, did it end there or was there a round of detention?
And what prompted you to want to sit it out if you don't mind my asking?
OhCurt 3 years ago
Defiant teenager attitude. I knew nothing about politics back then. It ended there. She yelled about a lot of stuff. She was this little old slavic woman with a heavy accent, but she was always yelling. If I remember correctly, it was my freshman science class that she taught.
1938superman 3 years ago
Wow, that's quite a visual.
I think if you'd gone to HS about 30 years earlier, you'd have had at least a week's detention... and perhaps your parents would've been investigated. D'OH!
:o)
OhCurt 3 years ago
Land of the free.
1938superman 3 years ago
Free with proof of purchase?
OhCurt 3 years ago
One thing that does get my blood boiling a little bit is the fact that hardly anybody cares about things like civil liberties/"rights" (self-ownership, freedom of association, property rights, etc) or the constitution, but suddenly they get all "patriotic" when it comes to the flag. They care about the symbol, but not what it stands for. It's bullshit.
Here's a great video called "Most Americans Don't Care About Freedom":
watch?v=XloTphSBH5k
D4Shawn 3 years ago
well used flag...great to be patriotic...
GroovyStretch 3 years ago
I surprise myself sometimes. Stuff is just "in there" somewhere and pops out when I least expect it.
OhCurt 3 years ago
Well yes, we are conditioned but we do place a lot of import on our national symbol. Do children still say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools? I remember post 911 the surge of patriotsm: flags were flapping from everywhere (hated the car ones - sort of reduced the flag to sport team symbol)and then how the flags became so faded and tattered, I remember feeling so disheartened. It was as if the flag was symbolizing the fading and shredding of the unity we shared for that brief moment in time.
LeSaMilano 3 years ago
Ditto on the car flags. There was so much merchandising going on, it turned my stomach. It was like a tie-in campaign with the loss of all those lives. Seemed like a full year went by that I was still seeing those hanging from people's car windows. Ugh!
OhCurt 3 years ago
You should have been in Kensington when Princess Di died - that was major sick!
randomwritings 3 years ago
Exactly! You just came to a conclusion that most of the population spends their entire life avoiding/running from. Good job! *****
D4Shawn 3 years ago
Now I must have been to a different college of flagelation because when I used to have flags up on my old treehouse in the olden days BL (before Lesley)I used to like them more when they had gone a bit frayed and tatty. Adds a bit of character like old civil war flags I think. But then I wear old favourite shirts till they look like that so what do I know?!
randomwritings 3 years ago
Most of my shirts are in sorry shape - not sure if that's from character or my sucking at doing laundry.
No idea where I was going with this reply. I'll blame it on the hour - which is currently 2:19am.
OhCurt 3 years ago
In which case don your moth-eaten nightshirt and get some sleep
randomwritings 3 years ago
"Indoctrinated" I love that word. I have such a hard time making a distinction between that and educated. Something to do with being conscious that we are being educated, and something to do with choice. You got me thinking Curt. Cheers!
2of6Solutions 3 years ago
Thinking is dangerous business, so be careful. I'm often at odds with it.
8-/
OhCurt 3 years ago
You're right on this. I love America, and I don't like it when I see a tattered flag or people disrespecting the national anthem. I'm the first American in my family, and while I don't always agree with our government's policies, I love my country. We should take pride in America, because America can be just what you want it to be. The flag is a symbol of you, not the government or things you don't like, but the things you love.
Scanshow 3 years ago
First generation, wow.
Sounds like I share similar sentiments as yours.
:-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
a flag in that condition should be taken down and retire it. if they don't have the time to retire it, they can take it to their local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars post and they can retire the flags. also, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops learn how to retire the flag properly and you can take a tattered flag to one of their troops and they will retire it properly. i should know, i was a girl scout and still am a girl scout (lifetime membership) and also a army veteran.
xblackxrosex2220 3 years ago
it also ticks me off to see flags tattered like that and not taken care of correctly. we've lost our respect for our nation's flag. doesn't matter if your patriotic or not, the flag represents us and shouldn't we take care of it? sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine to see so many people not take care of a flag correctly. i have been wanting to teach children about respecting the flag because i was taught in school to respect the flag and how to retire the flag correctly
xblackxrosex2220 3 years ago
Boobtubious and ohjoannabanana left similar comments. Kinda cool to hear this stuff. I was never in scouts or anything like that so this is news to me.
OhCurt 3 years ago
ah. i grew up learning to respect the flag and to just see that ticks me off. i even see it here in my town. we have a huge flag that our town's VFW had put up that flys over the town and i've seen the flag on it really really tattered and i just didn't like seeing it. we also had one stolen off of the pole once. kids today can't respect anything.
xblackxrosex2220 3 years ago
My dad, who was in the Air Force, told me that when a flag gets tattered like that, they're supposed to take it down, retire it in a ceremony, and (if I remember correctly) burn it.
I guess no one has the time for that anymore?
Also, I think it's kind of ironic that old flags are to be burned, and many people think it's anti-patriotic to do so. Quite honestly, I can't think of anything more patriotic than a country that doesn't persecute its citizens for burning the flag.
But I digress.
laumeux 3 years ago
Well who knows what the situation with the flag is - the only thing I know is that the flag is in bad shape. What I don't know is what's going on with the people in charge of it. I've certainly worked in offices that were swallowed up in chaos. Am wondering if it's even my place to ask those folks.
Maybe I'll know in the morning.
Thanks for your comment, laumeux.
OhCurt 3 years ago
Dramatic ending!
That has always bothered me, too. Couldn't tell you why, either.
Blizzeekitty 3 years ago
I'm guessing it's true for people in other countries as well - to whatever degree, I don't know.
Just a guess.
OhCurt 3 years ago
Yep...we are trained! LOL It always bothers me to see the old glory flying tattered. But come to think of it, it does speak volumes about the "image" of the US at the moment...
GreatGig1 3 years ago
Caylyn, even as I was jumping to the conclusion that it was probably a case of neglect, I couldn't help but draw that parallel in my mind too.
Oy.
OhCurt 3 years ago
If it is flying at a business, chances are it is a case of neglect. I think they tend to fly the flag due to feeling they should rather than for respect. But then again, I seem to be growing more and more anti-corporate these days...:-)
GreatGig1 3 years ago
You and me both!!
OhCurt 3 years ago
...or is that tattered flag a political commentary on the current state of the union? Maybe it's not neglect at all...
AndyPliskin 3 years ago
Andy, to be perfectly honest, that never occurred to me until reading these comments.
I'm even more curious now!
OhCurt 3 years ago
I'm gonna go with Angels answer! Maybe it has some wild war history behind it like "saving pvt ryan" or it's a last memory of someone looking over that place. Or maybe it's just ripped... I kinda like the whole cool story behind it idea. you should ask.
oWHONERSo 3 years ago
I think I will, and yeah I liked her comment too.
:-)
OhCurt 3 years ago
the people that live next to me had a flag that was in shreds. I have never seen a flag so bad. It was ripped from one side to the other in several areas, chunks missing and it was so badly faded that the red looked pink. My uncle is a namvet and he actually walked over there, banged on their door and requested they take it down.. two weeks later they did.
ameh78 3 years ago
Good grief - why would anyone continue hanging it in that condition? Were they trying to make a statement?
OhCurt 3 years ago
Maybe that flag is showing its distress over the state of mankind. hugs, Chris
bugsinrug 3 years ago
Wow!
((((Chris))))
OhCurt 3 years ago
Yes, the flag does need to be taken down and retired. Once it becomes faded or tattered (as in this case)it is unfit to fly.
3BallJosh 3 years ago
I guess it's worth re-examining these traditions and standards now and then, but I keep landing back at that same place in my head.
Thanks, Josh.
OhCurt 3 years ago
when ever the national anthem is played I always crossed the heart. And made my son do it. If he didn't he felt my hand on the back side of his head and at 20 he still does but I think he has learned by now...MIKMA WAS HERE
mikma 3 years ago
LOL - is "MIkma was here" printed on the back of his head?
;-)
Just kidding - my folks taught me to do the same thing.
OhCurt 3 years ago
PS In JR High I was the flag boy put it up and took it down every day
mikma 3 years ago
Wow, I wonder if they even still have kids do that in school.
*I'm so out of touch, I guess*
OhCurt 3 years ago
In recent years I've seen school security do it (including my son's college)... but never a child. With the lack of respect much of our youth have these days, I doubt they'd treat the flag properly.
angelboku1 3 years ago
I was the "flag boy" in Elementary School mikma.. we're like kin now! hehe
angelboku1 3 years ago
This is an often overlooked topic. Too bad =/
Thanks for it though!
PrettyHarold 3 years ago
I've walked past that flag a couple times and noticed it. For some reason today, though, it struck me. Still not sure why - could be all the political stuff in the news lately.
OhCurt 3 years ago
I think like you I don't necessarily wear my patriotism on my sleeve but that would have kind of perturbed me to see that happen here. I wonder too is that I've been taught to feel that way or what. I think it just comes down to being respectful of certain symbols that respresent our countries. May only be a piece of fabric but it's what that fabric represents that is important and should be respected. :)
capergirl1976 3 years ago
Yeah, I think I'm with you on this one. Especially that last part.
Thank you.
OhCurt 3 years ago
To me... each flag tells a story! Some have endured war ~ tattered, torn, soiled. Some have endured horrific storms ~ drenched and shredded. Some.. well they simply age.. just like all of us do. A flag is an amazing symbol. We may never know the story of each flag we encounter.. yet I see each possessing beauty regardless of condition.
Aging is beautiful... antiques, people, cheese.. and yes, even flags!
angelboku1 3 years ago
Why not ask the story of that flag you passed Curt.. one never knows what we all could learn!
*big hugs*
~Angie ^i^
angelboku1 3 years ago
Interesting perspective. I really hadn't thought of that. I mean I'm 99.99% certain it never endured a war, but there very well could be a story behind why it's still hanging in that condition.
OhCurt 3 years ago
I guess I view things differently than most.. I see beauty in almost anything.
There's a flag at a car dealership near where I grew up. It's a HUGE flag.. somewhat tattered, and very faded! I remember seeing that flag growing up, and I believe it's still the same one. It's endured hurricanes; it's been lowered to half mass in respect of some who have died; it's a constant when all else changes...
I'd be sad if they replaced it with something shiney and new. To me,that flag feels like home.
angelboku1 3 years ago
Some people don't care enough... or about the right things.
IAGuy06 3 years ago
That's certainly true!
OhCurt 3 years ago
I agree that it should be taken down. I'm not the most patriotic person all the time, either, but if there was a Canadian flag flying on a pole that looked really torn up, I think most people would want to see it replaced with a new one, too. :)
HaleyMary 3 years ago
Glad to know this isn't just an American thing.
I guess I really shouldn't question how something like this can get to us - maybe the question should be why the people in charge there aren't moved to do something.
OhCurt 3 years ago
Yes... they should be taken down and burned actually. Legions and VFW's usually will do it.
LilCav68 3 years ago
I think it's time for an intervention from one of those outfits.
OhCurt 3 years ago
it's not like we have a shortage of american flags, so it only makes sense why they would repair it. but somehow, this really bothers me too. good point.
greenandpinkneon 3 years ago
You have a really cool user name (and, yes, that's random, but then so am I).
:-)
I didn't think there was any shortage either. And if flags are expensive, I wonder if that could be part of the problem...
OhCurt 3 years ago
I know when we bought my grandpa a flag for his flagpole, it was like $300. And that was cause we bought it from a Mom and Pop store who paid for it from a large company- meaning that everyone had to make a profit. But this is the US Government, they can just demand a flag. Ha ha.
And thanks for the wonderful comment about my name. =]
greenandpinkneon 3 years ago
It does seem that if they are going to fly it that they should keep it in good repair.
I believe that most of us feel that it should be kept in good repair as a sign of respect more than anything.
o(^-^)o
EnchantinFlower 3 years ago
I checked and they also don't take it down at night, which I'm pretty sure is another 'no-no' in flag etiquette (probably should have researched this before I even uploaded).
OhCurt 3 years ago
If it's lit they can stay up at nite, but I agree that one needs to go. They do have flag burning events for old flags for that reason.
maryann712 3 years ago
Good question. I don't think its lit at night - but now I'm curious to find out!
OhCurt 3 years ago