With all of the controversy surrounding the NFL as of late, I thought I would bring to light a few of the ways in which we violate the U.S. Flag code every single day. There is a code that tells us how and when the flag is to be properly displayed. This code was written to protect the sacredness of the flag. I also wanted to touch on what the flag means and what it symbolizes. Many people have a different view of what the flag means to them. Let's start with the flag code.
The flag should never be used for apparel, bedding, or drapery. Guess what Trump offers on his website? I counted seven items in which the American flag is embroidered on. Now I feel like I need to toss out this computer for even searching his website. Walk into a store like Wal-Mart and there are flags on many t-shirts, socks, shorts, swim trunks, sheet sets, curtains, bikinis, underwear... You name it. This is an actual violation of the flag code.
Another violation: using the flag for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard. So, for all of those beer companies that think it's patriotic to slap an American flag on the packaging or can, it is actually against the law. Anyone who is seen violating any section of the flag code could be subject to a fine and/or even one year of imprisonment.
The American flag doesn't symbolize support for the military. The American flag is supposed to stand for the values of America. It is a symbol of freedom, liberty, and human rights. Every citizen of this country has rights granted to them under the constitution. The professional athletes that are peacefully protesting, are exercising their first amendment rights to bring to light the senseless murder of unarmed African-American men by police officers. They are using their platform to shed some light on this terrible issue. When Trump attacked these men, verbally of course, he called them all a "son of a bitch." He used harsher words to describe them than what he used against the Nazis and White Supremacists that marched in Charlottesville.
We should all live in a country where we WANT to stand for the flag. Where we WANT to stand for the national anthem. We should not live in a country where we are TOLD to do these things. That is not America. This country was founded on the rights granted to us in the Bill of Rights. We all have the right to freedom of speech and the freedom to protest. So these players who are kneeling, I don't find that un-American. What I do find un-American is attacking war heroes and prisoners of war like Sen. John McCain. Attacking gold star families, families who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Attacking the free press because they criticize you. Siding with Nazis and White supremacists who carry a traitorous flag. These are the things I find un-American. Trump also called these men ungrateful. Ungrateful to whom? When a black millionaire protests, they are ungrateful. But when a white millionaire attacks the following people I just listed, he should get to be president? Supporters for this guy need to grow up, show some class, and read a history book. If more people read today we would be a lot better off. Resist.
