Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 08/22/2005

Dear Sgt Shaft
My name is Spc. Jake P, I am currently serving on Active duty in the Army. My unit is finishing up our year in Iraq. I recently read the article about the polls being taken about making it illegal to desecrate the flag. It has always got me steamed to see people burning it and then hiding behind the first amendment. I have never seen someone desecrate my flag in person and I hope I don't. My Father served in Vietnam from 69 to 70. My grandfather served in the south pacific during WWII. I have watched footage of people burning the flag with both of them and I think I have seen looks that would kill from them. If these people think it is so bad at home then they should go live in Iraq or Afghanistan for a year. They would be trying to get back to America in less than a day. I would gladly loose my rank and much, much more to protect that flag from being burned by its own citizens. It’s true the 1st amendment provides a lot of freedoms we enjoy in our great country, BUT desecration of the flag should not be one of them. For over 200 years men have fought and died for that flag and the freedoms it represents. Lets show it the respect it deserves. If you are burning my flag you are spitting on all those that have fought for it and those that are still fighting for it. We can only hope that the higher-ups will do something about it.

Respectfully,
Spc. Jake P
Alpha Company

Dear Jake,
I have received many letters regarding my flag amendment column. Read on

Sgt. Shaft,
Before you post my email and I get a million replies citing my "unpatriotic" nature, let me say that I agree with a majority of Americans that desecrating Old Glory is reprehensible, disgusting, and downright nasty...but I would defend it anyway.

I am a proud American, and have no doubts you are as well. Part of this pride comes from our defense of 'freedom of expression'. We even made this most important political freedom number one on our list in the Bill of Rights. Majorities in democracies don't need as many protections...they can vote for and pretty much get what they want unless it steps on a constitutionally protected right...then the court battles begin.

Burning the flag (at least by Americans) seems to be a cheap way to get attention for their cause, stemming from the idea that there is no such thing as bad press...which is at least mostly true. When is the last time you have seen an American resort to this tactic? I haven't heard of it happening in some time. Does this make such a bill timely?...or relevant?

The most difficult time to protect speech is when that speech is hated...which is when people with a sense of perspective on freedom of expression need to have the most courage to prevent another chipping away at our constitutional rights. Flag burning is certainly hated, by you, me, and a clear majority of Americans...which makes it even more important to protect.

Thanks for your attention, and your good work.

Eric C
Lakewood, Ohio

Dear Larry
I suggest you look at the disgraceful flag desecration display in the California State Department of Justice Building. Would one call this free speech and art?

Sir, in my home town of Baker City, Oregon we have had a couple of incidents of flag desecration, i.e...., spray painting of the flag, the stealing of flags etc. I want to see the Flag amendment referred to and passed by the states! I have been in the military since 1990 and continue to serve my country proudly. It is a total disgrace to all of those who have died so that these individuals can do what they want. Flag burning is not free speech, the flag is and the men and women who have died and continue to die, that is a free speech! I caught an individual who spray painted an anarchy symbol on my flag, and I told him that in any other country he would have been executed on site for what he did!

Thanks for your time, if you would like I will keep you posted on the up coming trials of the individuals who have been caught!

Scott S
Baker City OR

Dear Scott
Please keep me informed

Dear Sgt Shaft
When people think "flag desecration" they think of dirty hippies burning one, but desecration encompasses so much more than that. How about the commercialization of the image? That is a desecration. Stickers, magnets, t-shirts, hats, jackets, logos, advertising.... Yesterday I saw a license plate from Virginia that had a graphic of the Pentagon that included a portrayal of the flag and the numbers 9-11. Is that not a desecration? I think so. What is a license plate other than verification that taxes have been paid on a vehicle?

I love my county, I love our constitution, lets not fall prey to the emotional appeals of jingoism. A real patriot, in my opinion, will ALWAYS value an actual liberty over a symbol. Bottom line, simple as that.

Having said that, if you burn one in my presence it's at your own peril.

Shannon W

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

BAVF Home | Who We Are | Sgt. Shaft | Flag Week | Links | Financials | Search | Contact BAVF

BAVF - P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900

Copyright BAVF 2005