Not for the weak stomach

A Medal Of Honor, Purple Heart, and all other medals awarded for extraordinary courage under fire are metal alloy medallions but, that's not the point, the point is the meaning behind the symbol. All patriotic symbols have meaning and were meant to remind us of what it takes to keep our country strong, vigilant, and free. The least we can do, which we're free to do, is show honor and respect for those who gave their all for the ideals behind those symbols.

When does a piece of cloth become a symbol of something much more than the material it's made of? When it is raised over places like Iwo Jima and other real estate bought with the blood of our Fathers, Uncles, Brothers....you know, just plain Americans who didn't run and damn sure didn't disrespect the Flag. It does my heart good to see the elderly stand when the National Anthem is played or the flag of their fathers passes by. They will never forget what those symbols mean, especially those presented posthumously or draped over the last resting place of the friends of their youth.
 
To an extent I am offended by this, but it doesn't influence my vote because I wasn't planning on voting for Obama anyways, he just doesn't have much experience, IMO, and to me his only positive is his lack of negatives. The negatives don't exist yet because he hasn't been in office long enough. It was disrespectful, but I bet for all four, five, six, however many Democrats there were at the steak fry, the real thought going through their mind was "Why the hell am I here with these hicks at a steak fry and is this person tone deaf or is it just me?" Everybody wants to be the next Whitney Houston when singing the anthem but dammit, they aren't Whitney Houston! Just sing the song the way it was written and walk away, you can't go wrong that way. Or if you insist on singing it like Houston that's fine too, because he did a good job, but damn that one in the video was terrible.
 
Del Boy said:
You see, MM, the symbols you tend to deride, to me represent the best of man's endeavours; love of country, brothers in arms, sacrifice etc. May be it's because i was a war baby.

When I watched the rugby world cup semi-final between France and England, those old enemies and neighbours facing up to each other in such a fierce physical contest, and the National Anthems were played and sung ( albeit the British national anthem), the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. For both teams and for both sets of supporters.

All that is my blood, and that which I would fight for, and i don't mean the rugby itself.

If I stood, as I have, in America, I would honour the Star Spangled Banner, and be pleased to demonstrate my brother hood in doing so.

As far as fat cats are concerned, this is world-wide, not confined to USA, and certainly not confined to USA Republicans.

And politicians are the worst, standing on the fingers of the rank and file, whilst voting themselves large and larger slices of cake.

The EU must be the most snout in the trough, corrupt institution of them all, in my opinion. What a gigantic gravy train, being milked by the political dregs of Europe. Of course I speak mostly of Britain's experience and contribution.

Do our paths meet up anywhere here?
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Maybe, but then again so were members of my family, Really bloody ones too like Vietnam + WWII and yet while they are all patriots none of them
focused on the spectical of being American citizen. For them being American was a 'fait accompli' there was no need to say any more on the subject. They felt no need to demonstrate this undeniable fact. Its was basically stating the obvious.

Thats precisely the way I feel. I don't need to do acts of patriotism or prostrate myself in front of a flag to prove my patriotism to anybody. Anybody who doubts my patriotism can simply go kiss my rear end.

I will say this. Those who are feigning outrage at Obama's actions are the least likely to vote for him. So what difference does it make? Besides its not even determined that he was deliberatly refusing (as was suggested) as I said he looks bored.

Of course the 'fat cats' could be anybody. But they are espicially found in the GOP because in America its the GOP that is always pushing for the taxcuts and other handouts for the Billionaires.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree.
 
Yeah, I guess so MM.

When you serve in the forces of your country you do understand the reasons for letting patriotism show, and sharing it as far as you can.

On the anniversary of Armistice day, I usually end up shedding a silent tear, although that date was long before my time. But as a kid I noticed the lttle tear being hid by my older uncles if I was sat with any of them, for the comrades they had lost. They were not in the mood to discuss it at the time, but I remembered. And then WW11 came along, and I found myself closer to the returning survivors of the desert rats, of Monte Casino, of the Jap prison camps, of India and Burma, and of the naval and air campaigns.

Eventually conscription came to me at eighteen, and I met the old heroes once more, and also the new ones.

These men are woven into the historic threads of our destinies, and proclaimed respect and honour for our country is their only reward, particularly in the case of those who fell.

Is Obama patriotic to that extent? If he isn't, he has no right standing for the office of greatest responsibility in USA. Whether it was neglect or carelessness is irrelevant in the matter. If, as a civilian, the hand on heart is not appropriate, then that is a different matter.

I am proud to salute my country and yours by showing respect - and nobody gets to kiss my a** - understand that. he-he.

Well, you and I can keep trying and we will find something to agree on for sure; sometime, somewhere, somehow. Cheers.
 
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MMarsh, you mean to tell us your father and grandfather, whom you have previously informed us were military veterans of the US, did not salute the flag?

And spectical is spelled s-p-e-c-t-a-c-l-e, pizdec.
 
bulldogg said:
MMarsh, you mean to tell us your father and grandfather, whom you have previously informed us were military veterans of the US, did not salute the flag?

And spectical is spelled s-p-e-c-t-a-c-l-e, pizdec.
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As soldiers yes. I don't remember either ever doing so as a civilian. But military and civilian life are two different animals. Thanks for SP.
 
The heart pumps blood and nothing else as science has proven. It is the brain were all thoughts and feelings are processed, should we then put our hands on our heads?

Keeping your hand down is better than putting in some weak arse effort like the guy to Obama's left puts in.
 
Brains come along in a wide variety. But certainly, if you are wearing appropriate headgear, you could choose to salute, which would be using your head I guess. Or you could just USE your head, as you pointed out.

Whatever is the generally accepted norm. of respect should not be ignored by a man looking for votes.

That would not be using the head.
 
Mmarsh stay in France

Meaningless, right symbols are meaningless the only represent what you believe....

I guess you are simple minded, unintelligent, and misguided if you have any pride....
 
So with all this desire to protect the symbols of nationhood and patriotism how do you feel about politicians autographing flags?
 
MontyB said:
So with all this desire to protect the symbols of nationhood and patriotism how do you feel about politicians autographing flags?
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I'm against that. People have forgotten (or don't care) that the flag should be a symbol that is honored and respected, not drawn on to promote one's own power...imho.
 
MontyB said:
So with all this desire to protect the symbols of nationhood and patriotism how do you feel about politicians autographing flags?
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How do I feel about that? I feel insulted. I have not seen any elected officials do that but if they do that is sickening. Old Glory is not some hand out for political elections. It is the symbol of this great nation. Kust like the Bald Eagle....

'Nuff Said
 
MontyB said:
So with all this desire to protect the symbols of nationhood and patriotism how do you feel about politicians autographing flags?
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I think it is every bit as much of a degradation to the flag as the guy who wears his American Flag boxers four days in a row.
 
Damien435 said:
I think it is every bit as much of a degradation to the flag as the guy who wears his American Flag boxers four days in a row.
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The reason I ask is both George Bush and Bill Clinton are meant to have done it (although I am having trouble finding the Clinton one).

On July 24, 2003, Bush was photographed by the Associated Press autographing American flags for workers at the Beaver Aerospace and Defense plant in Livonia, Mich. As a self-styled supporter of the flag and the American Legion's flag code, Bush should have known that code specifically states that no "mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing" should be placed upon the flag. That includes a presidential autograph.
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I cant find a quote on the Clinton one but I did find a web site with the photo's.

http://www.metaphoria.us/FlagPatriotism/Flag_Patriotism.html
 
MontyB said:
So with all this desire to protect the symbols of nationhood and patriotism how do you feel about politicians autographing flags?
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I think your question is somewhat misleading. A more honest question would have been 'How do you feel about American Presidents autographing flags'?

Because, whatever the implications, right or wrong, there is a massive difference, every difference in the world, between 'a politician' and 'An American President'.

I therefore have to question your question, on that score. My previous answer stands, but that was the answer to a different question.
 
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