O/T: Olympic Flag Etiquette (lack thereof)

[MarineOpLaw]

Just watched the USA team take another gold in the men's 4x400m relay. Another solid performance and 'runaway' win for the Stars & Stripes team.

However, the runners (athletes) use of my National Ensign as capes, cloaks, shawls or other bodily adornment &/or apparel causes me to take significant offense... [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img] In my eyes, their crass lack of respect detracts from otherwise stellar achievement. Sad... and [img]images/graemlins/lame.jpg[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/crybaby.gif[/img]

Me thinks American Olympians ought to have a mandatory class on flag etiquette and appropriate decurum during the playing of our National Anthemn. [img]images/graemlins/deal.gif[/img] (Crap, most of them cannot even mouth the words of their National Anthemn! Grrrrr!!!! [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/bs.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/spank.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/crybaby.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img])

[OlllllllOCJ]

Hmmm I agree.

Dale

Edit: Actually... I was offended.

[jeepgod]

i totally agree... [img]images/graemlins/goodpost.gif[/img]

we are flying them high here.. even though we were advised not too... [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Jim_Lou]

I've been gritting my teeth over that, too. Maybe they don't deserve a dope slap, but they do need a stern talking to.

Or maybe a dope slap. [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img]

[LEVE]

1. Agreed,
2. Amen and Amen!
3. It's disgraceful what they've been doing...
4. Perhaps a review of the US Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8,
5. Should have been reviewed,
6. By our athletes and staff,
7. Prior to going overseas...
8. But then I guess....
9. You'd have to teach some of 'em to read...

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
Sec. 8. — Respect for flag
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning

[/ QUOTE ]

[JBTater]

For some reason, this post reminded me of something not completely on-topic, but close enough.
At the '68(?) olympics, a lot of the USA atheletes were doing the "Black Power" fist in the air during the national anthem while on the medal stands.
When George Forman won Gold in boxing, he held a little American Flag, stood at attention, and sang along. He said he was an American before anything else. And this was from a kid who had grown up in about as bad of a situation as anyone can.
I'm not sure why I thought of this just now, but I thought I'd mention it. I've always respected Forman for that. I'm sure he was under a lot of pressure to do as everyone else was, but he did what he believed was right.

[RRich]

It's certanly not surprising that's going on. After all, to be "politically correct" you have to demonstrate discust and hatred for your own country -- according to the news media and Hollywood. Bordering on treason, or even stepping across that line is tolerated, even encouraged. Just look at many of the "politicians."

Funny - those traitors think when the "new regime" takes over they'll be rewarded with positions of power and wealth. But as history has shown in every case - the "new regime" executes them first. The idea is "If their own country can't trust them, how can we?"
History repeats itself.

Unless Americans wake up very soon, those left alive will be wearing greasy rags on their heads.

[CJ7Attitude]

I forget who said it first, but the quote is - The american flag or it's design should not be used as clothing - EVER!

Even the fashion designers agree [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Raduckal]

And take off that olive leaf hat when the national anthem is playing.
[img]images/graemlins/spank.gif[/img]

[YJOwnr22]

Everyone has their own way of displaying their pride to be an American. I don't take any real offense to someone draping the flag on them as they run a victory lap, or holding it in the air as they do so - I feel that as long as the good intent is there, it's fine by me. Seems like athletes in the olympics have been doing the whole flag-draping over the body thing for years...