I'm one of those "American flag nuts", but I respect flag burners

[Recursion]

I respect them a lot more than people who put their flag out on the porch and forget about it, and leave it to be rained and snowed on and faded by the sun.

The guy burning the flag at least agrees with me that the Colors are something important. The guy who improperly puts the flag out for his used car sale, or leaves it hanging on his front porch in the rain, is basically saying it's just some box he can check off and then forget about it.

[joshcryer]

1. My dad personally raised and lowered his flag every day.

For like 15 years, no matter where we lived.

I followed the "tradition" of having a flag, but I never took it down, and after about a year it became worn and tattered at the edges and I felt like a jerk because I didn't actually follow his tradition. I didn't understand it, I think.

Still have my dads flag and it's in pristine condition. Flew for 15 years and looks almost brand new. (There is some relative sun bleaching but there is no wear at the edges, as it was taken down every time there was a storm or high wind.)

[MadrasT]

2. Agree on all points.

Signed,
fellow flag nut

[MindPilot]

3. I so totally agree.

Or the ones who fly a faded tattered flag from their vehicle. I don't think the flag should be used for clothing, paint schemes, or really anything else but being a flag. It bugs the shit outta me when I'm at a 4th of July picnic and I'm wiping BBQ sauce off my face with a stars and stripes napkin.

The real affront is in places like my home town where there are limits on the size and height of business signage, so the businesses compensate by erecting ginormous flags.

At least when you burn it, you are are acknowledging that it has some meaning.

But really, flag-burning is a non-issue. How often is a US flag burned in protest on US soil?

[Recursion]

4. Thank you. Agreed.

We have bunting for that.

The colors should be displayed respectfully and according to the Flag Code, or not at all.

Alternately, someone may wish to display the Colors not in accordance with the Flag Code, for political or artistic reasons. I would not personally do that, nor do I personally approve of it, but that is the beauty of America: what I approve of doesn't matter. I fought for every dipshit's right to be a dipshit. And I mean that seriously.

That I'm fine with, and I even respect. What I can't respect is John Q. Used Car Salesman inappropriately displaying the flag for commercial reasons.

[MindPilot]

5. 4th of July is probably a bad example

that is the day we all celebrate it. But the people who like to dress up in flag-themed clothes to demonstrate what good Americans they are, probably don't even vote. To me, patriotism is like sex; those who are good at it don't have to advertise.

[snpsmom]

6. You can fly it at night as long as you light it. n/t

[Romulox]

7. I hope my avatar bothers you. nt