Disrespectful use of the American flag?

[Baitball Blogger]

The car was in a private garage as I drove by so I only caught a glance. It was enough to see that the vehicle, which looked like a dressed down Land Rover, was used for some serious trudging through mud. Hooked to the back of the car was an American flag which had been taken along for the ride. The flag hung like it was soaking wet and the white stripes were stained brown. I have no idea how a flag that was mounted up above the window area could manage to get that dirty, unless it fell from the mounting, and more than once.

I couldn't see how any activity, outside of a war zone, where that kind of exposure to the elements would be considered respectful.

[morningfog]

1. It's just a flag.

Maybe the owner is making a statement.

[merrily]

7. Seriously, yet, have you ever paid attention to the

Pledge of Allegiance? The pledge is to the piece of cloth first and second to the nation represented by the flag.

How messed up is that?

[delrem]

2. It's a piece of cloth.

It isn't like it's a statue of the Virgin Mary or something.
So get a grip.

[LiberalElite]

4. There is a code for the handling, use and display of the U.S. Flag

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm

[merrily]

5. So? There's also a First Amendment right to handle it as you choose.

The "FLAG CODE"

Previous to Flag Day, June 14, 1923 there were no federal or state regulations governing display of the United States Flag. It was on this date that the National Flag Code was adopted by the National Flag Conference which was attended by representatives of the Army and Navy which had evolved their own procedures, and some 66 other national groups. This purpose of providing guidance based on the Army and Navy procedures relating to display and associated questions about the U. S. Flag was adopted by all organizations in attendance.

A few minor changes were made a year later during the Flag Day 1924 Conference, It was not until June 22, 1942 that Congress passed a joint resolution which was amended on December 22, 1942 to become Public Law 829; Chapter 806, 77th Congress, 2nd session. Exact rules for use and display of the flag (36 U.S.C. 173-178) as well as associated sections (36 U.S.C. 171) Conduct during Playing of the National Anthem, (36 U.S.C. 172) the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Manner of Delivery were included.

This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law.

Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990.

While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown.

http://www.usflag.org/us.code36.html

[LiberalElite]

8. Just stating a fact do what u want

[merrily]

9. ? I also stated facts.

[merrily]

11. I can't get excited about getting a statue of the Virgin Mary wet, either.

A vehicle dragging a living being through the mud would, however, get my very negative attention.

[LiberalElite]

3. See below -

Section 7b
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm
as far as the mud, hopefully it was weather proof - see section 6c

[JohLast]

6. That wet flag is not hurting anyone, leave it alone.

[merrily]

10. Let's say it was disrespectful, as opposed to mindless jingoism. So?

[Baitball Blogger]

12. Thank you to everyone who responded.

[hobbit709]

13. I consider anyone wrapping themselves in the flag to make a political statement more disrespectful.

[CBGLuthier]

14. Even though I will not salute it or say the pledge, I am bothered when it is casually disrespected.

Especially since those doing it are usually RW. I do believe in burning it as political protest but have never done so.