In the news recently, there has been much said about a Veteran (90+ years old), recipient of the Medal of Honor, and homeowner who was threatened with legal action if he did not remove a flag pole upon which he flew the American flag. Not the first time this sort of thing happened and won't be the last.
We should not have to take into account the fact the Veteran was 90 years, or medal of honor recipient, or homeowner - he IS an American home owner who just so happened to be proud of that fact! He has all the right in this country to fly the American flag (period)....condominium or no condominium.
In a letter last week, Sen. Webb of Virginia urged the association to "consider the exceptional nature of Col. Barfoot's service when considering his pride and determination in honoring our flag". Nice words, Senator...but you should have done your homework! Wow! this Senator doesn't even get it... "If that act of patriotism offends anyone, then so be it", is what he should have written. Actually, he or anyone else, has a moral, patriotic and legal right to fly the US flag.
I think common sense is not a social norm among many folks, and hasn't been for many years, here in the good ole' USA. There are way too many that believe he should not have that right (covenant or no covenant), simply because that act might offend. SAD! There are even many more that believe they have a right to fly ANY flag on their property. And, they do! Where common sense fails is, why would you feel the need to fly another nations flag on your property? I am not saying to not be proud of your heritage; celebrate your heritage anyway you want; take pride in your heritage. If that entails flying a flag, do so!
We even had to write another specific law that allows us this right...again...(how sad, yet again!).
Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005. That act states:
A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.
The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to indicate not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.
Now consider this..
I was not born in America, but I would not even consider flying the flag of my birthplace here. That is just me! I have a right to fly that flag, but I choose not to. I am now an American (period). And, I am extremely proud of that accomplishment! I do fly the American flag outside my home. I even have a 25 foot flagpole. I have the right to fly any flag I choose outside of my home. And, I fly our flag not just because of "common sense", but because of the pride i have in its history.
Now go ask if the US flag can be draped over the coffin of a fallen soldier while it is still in Iraq, or anywhere in Iraq for that matter, except the US Embassy. It is our foreign policy to "not offend".
Next, try flying the US flag in any other country in the world and see what happens! I know from first hand experience how it will be received.
Our "Freedoms and Rights" have been bought and paid for - they continue to be purchased! Take pride, exercise common sense, and fly the flag (of your choice) proudly. Consider too that if you choose to fly another nation's flag outside your home, to honor your heritage, use the rules of flag etiquette, and fly the American flag appropriately as a display of pride as well. Just a suggestion!
But never tell me or anyone else to not fly Ole' Glory proudly.
We should not have to take into account the fact the Veteran was 90 years, or medal of honor recipient, or homeowner - he IS an American home owner who just so happened to be proud of that fact! He has all the right in this country to fly the American flag (period)....condominium or no condominium.
In a letter last week, Sen. Webb of Virginia urged the association to "consider the exceptional nature of Col. Barfoot's service when considering his pride and determination in honoring our flag". Nice words, Senator...but you should have done your homework! Wow! this Senator doesn't even get it... "If that act of patriotism offends anyone, then so be it", is what he should have written. Actually, he or anyone else, has a moral, patriotic and legal right to fly the US flag.
I think common sense is not a social norm among many folks, and hasn't been for many years, here in the good ole' USA. There are way too many that believe he should not have that right (covenant or no covenant), simply because that act might offend. SAD! There are even many more that believe they have a right to fly ANY flag on their property. And, they do! Where common sense fails is, why would you feel the need to fly another nations flag on your property? I am not saying to not be proud of your heritage; celebrate your heritage anyway you want; take pride in your heritage. If that entails flying a flag, do so!
We even had to write another specific law that allows us this right...again...(how sad, yet again!).
Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005. That act states:
A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.
The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to indicate not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.
Now consider this..
I was not born in America, but I would not even consider flying the flag of my birthplace here. That is just me! I have a right to fly that flag, but I choose not to. I am now an American (period). And, I am extremely proud of that accomplishment! I do fly the American flag outside my home. I even have a 25 foot flagpole. I have the right to fly any flag I choose outside of my home. And, I fly our flag not just because of "common sense", but because of the pride i have in its history.
Now go ask if the US flag can be draped over the coffin of a fallen soldier while it is still in Iraq, or anywhere in Iraq for that matter, except the US Embassy. It is our foreign policy to "not offend".
Next, try flying the US flag in any other country in the world and see what happens! I know from first hand experience how it will be received.
Our "Freedoms and Rights" have been bought and paid for - they continue to be purchased! Take pride, exercise common sense, and fly the flag (of your choice) proudly. Consider too that if you choose to fly another nation's flag outside your home, to honor your heritage, use the rules of flag etiquette, and fly the American flag appropriately as a display of pride as well. Just a suggestion!
But never tell me or anyone else to not fly Ole' Glory proudly.
Really enjoyed this blog..All of your points were valid.
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