August 23, 2006
Snuggling Up in the Flag
As those of you who follow me regularly know, I have an American flag photo collection, which I use from time to time to illustrate a patriotic point --- true patriot that I am. No kidding. I believe that the Constitution documented an amazing spiritual vision of freedom and equality for all (okay, almost all -- that's why we are allowed to amend it), well before it became a reality. .I am awed by the idea that the framers could create something so revolutionary, and so enlightened from imagination.
Like the Bible and the Koran, there are those who have distorted the meaning of the Constiution for purposes of gaining power, but that takes nothing away from its splendor as a dream.
OkeeDokee -- I'm sure you didn't drop by to read this sappy stuff.
In my flag photo collection, I try to capture bizarre flag utilization and treatment, generally done in the name of what I'd term aggressive patriotism. For example, using the flag as a beach towel, seems less than respectful in my estimation. Then again, I am old fashioned.
In sharp contrast to the photographic evidence of the cavalier manner in which the flag is often treated, is the story of a farmer, who had the audacity to hang it upside down on his own property, as a small gesture of protest. In addition to being charged with disorderly conduct by the authorities, "he faces death threats from a forum on a Marine vets’ website, www.leatherneck.com, which calls itself the 'Marine Corps Community for USMC Veterans'. " Quite an impressive reaction to this dreadful deed. Let's hear it for patriotism.
Photo note: Would that the seagulls were American Eagles. Dream on , honey.
I got this when I googled aggressive patriotism - it's totally irrelevant, but interesting
Posted by Dakota at August 23, 2006 02:40 PM