OUR VIEW

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 19, 2008

OVER THE LAND

OF THE FREE

Fly Old Glory proudly, but properly

One of the big supposed controversies in this seemingly endless presidential campaign is Sen. Barack Obama's decision to not wear a flag pin on his lapel. He says he doesn't because he would rather be judged on his beliefs and policies than outward signs of patriotism. Fair enough; we disagree with most of his policy ideas, but respect his stand on the flag pin.

Too many Americans use the flag, in many forms, as a kind of shortcut to the high ground: I'm wearing a flag, so I'm a good American and if you disagree with me you're not a good American.

Most flag wearers don't take that tack; they believe in what this nation stands for and fully support others' right to have their own views. But there are certainly those out there who do. And then there are whose hearts are in the right place on trumpeting their patriotism, but they go about it all wrong.

The U.S.Flag Code, http://usinfo.state.gov/russki/infousa/facts/ flag_code.htm, lays out the rules for displaying and using the flag. Many people would be surprised to learn that the way they've been treating Old Glory borders on disrespect. It might seem proper to attend this weekend's Memorial Day observances wearing your flag tie or shirt, but both are no-nos, according to the Code. Sooner or later, those items will be worn to the point they must be replaced, but what to do with the old ones? Will you use them for dust cloths? Toss them in the trash? That's certainly no way to show respect. It's doubtful many folks will dispose of that old tie by disposing of it in the manner prescribed in the Flag Code.

Advertisers are among the worst offenders. One pizza company has the Star Spangled Banner printed on its pizza boxes. When dinner is over and the pizza is gone, the box is tossed in the trash. Is that any way to show respect? The company likely means to honor the flag, but instead, given the likely final destination of the box, it comes off looking like the cheap patriotism Obama avoids.

Don't misunderstand, though. If one wants to show disrespect for the flag, one has that right. That issue has been argued on these pages more than once. But if your intent is to honor Old Glory and support this nation, do so in a manner that won't be misinterpreted. Display the flag proudly if you wish, but display it properly.

LENDING A HELPING HAND

News media are often accused of reporting only bad news. But that's not always a bad thing. How else would we find out about folks who need help?

Very few of us can charter a bus to Myanmar to help deliver relief supplies or help with recovery and rebuilding efforts in China. Most aren't able to take a week off work to provide aid and comfort to those in neighboring states who have had their lives disrupted by tornadoes and flooding. Fortunately, there are other ways to help.

The Red Cross and other agencies exist to bridge the gap between those who want to help and those who need help. They are active all the time, but their resources are stretched when a series of calamities strike nearly all at once. Luckily for them Americans are about the most generous people on Earth.

The U.S. government lends a hand, but when private charity gets involved, it's a matter of people helping people. These pages champion limited government and low taxes. That precludes support for government spending on programs and policies that aren't, or shouldn't be, part of government's responsibility. On the other side of that coin is The Golden Rule, one of our guiding principles outlined at the bottom of this page.

With higher gas and food prices these days it might be tough to come up with money to help, but even a small donation can have a huge impact for those who have lost everything. For donations to the Red Cross' efforts, call 1-800-HELP NOW or mail your donation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Donors can designate their contributions to the General Disaster Relief Fund to help in the U.S. or the General International Disaster Relief Fund to help overseas.

REINING IN FEDERAL SPENDING

An associated Press report in Friday's Gazette noted that a package intended to help strapped homeowners keep their homes was bogged down in the Senate Banking Committee. Democrats and Republicans can't come to an agreement on how to pay for the plan to offer governmentbacked mortgages. Republicans want to get money from a fund set up to help build homes for families below the poverty line; Democrats want to keep that fund for its intended purpose. Unfortunately for taxpayers, no one seems to be seriously asking whether the government should be involved at all.

That's the trouble with Washington these days. Although elected officials take an oath to defend the Constitution, few seem willing to do so in the halls of Congress. Just because an idea might benefit some Americans is no justification for the rest of us to provide it.

The federal government has specific duties outlined in the Constitution. It would be quite a stretch to point to any clause of that founding document that authorizes Congress to spend tax dollars bailing out homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes. If Congress goes through with this bailout, and it most likely will, what reason will lawmakers give to not help the next group that is struggling to make ends meet in a challenging economy?