Flying Large Flags In The Bed Of A Pickup

[ShootDontTalk]

I fly a flag next to my front door, every day. But I agree that flying big flags of any kind in the bed of a pickup is a sad and desperate "hey look at me" statement.........

I'm pretty sure the young people I spoke to yesterday would disagree with you, as they did with me. We should learn what it means to paint everyone with a broad paint brush. That brush might be used on us one day.

I also think it won't be long before these displays hit the major media:

http://thechive.com/2015/05/20/a-boy-to ... xb73r:mjRT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think you're going to find a lot of people on the other side of the "hey, look at me" argument.

[txglock21]

I'm trying very hard to keep my thoughts on this subject in line with forum rules. So I will just say this, to each his own. As long as it is legal, I have no problem with it.

*Edit to say thoughts, not comments.

[Javier730]

"Look at me, I got a big flag. Look at me, I walk around Wal-Mart with an AR15 and don't buy anything. Look at me, I got a Kimber Pro CDP II and its muzzle is pointed at your daughters chest."

Some people like to be the center of attention.

[Pawpaw]

On a forum devoted to exercising Second Amendment rights, I am disappointed in the lack of respect and even disdain for others who are exercising their First Amendment right.

Whenever I see the flag being proudly flown, it makes MY heart swell with pride. I've never given even a moment's thought to what that person's motive might be. It just never occurred to me, nor do I care. It is their right to do so.

Even if some chose to fly an ISIS flag on their truck, I would defend their right to do so. Of course, I would also give thanks for them letting me know who to keep an eye on.

I have USAF Retired license plates on my truck. I must be looking for attention also. It couldn't possibly be because I'm proud of the time I served.

[Javier730]

I am disappointed in the lack of respect and even disdain for others who are exercising their First Amendment right.

No lack of respect here. Just me also exercising my first amendment right to say my opinion.

Even if some chose to fly an ISIS flag on their truck, I would defend their right to do so.

Is this a trend of patriotism or plain ole "Hey, look at me, look at me, I'm special"!

Pawpaw,
The op asked for peoples opinion and they will not all be the same. There is no right answer, just opinions. I'm sure some people flying flags on there trucks are patriots and some of them are attention seekers. Having a different opinion than yours and calling them attention seekers does not mean anyone is being disrespectful though.

[ShootDontTalk]

I respect everyone's opinion. I guess the issue is the old, "is the glass half full or half empty?"

Personally, I am thrilled when I see people fly the flag. I always will be. Maybe it's because I endured Americans spitting on returning American soldiers and calling them "baby killers" while wrapped in a blood red Communist flag and chanting "Ho Ho Ho Chi Minh."

That young people are proudly flying Old Glory is doubly thrilling. My opinion is that anyone flying the flag of our country deserves the benefit of the doubt as to why they are doing so - from me at least.

And yes, part of being an American is allowing others to fly whatever flag they desire. I might wonder who they are and why they're doing it. But the American flag? I don't give a moments thought to who they are, why they're doing it, or what their motivation is. There is a right answer on that issue. I already know what it is.

[mojo84]

Is this acceptable exercise of one's rights? They are visiting the memorial after all.

http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2015/0 ... /usmclife/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ShootDontTalk]

How are you confusing that with flying a flag? I think you're going to need a better example.

[mojo84]

Not confusing anything. Just saw the picture and thought about how some have opinions on the different ways of expressing themselves and their pride and patriotism.

I also didn't state and opinion. I asked for others opinions though.

More specific to flags if that's what you are looking for, is it ok in your opinion to wear an American Flag shirt? Not just a patch but a shirt designed as a flag?

[ShootDontTalk]

Well in my opinion wading in the WWII Memorial (sorry I didn't look carefully) bears about as much in common with flying an American flag as does skinny dipping on Omaha Beach. Whoever came up with the idea of moral equivalence told a whopper of a lie.

Is it your contention that those people believe they are demonstrating their patriotism?

Can you explain your point a little better for the benefit of us old schoolers?

Flag shirts? No. Are you now maintaining that the flags these people are flying are violating the flag code? What is your point? You either support flying the flag, (and the flag code says nothing about moving vehicles) or you don't. I'm a simple kind of guy - seems pretty straightforward.

I'm simply dumbfounded that the idea by some on here that when it comes to flying the flag everyone has to either fly it exactly like the committee on this forum says, or somehow you're just an OCT type looking for attention.

Forgive me, but I think this is a discussion we shouldn't be having on this forum. Hufpost? Maybe.

[Javier730]

Is this acceptable exercise of one's rights? They are visiting the memorial after all.

http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2015/0 ... /usmclife/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ Image ]

Maybe they are illiterate.

[mojo84]

Well in my opinion wading in a Memorial pool in Portland Oregon bears about as much in common with flying an American flag as does skinny dipping on Omaha Beach. Whoever came up with the idea of moral equivalence told a whopper of a lie.

Is it your contention that those people believe they are demonstrating their patriotism?

Can you explain your point a little better for the benefit of us old schoolers?

Flag shirts? No. Are you now maintaining that the flags these people are flying are violating the flag code? What is your point? You either support flying the flag, (and the flag code says nothing about moving vehicles) or you don't. I'm a simple kind of guy - seems pretty straightforward.

I'm simply dumbfounded that the idea by some on here that when it comes to flying the flag everyone has to either fly it exactly like the committee on this forum says, or somehow you're just an OCT type looking for attention.

First off, you should calm down. I wasn't asserting any opinion or making any contentions . I only posted a pic and asked some questions to get some feedback.

For the record, I do not have a problem with people or kids flying the flag on their trucks as long as they take proper care of them and retire them properly once they become torn and tattered. I also do think some are doing it more for attention than true patriotism. However, that's their business.

Personally, I don't like to see the flag made into clothing. I would not wear such. However, I've seen others do it, including some old war vets and it's obvious they are going it out of pride for their country. I overlook my personal taste.

As far as the war memorial pool, I was just asking as this picture has been circulating on Facebook and has drawn the ire of many while some say they are not being disrepectful and they are showing their respects by being there and that's enough.

Jumping to conclusions helps in ginning up a debate and argument but seldom serves one well. I was only looking for opinions and you chose to try to make an argument based on what you assumed were my "contentions".

If you just want to argue, I let others come join your game as I'm not interested. If you want to respond and offer your opinions, I read and consider them.

[mojo84]

Is this acceptable exercise of one's rights? They are visiting the memorial after all.

http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2015/0 ... /usmclife/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ Image ]

Maybe they are illiterate.

Or just disrespectful and not good examples for their kids.

[Javier730]

Is this acceptable exercise of one's rights? They are visiting the memorial after all.

http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2015/0 ... /usmclife/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ Image ]

Maybe they are illiterate.

Or just disrespectful and not good examples for their kids.

That is sad but more than likely true.

[Javier730]

Is this acceptable exercise of one's rights? They are visiting the memorial after all.

http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2015/0 ... /usmclife/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ Image ]

This picture should be posted by "gun free zone" signs.