AMERICAblog: Huge American flag dumped on the ground after McCain rally
scottinsf
· 1 year ago
That's the way it happens in "real" America.
PeteWa
· 1 year ago
Incredible, this is an actual disgrace to the flag. As much as the rightwingnuts pretend to love this country, this action says more than all of their hot air put together.
grandma
· 1 year ago
I agree....and they are the ones who dishonor the price paid by many of our troops by flying their bodies into Dover Air Force Base at night so as to be out of sight.
What a disgrace they are to the United States of America
scottinsf
· 1 year ago
Exactly! Thank you grandma!
And thank you PeteWa for pointing out what a disgrace it is. I'm not a flag waving person but this was absolutely disrespectful.
grandma
· 1 year ago
.....wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.
They have demeaned the American Flag and distorted the gospel of Christ...
She can't give a press conference or go on Meet the Press , but she can do this:
He was a POW. I mean, come on; he spent 5 years of his life not knowing what a flag looked like.
Why does John McCain hate America?
bluestockton
· 1 year ago
I see flags all the time that are faded, shredded, and left out all night or in the rain. An awful lot of "true-blue Americans" don't know the first thing about flag etiquette.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
I guess it's not a 'pro-America' part of the country. John you are exactly correct, this would be a part of Palin's stump speech if the opposite happened. HYPOCRITES. Two weeks people....vote early.
JohnInTexas
· 1 year ago
Is that the Grim Reaper standing to the left?
Busboy
· 1 year ago
The Mark Foley endorsement isn't going to help much, either.
I think he did it just to torpedo Obama. Not that anyone takes Foley seriously. Net effect probably = zero...
sukabi1
· 1 year ago
so the McCain camp can hire a huge crane to hoist up a gigantic US Flag, but they can't hire 3 guys to take the flag down and properly fold and retire the flag??? so far I'm not diggin' the McCain's job creation abilities...
and from a "military man" this is just disgraceful...
WDemDem
· 1 year ago
Giraffe neck Nancy P just said to Andrea Mitchell, regarding Michelle Bachmann's comments, that it's up to the individual to try to explain what they meant by their comments, refusing to answer the question. She then immediately turned to the gaffster Joe's comments about an "imminent attack" [sic] and of course she was able to explain all about Joe. And she was clapping and jumping up and down in her seat and being hysterical and acting like an idiot.
Mark in Florida
· 1 year ago
Actually I think it is above the dignity of the speaker to even address the stupidy of Bachmann. Bachmann is a joke, and may lose her seat. This is the same woman who tried to ban the video of Disney's Aladin because it advocated witchcraft. Bachmann is a nut bag, of the highest order, so I understand Pelosi's comment.
Donate to Tinklenberg to help oust Bachmann....he is catching her in the polls! Bachmann must go:
Oooh, big shock. Guarantee: anything wingnuts claim to believe in and defend, in reality they shit on and desecrate. From the flag, to the troops, to national defense, to fiscal responsibility and personal accountability, you name it.
However...I personally have never understood this worship of the flag thing. It's a piece of cloth with colors on it! Who gives a flying crap? I mean, seriously - if you've fought in a war, or know someone who has, or whatever, do you really develop this gibbering, hysterical idolatry of a colorful sheet..as opposed to the people and laws and values of the country?
Sure, we know mouth-breathing wingnuts do that - they will shriek and howl to defend any empty, symbolic "American" thing while systematically pooping on the actual "America."
But honestly, do normal folks really get all worked up about flags?
makes no sense to me. Plus, having travelled to and lived in plenty of other countries, I can say I have NEVER seen any other people literally obsess about and worship their national flag in the same way.
gaffer
· 1 year ago
The way I understand it is the American flag is symbolic of America. So the way you treat it is symbolic of the way you treat America. America's not something you can thank, hug, or even salute. The flag stands in place of America, so you can show respect.
I'll admit I didn't understand this myself until very recently.
Grim_Reaper
· 1 year ago
The Grim Reaper is always hovering over Mccain
KerrynowCampau
· 1 year ago
Are you sure that isn't just Palin's flag pin?
Laura-In-CC (fka Doodlebug)
· 1 year ago
LOL!
Older_Wiser
· 1 year ago
Why do they use such a large flag when there are only 7 or 8 people attending anyway? I'm sure a small 3x5 would work for a group that size...
Milli
· 1 year ago
Don't they technically need to burn it now that it touched the ground? If they do, I would pay to see it. Republicans burning a flag two weeks before an election............
LawMichigander
· 1 year ago
OMG THIS IS A VERY BIG NO NO TO ALL THOSE THAT LOVE AMERICAN HISTORY, AMERICAN AND PATRIOTISM. I can't believe they let this happen.
sunshinegrrrl
· 1 year ago
It's unfortunately and certainly not respectful, but it doesn't need to be burned as long as it can be cleaned.
NovaNardis
· 1 year ago
Flag etiquette isn't about keeping the flag clean. It's about respect for the flag as a symbol of our nation. As an Eagle Scout, I believe that if a flag has touched the ground it is proper to retire it, regardless of whether it actually 'dirty' or not.
That flag might still be as clean as the day it was sewn, but McCain still desecrated it.
sunshinegrrrl
· 1 year ago
I don't disagree that he dishonored it(well probably not him personally but the setup crew should know how to handle a flag), but according to flag code it should be cleaned not burned. It should only be burned if it becomes tattered, ripped, torn or otherwise soiled beyond responsible cleaning. McCain certainly disrespected the flag but to call it dessecrated, I think, is a bit of hyperbole. The fact is, the republicans often speak of flag respect, but they know little about it. That flag shouldn't have been touched by anything but the hands that should have folded it up and stored it respectfully away. But no, it doesn't need to be burned. Burning it if it touches the ground is something a lot of people are taught, including many boy scouts, but it's not necessary as long as it is not ruined. A ruined flag should be burned.
NovaNardis
· 1 year ago
I learned something today. Either I learned wrong, or BSA taught wrong. In any event, McCain is not Country First.
slappymagoo
· 1 year ago
McCain hates America, and now finally there's symbolic proof that would matter to people who claim symbols are important. Pass it on.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it. Contrary to an urban legend, the flag code does not state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned. Instead, the flag should be moved so it is not touching the ground.[
MikeinSanJo
· 1 year ago
Breaking News:
McCain Camp responds to accusations of Flag Desecration in Missouri.
Duh, well we couldn't find any Republicans in Missouri who are McCain supporters, so our McCain rally was actually put on by the local democrats. So it was really the DEMOCRATS who were disrespecting the flag.
And that Palin wench better watch it with Dobson. Rumor has it that he's got a pair of wandering hands that complement his wandering eyes quite nicely.
red_dwarf
· 1 year ago
How pathetic is that? What do you expect, they're troglydites, bottom feeding scavengers, they don't have time to respect the flag - they don't know what it means to protect the flag. How could they?
I had this thought that just maybe Obama's grandmother isn't that sick and Obama had to go to Hawaii to attend a high level meeting on the pretext that McShanks chances are 1 in 100. No doubt that NOBODY is talking to, or even paying attention to, frat boy.
WindmillChasr
· 1 year ago
Proper retiring of the flag demands that it be broken apart into it's pieces, by stripes and by starfield. Only then can the pieces be burned because the United States is not represented anymore and a flag is not a flag when in pieces.
I have a neighbor who has been flying his flag, day and night (no light) for about three months. His flag is so shredded it's a crime. I left the guy a printout of the flag regulations which he ignored. Finally, his cheap flag was in such deplorable condition, he finally took it down.
But I am certain he did not dispose of it properly or take it to the VFA or American Legion. Too much trouble I'm certain.
bigedross
· 1 year ago
It is not surprising that McCain's folks drag the flag. John McCain also no longer wears a FLAG PIN on his suit. It was such a big issue when Obama didn't wear his.
gwpriester
· 1 year ago
I have been flying a 3 x 5 flag every day. It is a very well constructed flag and made to withstand the strong winds we get in New Mexico.
I am not a conservative. I am a liberal. And I have every right to fly a flag. I served in the US Army in 1967-69 which is a lot more than most of my conservative can say. And frankly it looks nice with my big OBAMA yard signs.
And frankly, it pisses me off that these bloody republicans have co-opted the flag.
JSR
· 1 year ago
Give me a break people. This is a complete non-story and has the potential to backfire against the Democrats if they try to go with it. Obama needs to step in and say that it was an honest mistake and not meant to show desecration one bit. Calmly and rationally as always. That'll do more damage to Limbaugh and company more than anything, since everyone knows he would have jumped on it had it happened at an Obama rally.
pmarie
· 1 year ago
Wasnt the flag just being taken down? Shouldnt everyone take this time to try to solve real problems?
DisabledVeteran
· 1 year ago
I know that the Bush admin hides the dead coming back from War but for your information the flag and how it is treated is a bid deal. Because over 4,000 men and woman are covered in this real problem
pmarie
· 1 year ago
If the flag cant touch the ground...then it is the ignorance of the people in Missouri not Mccain
sukabi1
· 1 year ago
bullshit, McCain's campaign is responsible for all aspects of his "sideshow"... from selecting a venue for the gathering, to hiring folks to setup and tear down, to making sure that the national symbol they love to wrap themselves in is properly taken care of. And McCain, having used his stint as a Navy pilot and "The POW Hero" as his "theme" for this campaign should be even more aware of how this "symbol of freedom" is treated by his campaign / staff.
CplKevlar
· 1 year ago
It matters! There is a proper way to take down the colors. McCain loves to taut his military credentials, and is constantly reminding us that he is a former POW. They threw a fit over a fabricated story about what the Obama campaign did with American flags after the convention. Remember the lapel pins? Remember the legislation to outlaw "flag burning"? They made this an issue, and the rules apply to them as well. I served 8 years honorably (6 mos in Afghanistan), and I don't appreciate being called unpatriotic or un-American simply because I don't believe that we should torture, or kill innocents in a foreign country for oil. I guess I'm un-American because I don't think the NSA should be listening to my calls when my Thai wife calls her mom or sister, or when my Korean exchange student calls home. I love my country and will (and have) put my life on the line to protect those colors! They made it an issue and the rules apply to them as well.
DonMac
· 1 year ago
Where is the woman who asked Obama why he wasn't wearing a flag pin? He must really hate America if he doesn't wear a flag pin.
Where is the phony picture of Barack and Hillary on the stage during the National Anthem? The neo-con hypocrites claimed it was taken during the Pledge of Allegiance. He must really hate America if he doesn't un-necessarily place his hand over his heart.
Where is the picture of his leased campaign plane, on which they re-painted the tail with the Obama campaign logo. He must really hate America if he doesn't keep the owners logo on the tail.
GOP Hypocrites.
Rev_Sacrilege
· 1 year ago
Flag worship is stupid.
HinTN
· 1 year ago
It's not flag worship. It is respect. One can use the symbol in any number of ways, many protected by the Supreme Court as free speech, but to display the flag in some "reverent" fashion and then disrespect it is absolutely inexcusable. (Posted by an Eagle Scout)
HinTN
· 1 year ago
Commenting on my own comment: Having read all the rest and viewed the video, did you notice the two walking out on the left SALUTING the flag, even as it was draped on the ground? What unit were they from? What were they thinking?
Rev_Sacrilege
· 1 year ago
It is flag worship. It is an inanimate piece of cloth that happens to contain a symbol of the United States.
What's even odder to me is that flag worship of the sort we see today was unheard of in the beginning of the United States.
It's stupid, and we have more important issues to discuss.
mydogshakespeare
· 1 year ago
Generally, I agree: Flag "worship" is stupid, along with red-herring laws to criminalize "flag desecration," whatever THAT is.
But in this context, where Republicans are the only ones thrusting flag worship, anti-desecration and lapel-pin-patriotism into public discourse do demonstrate their patriotic superiority, then it is fair and reasonable to point out their miserable failings and outrageous hypocrisy on the matter.
By the way, review your tapes of the first debate and ask yourself "Why isn't Senator McCain, self-described patriot and Republicon Party Candidate for President of the United States wearing HIS flag lapel pin?"
palomino55
· 1 year ago
seriously? they are simply taking down a huge flag from a rally! signed, a McCain supporter in the liberal state of Oregon
All Comments
As much as the rightwingnuts pretend to love this country, this action says more than all of their hot air put together.
What a disgrace they are to the United States of America
And thank you PeteWa for pointing out what a disgrace it is. I'm not a flag waving person but this was absolutely disrespectful.
They have demeaned the American Flag and distorted the gospel of Christ...
She can't give a press conference or go on Meet the Press , but she can do this:
Palin Grants Interview to Focus on the Family's James Dobson
http://blog.beliefnet.com/godometer/2008/10/pal...
These people are some kind of mentals.....
Why does John McCain hate America?
http://www.wilshireandwashington.com/2008/10/sp...
and from a "military man" this is just disgraceful...
Donate to Tinklenberg to help oust Bachmann....he is catching her in the polls! Bachmann must go:
http://www.tinklenberg08.com/
However...I personally have never understood this worship of the flag thing. It's a piece of cloth with colors on it! Who gives a flying crap? I mean, seriously - if you've fought in a war, or know someone who has, or whatever, do you really develop this gibbering, hysterical idolatry of a colorful sheet..as opposed to the people and laws and values of the country?
Sure, we know mouth-breathing wingnuts do that - they will shriek and howl to defend any empty, symbolic "American" thing while systematically pooping on the actual "America."
But honestly, do normal folks really get all worked up about flags?
makes no sense to me. Plus, having travelled to and lived in plenty of other countries, I can say I have NEVER seen any other people literally obsess about and worship their national flag in the same way.
I'll admit I didn't understand this myself until very recently.
That flag might still be as clean as the day it was sewn, but McCain still desecrated it.
the setup crew should know how to handle a flag), but according to flag code
it should be cleaned not burned. It should only be burned if it becomes
tattered, ripped, torn or otherwise soiled beyond responsible cleaning.
McCain certainly disrespected the flag but to call it dessecrated, I think,
is a bit of hyperbole. The fact is, the republicans often speak of flag
respect, but they know little about it. That flag shouldn't have been
touched by anything but the hands that should have folded it up and stored
it respectfully away. But no, it doesn't need to be burned. Burning it if it
touches the ground is something a lot of people are taught, including many
boy scouts, but it's not necessary as long as it is not ruined. A ruined
flag should be burned.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it. Contrary to an urban legend, the flag code does not state that a flag that touches the ground should be burned. Instead, the flag should be moved so it is not touching the ground.[
McCain Camp responds to accusations of Flag Desecration in Missouri.
Duh, well we couldn't find any Republicans in Missouri who are McCain supporters, so our McCain rally was actually put on by the local democrats. So it was really the DEMOCRATS who were disrespecting the flag.
And that Palin wench better watch it with Dobson. Rumor has it that he's got a pair of wandering hands that complement his wandering eyes quite nicely.
I had this thought that just maybe Obama's grandmother isn't that sick and Obama had to go to Hawaii to attend a high level meeting on the pretext that McShanks chances are 1 in 100. No doubt that NOBODY is talking to, or even paying attention to, frat boy.
http://post369.columbus.oh.us/scouting.d/flag.d...
But I am certain he did not dispose of it properly or take it to the VFA or American Legion. Too much trouble I'm certain.
I am not a conservative. I am a liberal. And I have every right to fly a flag. I served in the US Army in 1967-69 which is a lot more than most of my conservative can say. And frankly it looks nice with my big OBAMA yard signs.
And frankly, it pisses me off that these bloody republicans have co-opted the flag.
McCain loves to taut his military credentials, and is constantly reminding us that he is a former POW. They threw a fit over a fabricated story about what the Obama campaign did with American flags after the convention. Remember the lapel pins? Remember the legislation to outlaw "flag burning"? They made this an issue, and the rules apply to them as well.
I served 8 years honorably (6 mos in Afghanistan), and I don't appreciate being called unpatriotic or un-American simply because I don't believe that we should torture, or kill innocents in a foreign country for oil. I guess I'm un-American because I don't think the NSA should be listening to my calls when my Thai wife calls her mom or sister, or when my Korean exchange student calls home. I love my country and will (and have) put my life on the line to protect those colors!
They made it an issue and the rules apply to them as well.
Where is the phony picture of Barack and Hillary on the stage during the National Anthem? The neo-con hypocrites claimed it was taken during the Pledge of Allegiance.
He must really hate America if he doesn't un-necessarily place his hand over his heart.
Where is the picture of his leased campaign plane, on which they re-painted the tail with the Obama campaign logo.
He must really hate America if he doesn't keep the owners logo on the tail.
GOP Hypocrites.
What's even odder to me is that flag worship of the sort we see today was unheard of in the beginning of the United States.
It's stupid, and we have more important issues to discuss.
But in this context, where Republicans are the only ones thrusting flag worship, anti-desecration and lapel-pin-patriotism into public discourse do demonstrate their patriotic superiority, then it is fair and reasonable to point out their miserable failings and outrageous hypocrisy on the matter.
By the way, review your tapes of the first debate and ask yourself "Why isn't Senator McCain, self-described patriot and Republicon Party Candidate for President of the United States wearing HIS flag lapel pin?"
signed, a McCain supporter in the liberal state of Oregon