This entry has been a long time coming.

As you know, our Sa has some issues with patriotism, as it has been defined post-9/11. I am also against any kind of flag desecration amendment as I feel the flag to be a powerful symbol that can be used as an effective tool in art and protests and I believe the constitution guarantees us this right. I have been thinking about this entry since shortly thereafter but it has really come to a head for me of late.

I�d like to go on record as advocating the establishment of a Flag Police Force.

So many people have displayed the flag in the last several years and so few have even bothered to check the rules associated with this display. In their fervor to wrap themselves in the red, white and blue and prove what patriots they are, a large percentage of these folks have denigrated and disrespected the very symbol they sought to embrace.

As a public service, I offer you flag etiquette.

Some highlights and sources of Sa�s irritation:

• The flag should not be flown at night unless it is illuminated.
  
• The flag should not be flown on days when the weather is inclement unless it is an all weather flag.
  
• The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

You know as well as I do that all of those flags we see in downpours are not weather resistant. The last one is the one that really irks me---all of those faded and tattered flags out there that haven�t left the flag pole since about September 12, 2001.

So there! I�ve said it!

In a sort of related rant, I�d also like to offer some tips on the proper display of the magnetic ribbons that have taken over the bumpers of so many cars.

This is the proper orientation of this symbol:

These symbols are adapted from the ribbons people would wear on their clothing symbolizing their alignment with a specific cause. No one ever wore those ribbons like this:

You should not affix the magnet to your car in this manner even if it makes it easier to read the words. Most folks are equipped with heads and necks flexible enough to tilt a bit to read the words even if they are too dim to be able to read at an angle.

Sa-land

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