Old Glory Is America's Symbol! by David Bancroft I first want to point out a positive concerning the flag constitutional amendment failing by one vote in the U.S. Senate the last week of June . . . It was the absence of the bitter partisanship that usually reigns in the halls of the Capitol building.

That's right… many Democrats joined all but three Republicans in voting for the amendment that would allow Congress to decide what action determines the desecration of Old Glory instead of the Supreme Court. (I am optimistic that the states would ratify it too.)

Now, about the failure by one vote!

It really bothers me knowing that some in Congress still do not believe the Stars and Stripes deserves special status that safeguards the flag against being burned or soiled in protest for whatever reason in the name of one's right of expression!

Yes, it is personal and emotional . . . and I think the majority of Americans agree with me. Nor is it about depriving anyone the right to express in favor or opposition on any given issue, as the purpose should not change if the flag is protected against desecration.

For me it is about…

• Being a father of a son who served with the Marines in Iraq during 2003.
• Having never seen my mother's twin brother who was killed in Normandy during World War II.
• Seeing a flag draped coffin.
• The lowering of the flag to half-mast when a president or another great American dies.
• Thinking about all the brave troops, including my father and father-in-law, who have fought with many dying or severely wound to keep Old Glory flying . . . and that is so wonderfully illustrated by the photo of the Marines raising it proudly on Iwo Jima.
• And so many more events and thoughts that just reinforce how I feel.

I know some might even say that being the founder of USA Patriotism! is the reason for expressing these thoughts. Well, USA Patriotism! is actually an extension of how I have always felt, which rose strongly to the surface on September 11, 2001 and with my son in the Marines. (I suspect the majority of Americans have similar feelings that are expressed more openly at certain times like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.)

Moreover, how I feel about the red, white, and blue has nothing to do with politics. Ironically, it appears politics is the main reason why some want the ability to desecrate the flag, even if it serves to galvanize the silent majority against their goals. Oddly, I find it harder to understand and accept how others can say they don't want to see the flag desecrated, but just cannot bring themselves to give it the value it had until the Supreme Court's decision in 1989.

I also have no problem with the flag being depicted on clothing and other products with the intent to exhibit love of the USA . . . and think that those who try to tie desecration to this use of the flag are ignoring common sense.

Then there is what the founding fathers would have specifically done in the constitution about Old Glory if they really thought that one day long after they were gone . . . one could legally desecrate what most represents all that is the USA. Yes, these first great American patriots could have actually assumed after winning independence that the flag would always be revered without having to state so in the constitution.  And I believe they and the overwhelming majority of all past and present Americans would agree with my poem, America's Symbol.

May God continue to bless America and watch over Her brave troops!

David Bancroft
Editor-in-Chief
Founder of USA Patriotism!
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