Monday, November 5, 2007

Question


Is it flag desecration to use this stamp on a letter or is the Post Office the one guilty of desecrating the flag when it cancels the stamp? I doesn't really matter because Flag Desecration is legal in the United States. The first amendment of the constitution has always protected against any law or amendment that will violate self expression.
In 1990, Congress passed a Flag Protection Act. The Act was designed to punish anyone who knowingly disgraced the flag of the United States. Several individuals were arrested nationwide when they burned flags in protest to this Act. These protesters were released on the grounds of self expression. In 2006, the Senate voted on an amendment that read “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.” When they voted, only one vote prevented the amendment from passing.
So far flag desecration has remained legal, though it is not favorably looked upon by the citizens of the United States. Policies such as the US Code protect against violations made to the American Flag.

The flag stamp is the only one that comes in a roll so I purchase it but it bothers me. I said something about it to the postal clerk today when I got a roll of stamps for the Lodge. He thought for a minute, and then agreed with me. The last one (postal clerk) I mentioned it to was a sour old lady who replied "the stamp is not God." It isn't the flag either but it represents the flag and marking it over with black to me is desecration.

Doesn't matter it won't change things. Did you know that:
The United States Flag Code lists many guidelines for the use and display of the flag, many of which are largely ignored. For example :
"No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform"
The flag "should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper".
American sports teams often wear an American flag on their uniforms. This would appear to be in clear violation of the Flag Code. Flags are even used sometimes as carpeting, violating such guidelines as not allowing the flag to touch the ground, not displaying it in a horizontal position, and not displaying it in a manner which is likely to allow it to get soiled.

When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left. That is why, when you come to Arcadia Lodge the flag is to the right of the Worshipful Master and never behind him (back against the wall) We honor our flag and what it represents.


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