Considering how the new American Flag, and Pledge of Allegiance, flaps are erupting this summer, I figured it would be interesting to share old essays of mine, on previous such flaps, and see what readers, today, might have to say. ;-D ( Part 1 is here )
May Day 2004 - Pedaling Patriotism
Today is May Day.
In the old Soviet Union this meant everybody in Moscow went to Red Square for a patriotic parade, and speeches by geriatric windbags waving the Commie Manifesto.
May Day has another meaning, and folks who travel the seas of the world know it.
A ship is in trouble.
I don't know about you, but I think the Spirit of America is in trouble this election season, as our nation is at war with forces intent on fostering terror, and tyranny.
I wrote yesterday that Old Glory had seemingly disappeared from public display by the ordinary citizens a year or so after Sept. 11 as we all resumed our normal lives.
What happened to the average American's display of Patriotism, sense of purpose, and self-assurance that we are the best hope for Freedom, Democracy, and Civilization in the world?
We are you know.
Whether we, as a Nation, and a People, ever truly wanted, or intended to be, is no longer a question up for debate.
Ever since WW 2 ( Some would say WW 1 ), and on through the Cold War, and the holding actions against the worldwide threat of Communism, and its ultimate defeat ( China, Cuba, and North Korea notwithstanding ) America has been a beacon of freedom, and a lightening rod for attack by the forces of tyranny.
They proved it on Sept. 11, 2001, and for a year we all waved our Flags, and showed our support for The War Against Terror.
Then the Flags disappeared, and civilians went back to their everyday lives, many only letting the war intrude occasionally.
What the Fuck is wrong with you people?
The war is not over, and won't be for years, not in the Middle East, not in Europe (just ask Spain), and not in America.
Do you doubt that the terrorists are plotting, scheming, and waiting patiently for the perfect opportunities to bring the fight onto our shores yet again?
That is foolish in the extreme.
Appeasement will NOT bring peace ( Just ask Great Britain about Adolf ).
We need to bring out Old Glory once again.
Wave it proudly, and unashamedly, from every nook and cranny.
Wave it from your rooftops.
Wave it from your porch.
Wave it from your beat up jalopy, and your fancy SUV.
Wave it from your Bicycle ( I used to, and am again, starting today ).
Wave it from your blog.
Let the whole Fucking World know that we are proud of who we are, and what we stand for, despite our occasional "issues".
Always have been, and always will be.
We are proud of our melting pot and, despite political differences, are united in The War Against Terror.
Don't Fuck with us, or we will kick your ass to Kingdom Come!
America went to war because terror never sleeps.
I think Americans need to re-awaken their patriotic spirit, and start waving the Flag again to show the world we will not be defeated by the enemies of Freedom, and Democracy.
One of my 1st bicycle rides after Sept. 11, was with Old Glory waving from the front of my bike.
I went around the corner this morning, and spent $1.49 for a Flag on a pole.
The Flag is big enough to definitely not be missed , yet not too large to obstruct my vision as it proudly waves in the breeze.
I have a basket on the front of my bike, and using 3 wire paper clips secured the little darling in place.
This evening I went for a short ride around Triangle Square Shopping Center, in my home town. :-)
The reaction the vision of me and, Old Glory, on a bike got was split down the middle.
One rowdy dissenter yelling unintelligibly, heading east, and 1 proud Patriot giving a cheer, heading west. :-)
Finale - Flag Flap 2011: Part 4 - My Name is Flag, American Flag!
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