The Stars and Stripes Belong to All Americans

“This Flag Idea Won’t Fly” (editorial, Nov. 28), on the proposed flag protection amendment, suggests that such an amendment would prohibit the patriotic displays that have become so common. Ridiculous! There is a difference between an object and a picture of that object. A picture of a flag is not a flag. A grocery bag with a picture of a flag on it is still a grocery bag. It was never intended to fly on a flagpole. A man’s arm with a tattoo of a flag on it is still an arm. It does not magically turn into a flag when he gets the tattoo any more than it would turn into a battleship if he were to get a tattoo of the Iowa.

This simple distinction between the object and its representation is obvious to millions of loyal Americans who would never desecrate a flag but who, in their patriotic exuberance, proudly display pictures, decals, posters and other representations of flags in myriad unusual and original ways. My preschooler understands the difference between a picture and the real thing. Your editors apparently do not.

Phil Harrigan

Los Angeles

Regarding the spontaneous and genuine outpouring of patriotism and solidarity discussed in your editorial, it is easy to lambaste conservatives as flag-wavers and for them to call un-American those who don’t hold their point of view, but let’s not concede the flag to them.

Our flag represents a government of, by and for the people. Under the cover of home security, American democratic principles are coming under siege from the ultraconservatives like never before. Call it what you will, but flag-waving works. Flag-waving might be a refuge for scoundrels, and since the ‘60s there have sure been a lot of scoundrels waving the flag, but it more accurately represents the democratic principles of equality and justice for all.

We should not concede this potent symbol of democracy to patriotic holidays and decorations at banquet halls. Since Sept. 11 a wide variety of Americans bonded, with the realization that terrorism is our common enemy. Indeed, terrorists are the vandals of civilization around the globe. Let’s not give up this spirit of unity. This is our opportunity to acknowledge Old Glory as the true symbol of government for all. We must continue to keep our flag high and wave it proudly in the face of those who would be more comfortable with dictators and kings.

Gene Herd

Sherman Oaks