There Are ‘Flags, Flags Everywhere’
Yes, there are “flags, flags everywhere” (letter, Sept. 24). However, to assign a single meaning to why so many are flying those flags is narrow. It discounts the strength, power and intelligence that come not only from our diversity but also shine during adversity.
I am flying the flag out of respect for and recognition of our loss, celebration of and thankfulness for the courage it spawned and to show that we all are in this together--whatever “this” may be. It strengthens my resolve and hopefully my wisdom, both to do what I can and to speak up when necessary to remind our leaders there is no one answer when trying to stay on the right side of justice versus vengeance.
The reasons for flying the flag likely are as different and as many in number as those choosing to fly it. That it took such a shocking loss at home to better focus our efforts on terrorism is unfortunate. But the world and the U.S. have lost too much, for too long, for anybody to look upon another’s flag-flying as proof that those folks’ view of what is happening is simply that of another sports-type TV spectacle and chance to “root for a winner.” After taking in the full impact of the acts of Sept. 11, the implications of what is to come are crystal-clear in their gravity if not in their detail.
C.J. Miller
Los Angeles
*
Robert Gardner (letter, Sept. 24) speculates that the use of “God Bless America” or “America, the Beautiful” instead of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is an attempt to draw God-language into the discussion. I suspect that the answer may be much simpler.
Musically, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a difficult song to sing, requiring a substantial vocal range. I’ve squeaked on the high notes quite a few times myself at various events. Both “God Bless America” and “America, the Beautiful” have less-demanding tunes and thus are easier for most people to sing.
Jim Huggins
Fenton, Mich.
*
How many of us waving, wearing or showing the national colors were among the 50% who bothered to vote in the last election?
It is admirable, in times of crisis, to express our feelings in various ways, but perhaps the best test of patriotism is at the polls.
Lawrence Lowrey
Santa Monica
*
Last Sunday I saw a shiny black Mercedes sporting a big, bright American flag and I thought: That’s awesome.
Then the driver proceeded to lean on her horn, unleash a spate of unprintable curse words and give the mighty “finger” to a car that had meandered into her lane.
Hey, Miss America, this is patriotism? How about showing a little bit of that American spirit here on the home turf?
Willie Dreyfus
Hollywood
*
The vultures who are selling American flags at curbside locations should be ashamed. They are profiting off the tragedy that hit our country.
The flags they are selling for $20 each can be purchased for $7 at numerous retailers, when available. Please do not purchase flags from these crooks. Send $20 to a charity for attack victims instead. I did.
Ron Oliver
Newbury Park