02:28 Sep 26 2017
Times Read: 1,799
Really, even more questions?
Ok, since I'm not high, let me express my view on this issue as a Veteran.
In grade school, it was mandatory to stand and give honors to the flag and say our 'Pledge of Allegiance' to it.
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
In the military, all Enlisted take the Oath of Enlistment.
The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
In the military, all Officers take the Oath of Office.
The Oath of Office (for officers):
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
In the military, here is the following military law:
Here is the actual text from the law:
Defense Authorization Act of 2009
SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) individuals in uniform should give the
military salute at the first note of the anthem and
maintain that position until the last note;
``(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans
who are present but not in uniform may render the
military salute in the manner provided for individuals in
uniform; and
``(C) all other persons present should face the flag
and stand at attention with their right hand over the
heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should
remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it
at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;
Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, firefighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.
FACTS:
FACT: America has a horrible HISTORY when it comes to RACE (ETHNICITY).
FACT: America has a horrible PRESENT when it comes to RACE (ETHNICITY).
FACT: America has a long history of Omitting Facts or out right Changing its HISTORY and later some scholar brings it to light.
FACT: The US Constitution, which members of the military are sworn to PROTECT, contains the First Amendment that allows for acts that are considered by many DISRESPECTFUL & (UNPATRIOTIC).
'Currently, flag burning is not illegal in the United States. The Supreme Court of the United States in its decision from 1969 has ruled that the burning of the flag is protected by the First Amendment. However, the person who burnt the flag can be found guilty of a misdemeanor for starting a fire without a permit.'
FACT: Most people feel they should not be held accountable for the acts of their ancestors.
FACT: Many people feel ALL history (the good and the bad) should be remembered and monuments made to it while at the same time our own government and bodies of education try to limit or omit teaching select parts of the bad. Especially bad done or said by people who our government wants us to RESPECT.
MY THOUGHTS
No Ethnic Group will truly understand the life and emotions of another Ethnic Group unless they were born into it.
It's my personal feeling that if an Individual who did not take an OATH to the Constitution and who is not subject to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice wish to exercise their First Amendment Right legally even though it angers or annoys those that have taken the oath, SO BE IT!
I feel what's MORE important is WHY a country's citizen feels the desire to legally exercise their right to DISHONOR something that their society has tried to hold up as HONORABLE.
Is this drama really about a song that a racist wrote which was later modified by having the full third stanza omitted and then chosen to be our country's National Anthem or is it that Ethnic Groups are tired of the DECEIT?
Our country has a great Constitution that it is still striving to live up to and often times coming up short.
However, this country with its dark past and mix of Ethnic Groups isn't PERFECT, but it's all we have and I for one am proud to be an American doing what I can to make things better or at least give it a fighting chance to do better. Be better!
Everyone has family members that are considered less than perfect or ideal, but unless you are the exception, you can still find a way to love your family while disagreeing with the actions of its members. By saying you are a part of the family, but you are not the individual family members whose actions you disagree with.
Sure, there are many ways to legally PROTEST injustice, I feel the anger has more to do with the platform and number of people being reached worldwide than the act itself. Society has always hated airing out its dirty laundry.
http://www.theroot.com/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-1790855893
COMMENTS
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Dakotah
18:52 Sep 30 2017
Be careful Bro. It can be crazy out there. Take a big stick with you.
LORDMOGY
18:56 Sep 30 2017
Thanks Bro...But I AM the big stick and I walk tall. LOL!