(10-22-2017, 04:10 PM)flsprtsgod Wrote:

(10-22-2017, 10:34 AM)hb1148 Wrote: I disagree. The flag and the anthem are symbols, exactly right, but issues arise when people start to confuse the ideals with the symbols. They're not synonymous. The reason it can become dangerous is because eventually the symbol can be more important than the ideals. There are historical examples. Hell, we're seeing it right now where the freedom to peaceful protest is being viewed as being secondary in importance to the symbol itself. Someone on social media said "I want to be able to support my flag because of what it represents, not in spite of what it represents." I certainly agree with that sentiment.

Most people disagree with the intent of the protest no matter how it's being carried out, because the whole reason for the protest is false. That's what you don't want to understand. That these misinformed protesters are choosing to disrespect the USA, her flag and her veterans by their chosen protest mechanism only makes it worse.

Actually, I disagree with *some* of the assumptions behind the protests and question the effectiveness of it anyway since so many people misunderstand it so fundamentally. On the other hand, I deeply respect the protester's right to protest. Like most here, you're confusing the reasons for the protest with the manner of the protest. The flag does not supersede individual liberty and freedom. As a veteran, I didn't serve to protect a physical piece of cloth but rather the ideals behind it.

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