Quote:The only people I was making fun of was the ones making fun of someone not putting their hand on the heart.


I was generally interested in where this idea came from that it was a must as other nations don't tend to do it. So was wondering if it was drummed into people at school.

 

That's the point though...  It's not a must.  And it's not drummed into kids.  It's part of the curriculum.  But it's not anything that is as severe as an indoctrination.

 

As a kid, you are instructed to put your heart over your hand.  As a kid.  I make sure that when I'm with my 7 and 3 year old, they are doing that.

 

We were at a 4th of July (Indepedance Day) gathering.  And when the Star Spangled Banner played, I made sure my 7 year old had her hand over her heart.  Right hand.  Over your heart.

 

As an adult, there are times I have not put my hand over my heart.  But that never meant I was less of a citizen, or had less respect for my country.  

 

That type of reasoning that JIB is giving you, or any tyrannical leaning "conservative" is just a way of trying to exclude those that they think are below them.  That's not the American way.  Every man and woman should be given the respect  and assumption that they love this country.  

 

A child should be taught how to pay respect.  But as one grows and goes through life, things happen that changes you.  The way one salutes and pays respect should be their own and should not be something that is defined as a litmus to thier soul.  No man knows what lies in the hearts of men.

 

So for JIB or anyone to pretend they do shows that they are not true libertarians.  They are small tyrants that want to decide who is and who is not pure.  That is dangerous and is not what America is about.

 

In my humble opinion.

---