mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

So, as a timely subject for us on the 'Hog', where do you fit in with the issue of using the American flag as a prop? :shock:

Bob1190 Loc: Hatboro, PA

Not a problem. Very tastefully done. :thumbup: :thumbup:

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

As far as the technical aspects go, any use of the flag, other than for which is is designed is prohibited, However this photo of a service man (or woman) protecting the baby in a flag,seems to be exactly what the flag was designed to do. Not only that it seems like a pretty good photo.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Let's get some background on this shoot.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/photographer-fights-backlash-baby-wrapped-american-flag-picture/story?id=29557727

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Background is not important. The photo should be judged on its own merit.You either like it or not either is fine. However I see nor reason why there is so much controversy.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

There are some possible violations of the Federal Flag Code in the image.

United States Code
Title 36
Chapter 10

§176. Respect for flag

(c) The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.

(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

If the flag of the United States of America is important as a symbol, deserving of respect, then the code should be followed. If the flag of the United States of America were not important as a symbol, were not deserving of respect, then, of course, people would not be tempted to use it in various ways such as this photographer has done.

In my opinion, the provisions in the Flag Code cited are for the purpose of discouraging people from using the flag in a manner such as it was used in this photograph.

You can't have it both ways. Either the flag is an important symbol deserving of respect or it isn't. It is not "patriotic" to show disrespect for the symbol of the nation.

Mike

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

There are many examples of the flag being used "disrespectfully" that have not met with the venom that this photo has received. There are any number of articals of clothing that are in violation of the flag "code". Huge flags are unfurled and held in ways that violate the "code" Flags are displayed in any number of waysthat violate the "code" GET OVER IT. A flag that is used to protect a baby may be a violation of the "code" but the image is one of respect. It is being hels by a person in uniform, the photo was taken by a veteran of the Navy whose husband is currently deployed. Seems like a very patriotic photo to me.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Agreed. But just because everyone is doing something, that does not make it right.



Get over what? I posted my opinion, as the OP requested, and cited the applicable law. I didn't start any controversy or post any "venom."

The fact that anyone would demand that we "get over it" when we ask that the flag be treated with respect strongly suggests that for many people, the way the flag is being used in this photo represents some sort of social or political comment, and beyond that, a statement that cannot be questioned because it is presumed to be "patriotic" with any all dissent being seen as "unpatriotic." That is clearly a misuse of the flag.

How do you feel about someone flying the flag upside down, or burning it as forms of political expression? You can't have it both ways. Either we respect the flag and the law, or we don't.

The flag does not belong to any one of us, nor to any one group of people. Feuding over who gets to use it and how is in and of itself a desecration of the flag.

Mike

katbandit Loc: new york city

i absolutely love it..wish i had thought of the idea..if you really want to get technical then we shouldn't use it to drape over a casket..isn't that up there in the "rules" of not to be used as drapery..receiving..delivering..horizontally ..and so on..i love the american flag..this photo is a statement ..i glanced at it and it will stick with me forever..the only thing that disturbs me is when the flag is burned in a protest or used to disgrace our country..that boils my blood..

farnsworth52 Loc: W. Pa.

So I guiess it's against code to drape a flag over a casket

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I did not referring to you but to all of those who expressed a great deal of anger that the flag be used in such a manner. Of course all have the right to express their opinion on this photo as do I Although I do not approve of burning the flag as a protest, but I do find it interesting that the only way to properly dispose of a flag is to burn it.

MissStephie Loc: West Virginia

I think it's a beautiful image - it makes a bold statement & it's very tasteful.

b2923b Loc: new hampshire

as an ex serviceman i thnk it is a well done well intended and received (by MOST).....

Jim Bob

95% of your post is utter bull.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

The US law about the subject is bull? Calling for respect for the flag is bull?

I fail to see how anything I wrote could possibly be controversial.

Mike