The Rules Of Symbolism

Make up the fabric of the symbol

Not the silly symbol itself

Otherwise……what it stands for

Stands for nothing

Save a colorful rag

Flapping in the breeze



While driving on the return leg of my run, from the meet and turn location, doing a drop and hook, after a post trip and pre trip inspection.

I was looking at the world through a windshield, minding my own business, wondering when the first early spring bug is going to commit suicide on the glass.

I saw a tractor trailer up ahead with what appeared to be an American flag, secured to the back door closing pole. That seemed downright un-American, in violation of several of the US flag codes.

Perhaps the rules have changed since I was a cub/boy scout, and was indoctrinated with the reverence that was to be held of the flag.

Both ascending up a mountain grade, got close enough for the attached picture. Just not fast enough to read the company name on the driver’s door.

While it occurred to me to catch up to the truck to identify the perpetrator of such violations, realized there was no one to call.

One that may or may not misconstrue my message and concern.

The closest “authority” being the highway patrol, but is flag desecration in their purview. Besides being way to busy doling out “fine” advice to drive safer.

Could call the local sheriff, except that jurisdiction could change at any time. Not to mention as they were going faster than me, could lose sight of them at anytime.

Maybe the V.F.W. or American Legion? What could they do, as I was losing ground quickly.

Cell phones have all but destroyed the last remnants of the art of anonymity. What if the person on the other end feels all gushy inside over any presence of a flag.

I am sure if I were questioned, what would emerge is a demented if not damaged psychological profile of a person whose do not give a shit meter was pegged eons ago.

“I consider them, I consider them to be symbols and I leave symbols to the symbol minded.”

– George Carlin


I audibly pictured a former drill instructor with the voice and mannerisms of Foghorn Leghorn.

Ring…..ring……ri…..

FL: V.F.W. How may I help you?

Me: I observed a flag…

FL: That’s good son, did you salute it?

Me: Well…no, it was…

FL: Were you standing at attention?

Me: Actually I was sitting.

FL: That is no way to respect the flag.

Me: Well, that is what this call is about

FL: What kind of pinko, commie, fascist, un-American, who sees the flag and doesn’t immediately stand and salute the flag, wishing to hug it, like our current president Donald has. Are you disabled son?

Were you wounded in combat?

Me: No, no, just wanted to let someone know someone attached an American flag to a pole…

FL: Are you suggesting it be taken down?

Me: Well, in a way, yes, it was soi….

FL: Next you will tell me it should be burned.

Me: Well, actually yes, because it is being frayed and tattered and disrespected by someone who thinks they are being patriotic, when they are not. It is on the back of a moving trailer going 70 mph, getting torn and wiping off dirt and corrosive road salt.

I even pulled over to a safe spot to search engine the U.S. flag code, which states.

4 U.S. Code § 8 – Respect for flag

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

(a)

The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.

(b)

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

//

(e)

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

//

(k)

The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

FL: Nah, those rules no longer apply, just as long as the red white and blue are out there, you are a patriot.

Click.

Anyway, I was afraid no one would listen, so I posted it here.

“Just an observation,
Maybe I need
Different glasses.”

– Angelo Devlin


As a subsequent observation, isn’t it amazing that at some point, people gathered together, as a legislative body to write down rules of how to treat and respect a colorful cloth. Making it “Illegal” for “it” to be harmed.

But none to make sure all fellow space travelers are fed, clothed snd housed.

“Ever wonder why we’re #ucked up as a species?”

– Bill Hicks