In my small town, leaving the neighborhood often means driving past the fire station. It seems like several times a month, for different reasons, the US flag may be at half mast. When I was a child in the 60s and 70s, the flag would go to half mast on what seemed to be rare occasions. Now it seems routine.
KXLY in Spokane tells us at 1:08
“…behind every half-staff flag is a man or woman who laid down their life for our country.”
“…the tradition began centuries ago.”
KXLY,
Was the flag flown at half staff more than 58,000 times for individuals who lost their lives during the Vietnam War?
In reality, the flag is lowered for various occasions:
A tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
For Madeleine Jana Korbel Albright.
Hmong-Lao Veterans Day
“…to honor the thousands of Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War and now live in Wisconsin.”
For Rep. Jackie Walorski who died tragically in a car accident in Indiana.
For Whitney Houston.
Zero Questions/Zero Curiosity from Newspeople
Local press:
“For the past couple of years, the Whidbey News-Times paid the insurance for the Veterans Day Parade, about $200, because it was a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who sacrificed so that we may have our liberties, including our Freedom of Speech.”
Were US troops sent to Vietnam so that Americans could be free to send letters to the editor?
Is there any case in which the US Armed Forces have been sent to distant lands on a mission to protect freedom of speech?
Is protecting freedom of speech even part of training scenarios?
Military Town – Hometown Pride
Weak News Reporting
The US should maintain strong and ready military forces.
In some cases, the US Armed Forces provide for our security. That’s as good as it gets.
In terms of American rights and freedoms- The Dept. of Defense has no more say than the Dept. of Agriculture.
We’ve been told for decades that DOD sends the troops to distant lands to defend American rights and freedoms.
May 28, 2020 WMAR
Salisbury Mayor deploying to Africa with Maryland National Guard
Several news sources published this quote. View them here.
The idea that sending hometown troops to Africa would be linked in any way with keeping the people of Salisbury Maryland safe and free calls for more discussion.
Mayor Day,
While the troops were deployed, federal law was signed prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to adults age 18-20.
Can you help us to understand the militarized version of freedom here?
December 21st 2019 KOMO News
Legal age to buy cigarettes, vapes raised to 21 nationwide
“Signed into law by President Donald Trump Friday as part of the new $1.4 trillion spending bill, a new measure prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.”
Glorification of military service / total nonsense:
WA Secretary of State
“Our right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.”
If a right to vote has always been protected by the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, how come women were not allowed full voting rights at the end of WWI?
Why the need for a 1965 Voting Rights Act if overseas military operations somehow secured voting rights?
If a right to vote is protected by the US Armed Forces, what becomes of that right when the US leaves Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, etc., without a victory?
Men Died For the Right to Vote?
Right To Vote Linked To Military Operations/US Troops in Distant Lands?
Conclusion:
Consider the idea that lowering the flag on a routine basis may take away from the significance of the protocol. Over time, the flag may be seen as a political symbol, something like a Presidential Medal of Freedom that may have nothing to do with freedom.
Please be accurate and honest with news reporting. If young people get the idea that they can’t trust the news, or that they do not live in a free and honest society, they may stop showing up to enlist in the US Armed Forces.
Related:
Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis
Schmoozy Interview With The General – Recruiting Crisis
Leaving Afghanistan – Lies About American Rights And Freedoms
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Possibly of interest:
How Do The Troops Defend The Constitution?
Not asking about the oath of enlistment. Asking about what happens after the oath has been taken.
Love to see newspeople interview elected officials and let us know how sending US Troops to Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, etc., is somehow defending the constitution.