TEA-STAINED FLAGS?…. Actor and right-wing activist Chuck Norris has an odd new pitch for the far-right Teaabggers: they’re not supposed to use the American flag in their protests anymore. His latest column presents his game-plan.
…I suggest you fly some revolutionary flag in lieu of your 50-star flag over the next year. Post the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, Navy Jack or Gadsden flag (“Don’t Tread on Me”) or any representation that tells the story of Old Glory and makes a stand for our Founders’ vision of America.
Of course, patriots know that the 50-star flag truly represents one nation under God and our Founders’ republic, but modernists simply don’t get it. So what do you say we make a statement by flying a different flag and educate our neighbors when they ask us, “Why are you flying that flag instead of the contemporary Stars and Stripes?” (If you insist on posting a modern USA flag, too, then get one that is tea-stained to show your solidarity with our Founders.)
I’m rarely able to understand Norris’ perspective, but this seems especially bizarre. Americans who claim to be patriotic should stop flying the American flag? If patriots insist on using the stars and stripes, Norris wants them to pour tea on the flag until it’s deliberately stained?
Norris added that doing this would “make our Founders proud.” I have no idea what this means.
Christopher Orr added, “Now, a more cynical person than myself might suggest that this presents a perfect opportunity for the Democrats to take a page out of the GOP playbook and put Mr. Norris and his ilk on their heels by passing an anti-flag-desecration resolution of some kind. But, like most liberals, I support the speech rights even of those who disagree with me. So, do what you will, Mr. Norris. Wrap a bushel of Darjeeling in Old Glory and dunk it in a scalding tub if it will make you happy. All you’re doing is revealing just how pinched and provisional your vaunted love of country truly is.”
