To be an American

[Sandman_SBM]

What does it take to be an American?

Well… some here believe that service is the one true answer and that somehow, veterans are just a little bit more American than those that have not served, that veterans should enjoy rights above and beyond those of a citizen that has not served.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.“

In another thread, I evoked my “veteran” status as if it were a badge. I was wrong. I considered it to be a job for which I was paid like any other job. For some, military service is an extremely dangerous job. It just might take their life, but today, it’s a volunteer service. You enter into the contract fully aware that you just might go to combat.


…and you might die.


The reasons many choose military service today are vast. This is a different climate than that of my father where young men were ripped away from their lives and thrown into combat in Southeast Asia. One could argue that the draft was a violation of the very same First Amendment quoted above. I doubt that few (if any) pursued happiness in Viet Nam. The individuals that gave up their rights to serve their country regardless of the dubious intentions are commendable.

Back to the point… We veterans are just like everyone else. We can be as noble and as horrible as every other citizen. Our service, whether it be two years or twenty, does not make us better than any other American. Our opinions don’t carry more weight, nor should they.

What does it take to be an American?

I can tell you that it doesn’t require piety to fallen soldiers. It’s absolutely okay if you ignore the veterans of past wars. It’s okay if walking past that black marble wall with 60,000 names etched into it sends you into fits of schoolchild laughter. It’s okay if you piss on the flag and burn it right on the capital steps.

This is the United States. You are within your rights. Non-conformity or dissent doesn’t make you un-American. In fact, your ability to dissent is guaranteed in the First Amendment.

Your respect and acknowledgement is only valuable if it’s given freely. That is the risk. Some people may not appreciate your service. They may not appreciate your sacrifice. They might not treat you respectfully.

… and then again…

They just might. When you see the somber masses quietly walk past that wall and their eyes swollen and red gaze at name after name that is spread out before them, when you see the flags displayed in front of the homes on Veterans Day and Memorial Day in honor of those who have served…

You understand that this is freely given…

…and it is so very precious simply because it is not required of you to be an American.


------------------
cheers,
sand
screamin blue messiahs
The SBM's are hiring!

[This message has been edited by Sandman_SBM (edited 05-30-2001).]

[Sandman_SBM]

What, no argument?

You guys surprise me sometimes...  

 

[SwampRat]

....He's right.  

SwampRat

[Gunthr]

Do you think we should allow people to burn the US Flag?  Do you think the issue is too trivial to criminalize this act with an amendment to the Constitution?

I kind of think that we should allow people to burn the flag, but I'm not totally comfortable with this.  I would like to hear some arguments...

[Chairboy]

Freedom isn't about everyone being comfortable.

[Stringer]

I don't always agree with Sandy on issues, but........

That is one of THE most eloquent posts I've ever seen on this BBS....bar none.

[capt. apathy]

Originally posted by Gunthr
Do you think we should allow people to burn the US Flag?  Do you think the issue is too trivial to criminalize this act with an amendment to the Constitution?

I kind of think that we should allow people to burn the flag, but I'm not totally comfortable with this.  I would like to hear some arguments...

Burning is the proper way to dispose of the flag.  

when you bring this up most argue that it's the 'way in which it is done'.  that it must be done in a reverent and respectful manner, and not to make some sort of statement or point.  

which brings you to the reality of it.  it's not about what happens to a colored rectangle of cloth that pisses people off, it's the statement that act is making.

  the right to make that statement is protected by the first amendment, so criminalizing it would not only be unconstitutional it would be un-American.

to live in a free society and safeguard your own freedom, you also have to protect the rights and freedom of others.  even if the way they use their freedom makes you want to break their nose.

[Gunthr]

Freedom isn't about everyone being comfortable. - Chairboy

That response is glib, cheap. Is that the best you can do to articulate your position?

[Gunthr]

Burning is the proper way to dispose of the flag.

when you bring this up most argue that it's the 'way in which it is done'. that it must be done in a reverent and respectful manner, and not to make some sort of statement or point.

which brings you to the reality of it. it's not about what happens to a colored rectangle of cloth that pisses people off, it's the statement that act is making.

the right to make that statement is protected by the first amendment, so criminalizing it would not only be unconstitutional it would be un-American.

to live in a free society and safeguard your own freedom, you also have to protect the rights and freedom of others. even if the way they use their freedom makes you want to break their nose.- Capt. Apathy

I've heard the argument that burning the flag in protest of our government is an act that incites others to violence - thus worthy of being criminalized.

[Skuzzy]

See Rule #13