Flag Stomping Protesters

[Sheldon]

On TV quite a bit right now.

 

People going to these election rallies, and their way of protesting is stomping on the US flag.

 

Any opinions?

[Paul]

You shouldn't stomp on any country's flag, but you should have the right to do so.

[SneakyDave]

Don't give a shit. Knock yourselves out. Looks like a bunch of terrorists when they do that

[Sheldon]

I was asked several times about this yesterday, I suppose because I was in the Marine Corps.....

 

My take.... I certainly do not agree with it, and find it disheartening, but they do have that right. Would I likely walk up and punch whoever it is in the throat, yes. Yet, they do have that right, I'll just never agree with it.

 

Seems common sense would take over for some.

[fool]

Definitely disagree with Fred Durst here, not about their rights which I do agree, but on punching them.

Freedom of Speech is sacrosanct to me.

There's no more bigger crime out there than to deny others their rights for freedom of speech.

One's rights for free speech ends when another begin i.e. you lost your rights when you infringe others of the same exact rights.

 

Though I must concede that it's easy in theory but hard to apply in practice.

[fool]

Can't deny how hypocritical I look right now.

I went ape shit when Benito advocated Fascism.

And yet here I'm playing soft.

[Sheldon]

The "punching in the throat" was joking, hence me using "throat" instead of "face".

 

I should have added a smilie... or something. As I stated before, it is their right. Do as they feel they need.

[SneakyDave]

I've never been in the service, so I'm genuinely curious Sheldon if you get those type of questions a lot, regarding patriotism, protecting the flag, etc.?

 

I have this theory that a lot of people think armed forces members, particularly mMarines, are these hulking thugs just waiting to punch out an Arab or commie.

 

I only have one friend like that, and it appears to be the type of Marine found a lot in the media.

[Sheldon]

I've never been in the service, so I'm genuinely curious Sheldon if you get those type of questions a lot, regarding patriotism, protecting the flag, etc.?

 

I get a decent bit. Theven one above recently came up, thought I would see opinions here. I used to get a lot about Westboro Baptist Church, as they had protested at quite a few Marine Corps funerals. Same answer for that one. I don't agree with then, but again, they do have that right to protest and demonstrate.

 

I have this theory that a lot of people think armed forces members, particularly mMarines, are these hulking thugs just waiting to punch out an Arab or commie.

 

Man, wrong impression.

 

All walks of life, all skill sets, all educational ranges. Our at least, that is what I can recall. Just take any group of random people walking down a crowded street, they can interchange with us. We were simply taught a different job. Some do sign up out of sheer love of country, without hesitation. Some looking for stability, some looking for an escape, some because it was their last chance.

 

I only have one friend like that, and it appears to be the type of Marine found a lot in the media.

 

You know how the media works. They show what they want. I can say for Marines, we do come out more arrogant, have this bad-ass persona, etc. That is simply what is driven into our heads (brainwashing) for 3 months. You learn to become exactly what they want. No fear, not allowed. Die for your fellow Marine, without a single hesitation. Follow your orders, no questions. Add in the fact that so few come through our yellow footprints, it gives all of its who did it a sense of accomplishment and brotherhood. We don't do what we do for the flag, for the country, for much of anything. We do it for those before us, to represent them, uphold that legacy, to protect and die for whatever brother it is with us at that fight.

 

I'll always say I owe my life to the Marine Corps. I pass one anywhere, 99% they immediately have my respect, and we have something in common. It's cult like, but I certainly wouldn't ever trade it for any experience imaginable.

 

Likely went off on a tangent there, but hopefully I answered what you might have been looking for. I can't really answer anything from the other service's prospective. Each would have to answer on their own.

Edited April 8, 2016 by Sheldon