Misuse and Disrespect...

No doubt many of you are aware that shitheads in Калифорния (when we were young we called it "California") sent students home for wearing T-shirts and bandannas displaying or representing the American flag.

I was set to limit this to the racist basure of their argument - the fact this IS America, and that we are free to express ourselves, etc.,

BUT (ain't there always one of those?)...

Throughout my life I've had more than one opportunity to be engaged in ceremonies and participate in events for which the responsible display of our nation's flag played a large part. I was responsible to make sure things were done right so I did research - and that is a bit of what this is all about.

First - I'll take my potshot: The idiots that sent the students home were clearly demonstrating a racist agenda, claiming that display of the U.S. flag on Cinco de Mayo was "incendiary". Perhaps if we were in Mexico I would grant the point - but we're NOT in Mexico, and they can kiss my big fat hairy American ass. Aside from the obvious disregard for the free-speech rights of the students, those same idiots also BROKE THE LAW according to the U.S. Code:

TITLE 4 - FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES
CHAPTER 1 - THE FLAG


Sec. 7. Position and manner of display


“No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof:…”

The picture of the vice-principal responsible I saw shows her draped in a Mexican flag...

O.K.

Enough of that - here's what's REALLY bugging me.

Those kids SHOULD have been sent home: but for different reasons.

TITLE 4 - FLAG AND SEAL, SEAT OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE STATES
CHAPTER 1 - THE FLAG


Sec. 8. Respect for flag

"...(d) The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or
drapery...."

and,

"...(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or
athletic uniform...."

TITLE 4 of the U.S. CODE.

Read it and cringe (as I do) at how little "Americans" really know about their flag.

PH

~SIGH~ What a Dipshit...

What a beautiful day! Early spring in SoCo is a wonderful time - today was the first really warm, wind-free, sparkling day that makes putting up with all the other bullshit worth it.

But...

One thing I simply can't put up with is people being deliberate dipshits. Like the guy on the motorcycle who rode my ass all the way down the mountain today (I guess the speed limit wasn't fast enough for him), and then blew by me as fast and as close to me as he could so I'd get the idea that he was displeased that I valued my personal safety.

What a dipshit...

One of the cool things about where I work - there's only one way in and one way out. There's only one motorcycle parking area (and riders MUST park there). Not to mention that two of my co-workers are avid (perhaps even rabid) riders. Point is, it won't be too hard to find out who this clown is.

He really needs to know that sometimes I have really shitty days. He might be interested to know that someday I might feel like I have nothing to lose by "accidently" tapping his rear quarter as he blasted past? Whoops!

Bikers beware: I owe you nothing.

XOXO PH

When The TV Goes "OFF"...

OK - it's been a long while but I guess I haven't had a lot to say... But last weekend I was laying on the couch watching an old movie. Just as it was getting to the good part, the Emergency Broadcast System broke in with a test and interrupted. Not such a big deal since I have digital cable and was able to rewind and watch the whole thing anyway.

But.

I've never bought in to the "goodness" of the entire digital revolution and those closest to me have often rolled their eyes as I bitched and moaned about the demise of analog TV. The broadcasters have it good 'cause now you're completely over a barrel - you pay or you don't watch - it's that simple. If I could be assured that the whole thing was just goold old free-market enterprise I'd probably sleep better at night, but I can't be sure. And I'm losing sleep.

Why, oh why, did the FCC ever mandate that all television (and soon to be radio: believe it) signals be broadcast digitally? SO THEY COULD CONTROL THE BROADCASTS.

Now don't go thinking I'm paranoid about them taking over the airwaves and broadcasting crap ala "1984" (I don't have to be paranoid because I'm absolutely certain that someday they'll do just that). No - what worries me the most is when they decide to STOP broadcasting.

Any student of history - particularly military history - will quickly learn that one of the most effective ways to fuck with an enemy is to disrupt their communications. The most effective way to disrupt communications is to own/control the means. Anyone else see where I'm going with this?

So... Friends, countrymen - prepare. No news is NOT good news. Do two things: 1) Build or buy a HAM or old C.B. radio set and learn how to use it. 2) When the TV goes off, arm yourselves and stand by.

XOXO