Where is the respect?

[diablopilot 2]

Why is it that this country has decided the flag should be lowered to half mast for a month when an ex-president passes away, or for a few days after the VT shooting, but it's not something important enough to do for the soldiers in the American armed forces that are dying each week overseas?

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[billvon 3,121]

> Why is it that this country has decided the flag should be lowered to half
>mast for a month when an ex-president passes away, or for a few days
>after the VT shooting, but it's not something important enough to do for
>the soldiers in the American armed forces that are dying each week
>overseas?

Because

a) the flag would be at half mast almost all the time, and therefore could not be used to make a statement that someone considers more important (like the death of a former president)

b) many war supporters would object, because that would make the war seem costly

c) people have a short attention span and are easily bored. Heck, the weekly "Anna Nicole Smith is still dead" news story comes well before any reports of US casualties in Iraq on every cable news show I've seen (admittedly not all that many)

[diablopilot 2]

Oh boy, if you ask me, reasons a) & b) are arguments in SUPPORT of leaving the flag at half mast until the troops are out of harms way. People need a reminder of the cost.

And reason c)? Well that's an argument for mandatory sterilization.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[GQ_jumper 4]

b) many war supporters would object, because that would make the war seem costly

Quote

I think you hit the nail on the head with this on Bill, if it was left at half mast for the soldiers dying it would turn into a political statement as opposed to what it is now, a way to show respect in a time of mourning.

I think it would be people on both sides that would turn it political though.

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Quote

[quade 4]

Quote

Why is it that this country has decided the flag should be lowered to half mast for a month when an ex-president passes away, or for a few days after the VT shooting, but it's not something important enough to do for the soldiers in the American armed forces that are dying each week overseas?

If it makes you feel any better, many people ask question like these and we even had a recent thread here about it. You might wanna check it out.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[rehmwa 2]

Quote

I think it would be people on both sides that would turn it political though.

it's only politics when the "other" side abuses it

when it's "your" side abusing it, it's a "very important statement"

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[GQ_jumper 4]

it's only politics when the "other" side abuses it

when it's "your" side abusing it, it's a "very important statement"

Quote

This is true, and can you imagine the finger pointing that would ensue if someone proposed keeping the flag at half mast til the war is over.

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
--Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Quote

[idrankwhat 0]

Quote

it's only politics when the "other" side abuses it

when it's "your" side abusing it, it's a "very important statement"

Quote

This is true, and can you imagine the finger pointing that would ensue if someone proposed keeping the flag at half mast til the war is over.

Or if someone were to show flag draped coffins returning home?

• Quote