I understand protesting. Expressing disagreement or disappointment through words or actions. I'm unhappy with our country as well. I would even say extremely unhappy. However, this current "trend" of people walking on or stomping the flag is unacceptable and inexcusable.
I grew up in a time where children stood each school day, watched the flag being raised with their hands over their hearts and recited the pledge of allegiance. I also served in the military where once again, the flag was respected. Stop what you're doing, face the flag, salute it as it was raised or lowered. Each time I embarked/disembarked a ship, it was mandatory to face the flag and salute.
My grandfather had shrapnel in his back and leg that he got in Germany defending that flag. My father planned a career in the Navy until he lost his arm. My life was on the line each time I was on a flight deck or visiting foreign nations while in the military.
That flag might not mean much to you. It's a symbol of this nation. Disagreeing with leaders, situations or circumstances is no excuse for desecrating our flag. Freedom of speech is your right, you can say whatever you believe. Dragging the flag on the ground, walking on it, or even flying it improperly is enough cause that I would fight or perish defending it.
I regard that flag as the symbol of our Constitution, the men and women who have died in it's defense, the symbol of our forefathers, and also the symbol of the freedom that you enjoy. I swore that I would defend the Constitution against all enemies..foreign and DOMESTIC! If you disrespect our flag in my presence I WILL fuck you up! Fact, not fiction.
