Is It Patriotism or Parsimony?

 Is It Patriotism or Parsimony?

     Over the years "patriots" have displayed the American flag year 'round, hot or cold, rain or shine, wind and dust, snow and ice, the end result being a national ensign that looks like it was on the bloody battlefield of Gettysburg, had gone up San Juan Hill or was at Pearl Harbor that fateful day.
     I've seen American flags displayed in yards and on homes so faded that from a distance you couldn't make out what flag it was, American or otherwise. Others have been so ratty and dirty, often hanging by one grommet, it's amazing they were still waving in the breeze.
     Seen virtually everywhere-schools, hospitals, shopping centers, gas stations, parks , fire trucks...sweat bands...the list is endless-perhaps we take our national ensign for granted so much that it has become as ubiquitous as graffiti on railroad freight cars. Or worse yet, we've rendered it little more than colorful, "patriotic" window dressing.
     The American flag has gone through numerous star and stripe configurations throughout its history, some derived from the British Jack. At least since August 16, 1777, at the Battle of Bennington, the stars, stripes and blue canton began to make their appearance in one form or another. Those flown above Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and Fort Sumpter at the beginning of the Civil War were mammoth, with dimensions of 30 by 40 feet! Designs and sizes evolved into what we display today. Therefore, if by chance Americans have become so shallow as to develop a 'boredom' for Old Glory, historical variations do exist. Yours truly purchased a Bennington Flag in 1976 in honor of our Bicentennial.
     Sadly, a contributing factor to the disgraceful appearance of so many flags may well be that we live in a nation where respect and manners are rapidly disappearing, if not already gone. A politically-correct facade shields our society, cloaking our indifference, rudeness, vulgarity, sloppiness. Even in Seneca's day, the Roman philosopher took note by observing, "What once were vices are now the manners of the day."
     Far too many Americans today believe that merely flying the Stars and Stripes, regardless of condition, represents "patriotism". Friends, neighbors and family are easily impressed by that overt expression of "love for one's country". It's quite the contrary though. The visible symbol of this nation, on public view and in poor and embarrassing condition, fully illustrates the owner's true heart and soul in the matter. That person characterizes himself not only as unthinking but also tightfisted, stingy...a parsimonious hypocrite.
     It takes only 1-2 years for a flag to show wear and tear when it has been outside every day of the year. But aside from these flag wavers exhibiting a miserly or cavalier attitude, more importantly, they are also displaying a repugnant level of respect...not just for the emblem of the United States but for the men and women who have served that national beacon...for those men and women who have DIED for that national beacon.
     So, if any "patriots" reading this blog say they can't afford maybe $10 bucks or so to replace their tattered Old Glory, maybe it's time to pass on a few packs of coffin nails, a cheap case of brewskies for the weekend or a handful of Powerball tickets. Our men and women in uniform deserve at least that much...don't they?