PATRIOTISM BEST PROPERLY DISPLAYED.

Byline: Anita Work Local View

I was involved in a strange situation recently. I happened to be stopped in traffic alongside another vehicle, which was sporting American flags attached to the front antennas.

I bit my tongue for what seemed an eternity, then finally mentioned to the woman in the passenger's seat, ``That flag is a disgrace,'' as I nodded my head toward one of the flags. Surprised at my remark, she asked me to repeat what I'd said, which I did. At that time the signal changed and we went our separate ways.

The other evening, I once again found myself next to this same vehicle and the same woman asked me why I'd made such a remark. I pointed out that the flags on their vehicle were frayed and filthy and shouldn't be flown in such condition.

At this point she became very hostile and screamed that they were flying it to show their patriotism and asked where my flag was and why I wasn't flying one.

I told her mine was at home on my flagpole where it belonged and that if it ever reached such deplorable condition as theirs I would have the respect to see that it was properly disposed of.

She became livid and screamed at me, ``I'll bet you're one of those lousy (here she named a religion that does not honor our flag) to say such a thing!''

Normally, I wouldn't have lowered myself to answer such a remark, but I told her no and mentioned what my religious bent was. She obviously didn't believe me, as when the signal changed she was still screaming out that I must be a member of this obviously (to her) hated sect. All I can do is hope I don't happen to be stuck in traffic next to her again, and if I am, that I can mind my manners and keep my cool.

Why is one automatically considered unpatriotic for not plastering his vehicle, T-shirt, etc. with the symbol of our country? Granted there have been times when I've neglected to bring my flag in at night, but this is due to my lack of remembering or not being home, not due to lack of respect for it. To leave Old Glory out all night may not be the proper thing to do, but to have her flying where she is ripped up by roofing shingles, shredded by the wind velocity caused by a fast-moving vehicle or printed on a T-shirt that will ultimately wind up in the ragbag is not my idea of showing patriotism.

Although I realize it was not prudent of me to have spoken my mind on this subject at this time and location, I'd like to take this opportunity to point out something this woman, and apparently many more like her, are obviously unaware of.

Had I been a member of the sect she seemed to be so incensed over, the flag that she thinks she is honoring by flying in such a shameful condition would still be the symbol under which I would be given protection in this country to uphold my personal religious views.

Tolerance is, among a number of other attributes, what our flag is all about.

I also want this woman to know there is such a category known as hate crimes and her rhetoric fit into that perfectly. I would strongly suggest that if she wants to scream out accusations that someone is a ``lousy'' whatever religion, she stop and think first. After all, under my flag's protection I am allowed freedom of speech (note I use the word ``speech,'' not ``screaming''), which includes commenting that flying a dirty, raggedy flag is a disgrace.

Neither I, nor her, have the right to scream out insults while referring to another's religious (among other) beliefs.

There is already enough hate in the world; we don't need to pick on fellow Americans simply because they hold different religious (among other) beliefs than we do, no matter if we do disagree with certain aspects of those beliefs. We do not have the right to scream out such prejudices at them in public.

I am not wishing to never see my flag again. I'm just wishing to not see it abused.