Offensive American Flag?

By Douglas V. Gibbs

In Denair, California, a suburb of Modesto south of Sacramento, Cody Alicea rides his bike proudly with an American flag on the back. He decided to place that flag there on his own accord in order to honor his grandfather's service in World War II, and to be patriotic. School officials, however, saw the flying of the American Flag on the back of his bike differently, concluding that the flag is disruptive, and that flying the flag could cause "racial tensions."

The last time I remembered, there was an American Flag in each and every classroom, and we proudly recited a pledge to that flag, and the republic for which it stands, every morning. I used to draw flags on my book covers (covers I made out of the paper bags we got from the grocery store for carrying those groceries home). The American Flag, I understood as a child, represents freedom, liberty, and all that is right in the world.

Now, the flag is considered offensive? Suddenly, the flag has no place on a school campus?

The original intention, according to the campus supervisor that told Cody to get rid of the flag, was for his protection. On Cinco De Mayo the unfurling of Mexican flags had caused problems, and the school felt that Cody may be opening himself up to confrontations by displaying the American Flag on his bike.

My first thought upon learning about the Mexican flag scenario was that if those folks love Mexico so much more than America, then why are they here? Should not people live in the place they love, not in a place they despise? Sure, I am glad they are proud of their heritage, but unless you intend to assimilate into the American culture, you really ought not to be here.

News of Cody's flag dilemma became a national issue, and the Denair Middle School began to receive complaints about the treatment of Cody, and his flag, from all over the country. As a result, the school reversed its position, and Cody's flag flew high again.

The lesson there is liberalism can be defeated by us raising our voices, and denouncing it.

Cody was confused by the school's decision, saying, "In this country we’re supposed to be free," and I should be able to wave my flag wherever I want to. And they’re telling me I can’t."

Exactly, Cody. You have more spine than the entire American Left. Fly your flag, and fly it proudly. Political Correctness be damned.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

School Makes Boy Take U.S. Flag Off Bike - Sweetness and Light

School Reverses Course After Ordering Student to Remove American Flag From Bike - Fox News