I like listening to talk radio. Yes, I know, there are support groups for that. But, I am waiting for a federal subsidy and my own assigned social worker. One of the better shows is Alan Colmes of Hannity and Colmes fame. Most of the time that I have heard him, he's fairly rational.
Anyway, last night Mr Colmes was setting forth with a rep from the American Legion. The Legion opposes Mr. Edwards call to protest the war on Memorial Day. Alan of course was livid.
He (Alan) kept asking if the first amendment only applied 364 days a year. Many times he pointedly asked the rep about July 4th, and other "patriotic" holidays. "Ok we are down to 363, then 362 days a year. I guess we should just shut up."
The other issue was the car dealer in Vegas with the over sized flag. The Vegas city council gave a tentative approval to build it and then after a year rescinded it based on complaints. Rather than discuss the issue between himself, and the guest, and the opposition to the guest, he kept asking "So if you have a bigger flag does that make you a better patriot? I guess your saying that size really matters."
There was the normal assortment of screeching callers that acted as if Mr. Colmes was the devil hisself. He kept his cool and mostly hung up or talked over them. Occasionally someone would call to support the concept of protests on Memorial Day, but...... as soon as the "but" came out, Alan was in the attack. He kept telling them that there was no "but" in the first amendment.
I tried to call in but cell phone coverage was spotty, and I'd been working for about sixteen hours. So the safety factor won out. If he reads this, that would be cool.
Ok. Mr. Colmes, I spent 22 years on Active Duty doing my part to ensure that you and anyone else can do thier thing. I think you jumped the gun on the car dealers flag. Just as you have the right to express yourself, so does he. Additionally, it isn't like he's the only guy exploiting the flag either. Just think of all the money made on the lil bitty flags they pass out to parade viewers or print on napkins. And finally, I totally agree that you can protest any day of the year, period. You also have the right to dress like a ballerina. If you choose to exercise either of these rights on Memorial Day...... you will only be guilty of poor taste.