US Congressman Takes Hit for Flying Flag during Dive
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theduckguru
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How stupid.
deeper thoughts
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Congressman West the combat war vet, keep up the good work
This is why beauracratic regulations always break down in practice. A simple edict "The flag should be displayed in a way that shows respect" would be a lot cleaner, and avoid technical breaches like this.
Agreed, but then you have a lot of parsing over the meaning of respect". This regulation was surely written long before we even had scuba diving and it's hard to write laws that are specific that can remain reasonable as society advances. Part of the problem is we simply have too many laws to keep updated.
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Why is this even in the news?
I don't know the congressman ... don't like politicians on general principle ... and most likely wouldn't agree with his politics even if I did. But the guy took a bunch of disabled veterans diving. They had fun, and in the process made a gesture that showed some pride in what they all had in common. Props to the congressman ... most don't do anything nearly that meaningful.
Maybe those folks who found something in this to complain about should consider getting a life ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
I don't know the congressman ... don't like politicians on general principle ... and most likely wouldn't agree with his politics even if I did. But the guy took a bunch of disabled veterans diving. They had fun, and in the process made a gesture that showed some pride in what they all had in common. Props to the congressman ... most don't do anything nearly that meaningful.
Maybe those folks who found something in this to complain about should consider getting a life ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
It wasn't touching anything "beneath" it. It was waving in the water just as it would in air.
bilsant
Contributor
Gotta tell ya, the statement "It's just a flag" itches a bit.
I respect and have sworn to uphold any person's first amendment right to express themselves, even if in a fashion I dislike.
But sorry folks. To me it's not "just a flag". It's a symbol of a nation where I was born and have been raised. It's a symbol of the freedoms, rights, and privileges which that nation provides and are the reason I choose to be here, raise my family here, and have given allegiance. (Anybody over the age of 14 who recites the Pledge of Allegiance might want to reflect on what those words mean next time). Finally, it's a symbol of some of the human costs that have been paid to maintain that nation.
The real issue for me was the picture. Is it a photograph of someone in office who used that position to support and bring a little awareness to the issues of disabled vets and in doing so displayed a flag in a respectful way? Or was it some cheezy politician seizing a photo op without thought about what he was doing? You decide, but locally the guy's track record here in Florida is pretty good.
But c'mon folks....it's "just a picture".
I respect and have sworn to uphold any person's first amendment right to express themselves, even if in a fashion I dislike.
But sorry folks. To me it's not "just a flag". It's a symbol of a nation where I was born and have been raised. It's a symbol of the freedoms, rights, and privileges which that nation provides and are the reason I choose to be here, raise my family here, and have given allegiance. (Anybody over the age of 14 who recites the Pledge of Allegiance might want to reflect on what those words mean next time). Finally, it's a symbol of some of the human costs that have been paid to maintain that nation.
The real issue for me was the picture. Is it a photograph of someone in office who used that position to support and bring a little awareness to the issues of disabled vets and in doing so displayed a flag in a respectful way? Or was it some cheezy politician seizing a photo op without thought about what he was doing? You decide, but locally the guy's track record here in Florida is pretty good.
But c'mon folks....it's "just a picture".
Last edited:
Chugwhump
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Not bothered.
To me it was respectful and not a "Prop". Attention getter yes, so what.
The Sailors,Soldiers, and Marines (assuming all branches were in attendance) that were there seem to be OK with it, and would speak up I am sure if they thought something was inappropriate.
Full disclosure:
I voted for Rep. West.
I do not always agree with him.
I do not always agree with any other human being on the planet either.......
well...
except for my wife...because she is always right...
unless she tells me she was wrong...
and I typically agree with her then also.
Chug
Thinks intent is everything.
To me it was respectful and not a "Prop". Attention getter yes, so what.
The Sailors,Soldiers, and Marines (assuming all branches were in attendance) that were there seem to be OK with it, and would speak up I am sure if they thought something was inappropriate.
Full disclosure:
I voted for Rep. West.
I do not always agree with him.
I do not always agree with any other human being on the planet either.......
well...
except for my wife...because she is always right...
unless she tells me she was wrong...
and I typically agree with her then also.
Chug
Thinks intent is everything.
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