I don't wave a flag (06/30/08)

The Fourth of July is coming up soon and flags are appearing everywhere. It makes my heart glad to see such a display of patriotism; however I am feeling a bit like a pariah because I am not a flag waver. I do not find it necessary to wear a flag pin or to flaunt my patriotism and am a bit suspicious of politicians who do. It always reminds me of priests who claim holiness while secretly molesting little boys.

I would rather honor my country in other, quieter ways.

I plant flowers to make my country more beautiful. It smells better, too, as anyone can tell who walks by our property while the lilies or other aromatic plants are emitting their intoxicating aromas.

I pick up litter that the wind (and whoever) deposits in my yard. I leave enough plant debris around so that bunnies have a place to stay while they wait for my garden to grow food for them (and a little for us, too).

I don't pollute the quiet with raunchy music played at top volume. Such noise is jarring to the soul.

I vote for people who I think will benefit my country, not destroy it. I voice my opinion when I think it will be heard.

I try very hard not to use up more than my share of the resources that are in my country. I don't drive if I don't have to. I avoid plastic bags as much as possible. I prefer my purchases to have as little packaging as possible. I believe this little bit makes a difference. I am probably wrong, but it is what I believe.

I think our land and resources should be cared for and not wantonly destroyed in search of oil that we will sell to other countries. I think it is wrong to decimate this land where we live.

I do not have a tattered flag flying anywhere on my property and think it is a disgrace for tattered flags to be flown anywhere. A flag is a symbol of our country and we should honor it as such, not use it to say, "Look at me. I am a great American!"

It is my opinion that the American flag should be flown proudly and not left to flap in the rain or to be darkened by night. Flags should be treated with respect and if that is too much trouble they should not be flown at all.

Yet, even though I believe in caring for my country and having pride in my country, I feel that I am expected to also be a flag-waver. It is something I choose not to do. I am grateful for that choice.

The freedom of choice is something we cherish in this land. We have many other freedoms that we take for granted and, unfortunately, we also have freedoms we have given up.

We have given up the freedom to make sensible choices and instead view the world as black and white, right and wrong with no leeway for youth or nonconformity.

I humbly ask that you respect your flag and display it with pride. But don't expect to see one in my yard anytime soon. I choose other ways to honor my country.

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