Gay 'Rainbow Flag' Hoisted At U.S. Afghan Base?

Sorry, but that makes me smile. Unless it's for an extended period of time, no need to worry.

I agree. It is a beautiful flag. I was thinking it was a yucky pink, I'm very impressed :)

not a bad flag at all - and unless it is placed somewhere it should not be (like as a replacement for a US lfag on a military base), then there should be no problem,

I agree Del.

Let's see. Are we enraged over the possible hurt feelings of the Taliban?

Are we agreeing with the enemy that homosexuals should be sentenced to prison or to death?

The flag is harmless. It does nothing to embarrass the country. It says we respect all people regardless of sexual orientation or at least we should.

Let's see, this from the same person who disrespects the rights of Christians to practice their faith? Why am I not surprised? You never disappoint me. Whenever I think of what is right, or normal, you are on the other side. What did you say about the fellow who is being kicked out of the service for voicing his political feelings on Facebook? He's a criminal, right? Because he doesn't take the same side as you?? Or is it because he embarrassed his country? This doesn't risk an incident, when it is against the Afghan faith? Of course it does!

Excellent points, Mary Ann. :)

"Let's see. Are we enraged over the possible hurt feelings of the Taliban?"

I think what we're seeing is outrage from people who share the feelings of the Taliban. People who might be described as part of the Christaliban.

"Are we agreeing with the enemy that homosexuals should be sentenced to prison or to death?"

I think it's clear that some people definitely believe that's exactly what should be done to people who are homosexual.

For evidence, consider the words of people like Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church, Scott Lively of Abiding Truth Ministries, Jim Rudd of the Christian Street Preachers Alliance, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, etc.

Char, you assume that because I do not agree with you that I am 100 percent wrong and you are 100 percent right.

But please do not misquote me. I certainly would not call someone a crinminal for giving his or her opinion. In fact, I believe we shoul respect the opinions of others. It is, however, against the law to threaten others.

FAR less offensive to the enemy than burning Korans.

you assume that because I do not agree with you that I am 100 percent wrong and you are 100 percent right

That's the view of the GOP. If you don't support putting women back 100 years, disallowing contraception, bashing gays, not racist or not white, or if you are not Catholic then you are 100% wrong.

In other words, the GOP thinking is somewhere in the 1800's while the Democrats are in the 21st century.

nothing at all wrong with the flag, depending on placement (as i said above).

if it is a prominant display AND a replacement for an american flag on a military base - it is probably illegal, against regulations, and a stupid gesture to antagonize people that already want to kill us - an incitement to violence therefore.

even if on a base, if it is a private display in front of a barracks etc, and does not involve REMOVAL of a u.s. flag where one is to be on display- no problem

Don't offend the Muslims, don't offend the Muslims. Unless it's for a Progressive cause. Inciting violence against our troops is a Progressive cause. Right on jj. They are brainless.

Go JJ, go Teddy!

Del, the flag probably was displayed against regulations I know it would have been if displayed on a British base and if it was displayed against regulations then there is a distinct lack of discipline on that base and if that base is in a forward position the lack of disciple can be catastrophic to say the least. As for making it worse for the military personnel out there, one has to remember that we are fighting the Taliban not the ordinary Afghan people and there is a vast difference between the two sets of people and the Taliban don't need any antagonizing they will attack no matter what.

Me Wil ... why do you always go to the bottom of the pack to find someone to represent Christians? "Fred Phelps" is the blight of my Kansas and of the beliefs he claims to represent. His church has only his own family in it most of the time. That should tell you something (If you're looking for truth :) Christians have long ago forsaken him if they ever accepted him. I don't know his history.

wil "Are we agreeing with the enemy that homosexuals should be sentenced to prison or to death?"

Me Have you ever seen any of us suggest that? You may know hateful people that call themselves Christian but I know a lot of Christians and I've never heard one say that, not even in the caverns under our churches with our candles; you know, the place where we go to talk about non Christians. :)

wil "For evidence, consider the words of people like Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church, Scott Lively of Abiding Truth Ministries, Jim Rudd of the Christian Street Preachers Alliance, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, etc. "

Me. Rick Warren should not be on that list. I looked it up one other time when you used it and he had been misquoted. I know what Rick believes on that issue & knew he would never have thought such a thing.

Stomp, stomp! :) RATS! Your post is not at the top of this long line of post so you won't be notified that you have mail. I'll mail it to you at: wil Australia. That would get it.

Glome you said: Me Have you ever seen any of us suggest that? You may know hateful people that call themselves Christian but I know a lot of Christians and I've never heard one say that, not even in the caverns under our churches with our candles; you know, the place where we go to talk about non Christians. :)

Lol! That's funny. And a little ... something what's the word ... not enough to offend, but just enough to make your point.

And I'll add my opinion to it ...
Wil's description of all Christians (and your paraphrased and enhanced version of the thoughts his words conjure) is rather like one of us saying alll Muslims think chopping heads off is a godly thing to do, or all gays are child molesters; while giving actual examples to prove our point.

Both statements are exaggerated as well as patently ridiculous and false because of the exaggeration and generalization; just as most of Wil's (and some others) comments are in regard to Christians.

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Wil B. Apr 8, 2012, 9:53pm EDT
Excellent points, Mary Ann. :)

"Let's see. Are we enraged over the possible hurt feelings of the Taliban?"

I think what we're seeing is outrage from people who share the feelings of the Taliban. People who might be described as part of the Christaliban.

"Are we agreeing with the enemy that homosexuals should be sentenced to prison or to death?"

I think it's clear that some people definitely believe that's exactly what should be done to people who are homosexual.

For evidence, consider the words of people like Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church, Scott Lively of Abiding Truth Ministries, Jim Rudd of the Christian Street Preachers Alliance, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, etc

I love to see your kitty face when I pop into a room :)

Lee; "Wil's description of all Christians (and your paraphrased and enhanced version of the thoughts his words conjure) is rather like one of us saying alll Muslims think chopping heads off is a godly thing to do, or all gays are child molesters; while giving actual examples to prove our point."

Right!! I wonder why people exaggerate. Oh. To make a nasty point, of course, that's why I do it. But I'm taking an oath right now that I won't exaggerate most of the time. :)
:

I love to see your kitty face when I pop into a room :)

Why thank you Ms Glome. I have a huge fondness for your own curly headed visage. :)


...that's why I do it...

Naughty...


But I'm taking an oath right now that I won't exaggerate

...and then Nice.


most of the time. :)

And then naughty again. lol


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Glome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ONE of WE the PEOPLE Apr 16, 2012, 10:40pm EDT
I love to see your kitty face when I pop into a room :)

Lee; "Wil's description of all Christians (and your paraphrased and enhanced version of the thoughts his words conjure) is rather like one of us saying alll Muslims think chopping heads off is a godly thing to do, or all gays are child molesters; while giving actual examples to prove our point."

Right!! I wonder why people exaggerate. Oh. To make a nasty point, of course, that's why I do it. But I'm taking an oath right now that I won't exaggerate most of the time. :)

I personally prefer the rainbow flag to the american flag. The rainbow flag symbolizes equality, the american flag for me has come to symbolize endless war, disappearing constitutional rights, and a rising police state.

You have my symphathy, hope your patriotism is not lost altogether.

If by patriotism you mean blind nationalism I don't need it. I have no illusions that America is always in the right just because I happened to be born here.

Well said, Matt

Thanks

Matt "the American flag for me has come to symbolize endless war, disappearing constitutional rights, and a rising police state."

I don't want to say it represents those actions yet. I want to say a trap door opened and we're falling fast.
Too much warring was beginning to happen prior to that.

Military bases should fly the Christian flag. What possible harm could come?

We have freedom of religion in this country- remember.

and your point is...?

Is there a "Christian Flag"? How can a "Christian" anything go against the teaching of Jesus?

Yes there is a Christian Flag.

"How can a "Christian" anything go against the teaching of Jesus?"

I don't know, you tell me.

How can a "Christian" anything go against the teaching of Jesus?

Just ask a 13-century Crusader I am sure he would tell you as he was massacring the Moslem population.

I can't think of any Biblical teaching that would prevent Christians from waving a flag you guys.

How about a Confederate flag?

Eamon said: How about a Confederate flag?

R.F. said: How about a KKK flag?


Okay, if that is your preferance R.F.


Orr... as I noted before ... how about the 1st Navy Jack flag, Zionist flag, scuba diving class flag, Gadsden flag, the Texas flag, the Lee Y. family crest, or the Gonzales banner (1835). . .

In any case, other than a swastica or a KKK flag, if there is no specific rule governing flying any flag ... I see no reason why there should be any that should not fly.

Though IF this is a true story, and IF there really are no rules (I'm assuming by 'no' rules the rule is that any flag such as this flies subordinate to the U.S. flag since it is a U.S. base) ... and IF any flag at all can fly at any time at the whim of almost anyone ... (or even just the whim of the base commander) ....

IF all that is true then all flags flown other than the U.S.flag, would hold the same place of honor as any other. Meaning the Rainbow flag is just one among many and is held in the same esteem as any other such as, the team flag or the pirate flag or the Confederate flag.

Though none actually holds the same place of honor as the U.S. flag (because after all the base is a U.S. base and not a gay base or a scruba diving base or a totally Christian base etc.

Any and all those other flag "denominations" should be considered to be contained under and flown subserviently to (always with as well as lower than) but one flag (Old Glory) IF it is flown over a U.S. base.

"Make love, not war."

Maybe they want somebody else to do that for 'em too, R.F.

You guys will go along with anything that will divide and tear things apart. Military units are designed and trained to act in a cohesive and disciplined environment. The only flag that should be flown is the American flag, and the approved flags of their respective units. Some would find the rainbow flag just as offensive as the sniper team that displayed the flag with the SS on it (which to them meant sharpshooter) but to the moronic left meant an acknowledgement of Nazism.

Yeah, because nothing builds unit cohesion and discipline better than encouraging anti-gay sentiment while condemning the use of Nazi symbolism by US soldiers.

Eamon W. (So be it) Apr 11, 2012, 11:03pm EDT
You guys will go along with anything that will divide and tear things apart

Emanon are you the pot or the kettle??? Most every comment you make is bent on causing argument. I would love to see you go a week without being snide in some way in your comments. I really don't think you could do it personally.

R.f. Said: Why don't the connies want all of the state flags flying above the national flag?    Which state flag should fly on top?

That would be a heckuvva tall flag pole.    But, should that ever happen (perhaps in the event of a miniature of some sort), or if it has happened according to this flag protocol page, the U.S. flag would be hoisted first (and flown above the others) then "the home state flag, followed by flags of other states, in order of admission to the Union..."

Why?

Flag protocol.   

R. F. said: Should they have a separate pole for each state?

Doesn't seem to be a requirement, but it's certainly not forbidden. (and there is also protocol for that occasion also)

R.F. said: What about territory flags, fly them at the same height or higher or lower than the state flags? How about territory flags in relation to the national flag? Should the gay pride flag fly higher than the gay haters' flag?

According to this page...

4. When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. 

When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States (the viewer's left).

And from this page ...

[keeping in mind "No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the right of the flag of the United States"] the order after that is "The home state flag, followed by flags of other states, in order of admission to the Union
County and City flags, in alphabetical order.
Additional Association and Corporate" (I'd guess a gay pride flag -as well as a 'gay hater' flag if one existed- would fall somewhere in this category...)

As for where territories fall in the lineup, I'd guess it would be flown in the same position as and instead of the flag of a state, commonwealth, or reservation flag [if such exists]; since they all seem to be on the same 'level of Administrative division' of the US.

First level of the administrative divisions of the US:
State
Commonwealth
Indian reservation
Territories

That's cool to know what is exactly right Lee. Thanks.

If there are no specific rules against flying a rainbow flag, who exactly do you want to be "booted", and on what grounds?

Mercy man, what's up with you and rainbow flags? I wouldn't fly one since it doesn't go with my beliefs in Scripture but I would love one of my neighbors to fly it. They're beautiful.
See. you're teaching me to be smart alec too :)

Yay! The RAINBOW FLAG! What good cheer! That should happen more often!

Do it then. They're beautiful. Hope you live on my street :)

My husband being military has the same look at sexual orientation as religion, I have mine you have yours don't preach it to me and we're cool. The only thing that matters to him is that the person next to him in a war has the same courage and ability if needed to pull the trigger. Doesn't matter homosexual, straight, bisexual, male or female just that they can do their job. If it was flown above a base I see nothing wrong with it. I've seen pictures of pirate flags, team flags, unit flags and all kinds of flags raised above bases.

It's nice to read a comment such as yours Nichole. :)

Amen to that!!!!!

I agree. Thanks Nichole.

Many Afghan Muslim extremists are also against women serving in military roles. Should we change that too?

Jared, I resent it that we have to operate in a defensive manner somewhat. But the Muslim extremists killed several of our men after the Korans got burned. It makes me madder than I can express, but yes, I do think we have to take that into consideration and not deliberately stir them up. I don't know what that means, but I'm willing to let those in charge make the decision.

Let's face it: some of our servicepeople are gay. Some of them are Christian. Some of them are Muslim. Some are men and some are women. Some have ancestors from different countries. Some root for the Packers. Others root for the Steelers.

Americans like to fly a lot of different flags. It's about diversity and not freaking out when someone flies one that you don't identify with, because later on you'll get your turn to fly the flag YOU identify under and you won't want someone screeching for you to take it down.

Unity in diversity! America!

Megan, This wasn't in America, it was in Afghanistan. Further, it was on a government installation. I am just shaking my head that they would deny a prayer in the chapel but you want this allowed, or overlooked when it could start a riot.

RF, Just what Maree says is what I meant. They kill homosexuals in the Muslim faith. They already want to kill our soldiers. Probably the only reason they didn't riot and kill more troops is because they didn't even know what the flag was!

Probably the only reason they didn't riot and kill more troops is because they didn't even know what the flag was!

If they don't know what it is, why are you arguing that it was offensive? Oh, yes, because it was offensive, not to the Muslims over there, but to the religious right over here!

Most people who stand up and say they are offended are actually offended "for" someone else.

NOPE! You accidentally made a mistake in your last two sentences :)

Lora, I am saying it was very offensive. If they HAD known it, it could have been VERY BAD. It was in THEIR country, and would have been recognized for what it was! A DELIBERATE AFFRONT TO ONE OF THEIR CORE BELIEFS AS A NATION AND AS MUSLIMS. Characterize it as you will, but we (those there, actually) were very lucky in spite of the stupidity of whoever did this.

Hey RF, I love your attitude and actions regarding Vietnam.
3 cheers!

Lee C. said: Military bases should fly the Christian flag. What possible harm could come?

Eamon said: How about a Confederate flag??

Nichole S. says: If it was flown above a base I see nothing wrong with it. I've seen pictures of pirate flags, team flags, unit flags and all kinds of flags raised above bases.

Orr... 1st Navy Jack flag, Zionist flag, scuba diving class flag, Gadsden flag, the Texas flag, the Lee Y. family crest, or the Gonzales banner (1835). . .

In any case, if there is no specific rule governing flying any flag ... I see no reason why any or all should not fly. I like flags with cats and kittens on them; perhaps someday someone will fly one like that and send me a pic of it.

In the end ... though IF this is a true story, and IF there really are no rules (I'm assuming by 'no' rules the rule is that any flag such as this flies subordinate to the U.S. flag since it is a U.S. base) ... and IF any flag at all can fly at any time at the whim of almost anyone ... (or even just the whim of the base commander) ....

If all that is true then all flags flown other than the U.S.flag, would hold the same place of honor as any other. Meaning the Rainbow flag is just one among many and is held in the same esteem as any other such as, the team flag or the pirate flag or the Confederate flag.

Though none holds the same place of honor as the U.S. flag (because after all the base is a U.S. base and not a gay base or a scruba diving base or a totally Christian base etc. All those "denominations" should be considered to be contained under and subserviently flown to but one flag (Old Glory) IF it is flown over a U.S. base.

Unless all of us want to start our own separate countries?

Well said Lee Y.

Well said, Lee Y. BTW, I think flags with kittieso n them are cool too, if I had my pick at the founding of the country, I would have chose the Burmese Cat as the national animal, but I digress. B-) I'm als oa fan of the old Confederate "Bonnie Blue" flag as well as the battle flag and "Stars & Bars."

Hmmm, at the rate we are going, I think it is a good idea for us to secede from the progressives and start our own country or better yet, kick them out and let them run theirs and leave us alone.

LEE ... Perfectly stated. In fact I REALLY love the colors on that flag. I could use it on a pillow or two :)

You guys won't have to worry about breaking up with the country. The President's Secretary, Sebellious, is it? Has threatened to deny all government cooperation to Texas, already. Just for refusing intrusive demands on Texas through programs they cannot afford to implement.

Amen, jj.

And in haste.

From the article: Afghan Muslims strongly oppose homosexuality, and the practice is often punished with prison terms or death. What kind of message does a stunt like this send? Only Old Glory should be flown above military bases.

I agree with the part that only Old Glory should be flown above a military base ... but what do I know? Never been in the military and just seems like the common sense thing to do (US base, US flag); but if the rule is that any flag can be flown or IF there is no rule and IF this flag was actually flown ... no matter as long as any other flag of any other group can also be flown over the same base. +shrug+

But this subject does bring up an interesting issue which I've noticed seeps out in many different ways.

For instance,

...if a racist term is used by a progressive hardly any progressives call that out (but will unmercifully attack the Conservative who deigns to point it out).


If a Progressive state refuses to completely enforce a Federal Law that's okay; but if a Southern Conservative tries to enforce the same Federal laws, well that's a suable offense and the Federal government takes punishment to new levels of nastiness to expose the villainy involved with enforcing the law.


If progressives violate election laws through fraud and vice, that's just dandy because they are simply exercising their right to vote. But if a state or a city tries to make sure those same people actually do have the right to vote (not escaped or convicted felons or here illegally, or have already voted ten other times in the same election ... etc), goodness, that's worthy of a trip to the UN to make a complaint of 'vote suppression' ... (what a laugh).


And worse, if Afghan soldiers murder U.S. soldiers well that's virtual justice because the US soldiers brought it on themselves somehow (either by accidentally or on purpose damaging or disrespecting the Quran). But if a Muslim extremist actually massacres 13 people on a US army base ... well, that's just a case of workplace violence.

Currently, of course it's not okay for the Quran to be disrespected because that will upset the Afghans (and any soldiers who get killed as a result ... well the apologies go to the Afghans) ...

But we aren't actually worried that flying a flag celebrating the gay lifestyle will do the same? Of course not because the gay lifestyle is in style this season ...

I don't give much of a fig if our enemies are offended by whatever we decide to do or fly or say or write or express or whatever ... except as it affects our soldiers in the field.

Sooooo ... fly whatever flag whenever; but IF this flag was actually flown (IF it's a true incident) and if it did incite the Afghans to more murder, then I wonder who the bad guy would be then? The Afghans (favorite sons in the Quran incidents)? Or the soldiers and commander who agreed or asked for the rainbow flag to be flown?

Whew! Now that's a conundrum for a progressive if there ever was one.

I think so, too. Jj.

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jj Myles Apr 10, 2012, 3:21pm EDT
It is exactly on the mark when you look at the true life examples cited.

Lee and jj, you have the gift of common sense. RF you are a puddle brain.

Man, what in the heck are they trying to do, draw a target on themselves for the Taliban? By doing that, you might as well stick a "shoot me" sign on our backs along with a target symbol. B-P What's next, rumbling downtown Kabul in a pink Soviet T-34/85 tank? (I've seen pics of one) Hey, I don't care what one does in their private lives, but this could be a breach of security as well as ticking off the Afghans so it is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. I'm not a big fan of how the Moslems run things either but we are in their country and we should do our best to follow their laws.

I hate to be the one to inform you but every American already has a target on their back as far as the Muslim extremists are concerned.

Spirit is right though. I thought about that as soon as I read what it was. But ... I don't know the dangers in each area. I'm sure the leaders there would take it down if they thought it would bring added harm to the soldiers. I'm sure the gays would take it down if it meant added harm to the soldiers.

Lora Covrett Apr 9, 2012, 2:59pm EDT
I hate to be the one to inform you but every American already has a target on their back as far as the Muslim extremists are concerned.


Where was this attitude when the weirdoes burned the Koran. That was over here, on private property, not a military base. Did you defend that? It was their right you know. They feel as strongly about that as you do about the rainbow flag, but you don't respect that?

Not in THEIR country. They fly that banner here, wherever they want.

and lets face it - the koran in questiopn, had already been desecrated, when it was being used as a networking divise for the enemy to pass information that is not allowe3d.

at that point, it becqame a tool of insurection disguised as a koran.

lora,
I hate to be the one to inform you but every American already has a target on their back as far as the Muslim extremists are concerned.

i agree 100%.

tho this may well be holding the target higher and screaming "SHOOT ME SHOOT ME".

but they should be thankful there is no law against stupidity.

to me, it seems on the same level as screaming the 'n' word at a nbpp meeting while wearing sheets.

and as i said several tiimes here, it may or may not be against regulations - depends on exactly where and how it is displayed, if it even IS on a military base.

What are you talking about, Char? It was not any American soldier's right to burn the Koran!

And I don't feel as strongly about a flag as Muslims feel about their religious book. What an insane comparison!

A better comparison is the Muslims feel as strongly about the Koran as YOU do about your Bible.

You conservatives don't know where to place your anger or your blame. You're just all over the place.

I actually agree Del. I don't think it was a smart thing to do. I don't see any information online as to WHY it was done.
I'm not sure anyone in that region is thinking rationally these days. It's time for us to be out of there.

Although not smart, I still think it less offensive than burning Korans.

You find burning a Koran offensive? How about burning a Bible?

Both are equally as offensive. Are you going to attempt to tell me that Afgani troops or Iraqi troops stood on American soil and burned Bibles?

lora,
i agree with you on the koran buring, if it was a koran in general.

the one burned however, had apparantly stopped being a holy book to the people defiling it, buy using it as a way to pass messages - once THEY desecrated it, how can they still claim that one to be a sacred book?

and i did read somewhere, that if a koran is defiled in some way - by damage (writing in it, and removing what was wrtitten, would certainly be qualified) then burning is the method to destroy it.

i think this was actually a case where the right thing was done, and it was stiull used as an excuse for violence.

CERTAINLY not to be confused with the nut job in florida that wanted to burn them as a statement.

I've only heard mention of written messages in these Korans that were burned from people here on Gather. Not seen any news articles to back that up. Got a link to where you got that information?

I heard it on the news Lora. Put 'burning Korans' in Google search.

We would not take offense at people burning the Bible as the Muslims do. We think it would be sad because we'd like to see them given to people.
But God say His Word is a living Word and it exists even if the paper it's written on is burned. Of course we would be ticked at the effort to send us a nasty message, but no real loss. I think they care that much either. The man on the street, but maybe.

What are you talking about, Char? It was not any American soldier's right to burn the Koran!
Lora, The Koran burning over there would have been fine if it hadn't gotten to be a big story. In any case, Del is right, they had already been defaced by Muslims. I never said I supported that. I was talking about the big deal over the one burnt here, even with the thought of burning one here, and how all the libs decryed those here, exercising rights as causing THEM to murder people.

The point I made about the flag (not very well, I will try again), it that IF they had fully understood the meaning of the flag, because it was in their country it was flying, it would have been taken as a direct insult and could have caused even more violence than the Koran burnings, which I think everyone knew was an accident.
THAT is what I was comparing, is the accident, versus the deliberate disregard for their beliefs, in their country.

Thanks, Char, for explaining.
However, I don't think the Koran burning was an accident.
So, it's one deliberate action vs another -- comparing them as equal deliberate actions, the Koran burning is worse.
And like I said, who knows how long this flag as up? 5 minutes? 1 day? 1 week?

Granted, I don't see the point at all of flying a gay flag over a military base -- stupid. But, as someone pointed out on this post, they are probably more upset at seeing an American flag flown. We aren't there to make these people happy. And I seriously doubt, a gay flag is going to make them angry and attack. That's just idiotic thinking.

They don't care if Americans are gay or straight, they hate equally.

Let's also keep in mind that the symbol of the 42d Infantry Division (Reserve, NY) is the rainbow. In point of fact, they are known as the 'rainbow division'. This could very well be an image taken out of context (and probably is). Not to mention the fact that the image displayed in the post has nothing in it that positively confirms that it came from Afghanistan. Let us look before we leap.

Yep... Lots of ifs in this story...


========
Ajatasutra Bharaputra Apr 9, 2012, 6:31am EDT
Let's also keep in mind that the symbol of the 42d Infantry Division (Reserve, NY) is the rainbow. In point of fact, they are known as the 'rainbow division'. This could very well be an image taken out of context (and probably is). Not to mention the fact that the image displayed in the post has nothing in it that positively confirms that it came from Afghanistan. Let us look before we leap.

aja,
i seem to agree on this with you - we dont know yet what, exactly where, or why.

plus i am confused - have seen many of the 'rainbow coalition,' and 'gay pride' symbols.

that flag is simply multicolored stripes ........... no way i can comment on this instance, without more facts!

I remember seeing the gay flag once Del, and I didn't like it. I can't remember too much about it except it had pink and was icky. I love this one. They might have had a professional design this one.

Most of the above opinions are the very reason why I believe that the United States should reinstate the mandatory draft system for the military. I say this because, it would appear that there are Americans (such as those above) who no long have pride in their country, love for what America stands for, nor patriotism in their hearts.

Frankly I see nothing wrong with any of the flags which have been suggested to be flown. (Gay Pride, KKK, Christian etc.) Flags are a banner sign as to what a person believes in or wants to have represent them personally. Therefore, such display of certain flags are of great pride to individuals and groups of people who are associated with the flag being flown. I only know that none of them should be flown over a U.S. military base, installation, compound, fort, etc.

The American flag, our National Banner, represents a united peoples for which it is on display. As such, there is no place for individualism within the military forces of the United States. Those within the military live and fight under one flag and one flag alone, {i.e.} The American National Flag and no other flag is appropriate for display within the military. There are military unit flags as A. J. states above (42nd. Infantry Div.) but they are used only to distinguish one type of fighting unit from another, not as the banner under which they serve nor fight.

To allow any flag other than our country's national flag to be flown over a military installation or in a battle zone, demonstrates not only the loss of pride in our country, but the distaste for the military which defends all of us, as well as to dishonor the names of those who have given their lives in order that all Americans can live in peace and free of oppression.

God Bless America and Those Who Serve.

Scott "there are Americans (such as those above) who no long have pride in their country, love for what America stands for, nor patriotism in their hearts."

Scott, I'm glad you love the country and understand the philosophy & reasoning behind the rules. I'm also glad you shared them with us. I hope you continue to share them with others.

But did it have to be couched in how inadequate we are. That kind of took the fun out of learning what you shared. Everybody on this list is different. It is possible we wouldn't have chosen the same words as others.

It is possible we wouldn't have chosen the same words as others.

If my wording in some way offended you or another Gather member, it was in no way intended to do so. My post was my opinionated thoughts on the subject of debate.

In answer to your statement;

My written words are my personal thoughts, I can not write an honest opinion using another form or substituted wording, nor do I believe that I should.

Thank you for your honest impute concerning my post.

How did I get in right here? Was it a mistake, as the threads expanded?

char,
lolol - no clue.

scott, i would add, if it is being flown outside a barracks for example, and not OVER the base - not sure it would matter any more than an nfl flag etc.

and we dont know for sure yet i guess ..........

I am going to ask the obvious question that should have been asked earlier, and the question that has been bothering me about this post.

Who says that the striped flag is about Gay Rights? What is te origin of this flag, its history and since when is it the flag of gay rights?

Mary Ann

Unless my memory is once again failing me,(which often does) it was the gay community in New York City which designed the flag for a Gay Pride Day March in the late 1990's and it has been used on many occasions since for marches, parties and conferences etc. as such, the flag has been given it's proper recognition in society.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag

According to wikipedia, it has several different meanings.

Thanks, I had to ask the obvious.

Ok, there are causes to worry, if this was done at a base in Afghan, where I read about a family who wanted to do an honor killing because their son was alelgedly gay. Who is to say that this wouldn't put American Soldiers at risk?

Lets look out for the safety of our troops that are stationed over seas and see them safely home.