Extreme Politics - not for the fainthearted

[Caleb]

My letter to the editor:

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To the Keene Free Press,

In the past few years, U.S. aggression has resulted in the deaths of thousands of U.S. service members and tens of thousands of innocent victims in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The senseless disregard for innocent life that the current administration has manifested shames us all.

The American people have spoken out against these horrible crimes carried out in our names.  The President has watched his approval numbers fall to record lows, but has remained stubbornly steadfast in his goal to conquer the Middle East.  Now, he is rattling the sabres against Iran.

In my lifetime, I cannot remember a time when people have felt more powerless to stop great evil.  I cannot force the President to end the war.  What I can do is refuse to participate in it, refuse to fund it, and I can make a strong statement to let the people of the world know that we do not support the rogue actions of our commander-in-chief and the unquestioning minions who prosecute his war for him.

I hereby pledge that, if the United States Armed Forces carry out any military action against Iran:

1)  On the Saturday following the military action I will publicly burn a United States flag in protest here in downtown Keene.

2)  I will continue to burn a U.S. Flag each Saturday until such time as the United States discontinues its aggression against Iran.

Sincerely,

Caleb Johnson
Keene, NH

[Pat K]

Well as long as its your own flag, have at it.

[Russell Kanning]

Do you have a revised version?

[Caleb]

well, I fixed some of the errors, but that IS the final version of the letter.

I am also in the process of composing a much more detailed press release to be released to all the major papers here in New England.  I'll also release it to some foreign papers.

Caleb

[aries]

Now what if Iran attacks us or one of our allies that we are sworn to defend?

Do you still burn the flags?

[Caleb]

Yes, I follow Jefferson's belief that we should free ourselves of foreign alliances and entanglements. 

Now if Iran attacks the U.S. itself (not a military outpost in foreign territory) then I will not burn the flag, although I will have to have incontrovertible proof that Iran actually did the attack.  As we know, fedgov likes to commit acts of terrorism and blame them on someone else.

Caleb

[KBCraig]

Well as long as its your own flag, have at it.

+1.

But, I'm curious who you're trying to convince, and of what you're trying to convince them.

"Hey, look at me, I'm burning the flag!" doesn't convey the message of "I strongly disagree with this war, and I believe it was manufactured under false pretenses." At least not to most people.

To most people, burning the flag conveys, "Hey, look at me, I'm burning the flag! And I hate America and George W. Bush, and I hate you too unless you also hate America and George W. Bush!"

I certainly won't stand in your way. But, since you label this "extreme politics", I have to wonder what political end you're seeking. What alliances do you hope to form? What change in policy do you seek to effect? Whom do you wish to persuade through such public discourse? Will the number of those who listen and understand outweigh the number of those who are repulsed by the act and never hear your message?

A great many people who oppose the current military policy also consider themselves proud Americans. They'd be your allies, except you're going to piss them off.

Just my thoughts on the matter. Do with it what you will.

Kevin

[tracysaboe]

Caleb, I gotta agree with Kevin on this one.

You know what would REALLY make a statment? Burning an American flag when a Democrat is in power.

But this. It just looks like your a liberal communist.

Tracy

[Kat Kanning]

If Iran attacks the US, you can guarantee it's really the US attacking the US.

[Russell Kanning]

If Iran "attacks" the US and they start "shock and awe" and start killing Iranians .... I will still burn the flag.

It is fairly simple.
Caleb writes a letter saying why he is burning a flag.
We hold signs explaining it while he burns the flag.
When people ask us why we are burning the flag, we answer them.

I don't participate in these wars to expand the empire.
I don't fund them.
I now am showing my displeasure and separation from the US Government bullies by burning their symbol.

[Lloyd Danforth]

You could also hold (and not burn) these:




The flag most people recognize as the country's first, before the federal gov went rogue.

[Lex]

I also have to agree with Kevin. I don't think anyone will understand. You will just get yourselves thrown in jail and nobody will have gotten anything out of it, except anyone who sees you on the street will think you guys are nutsos. Even a rational person will think: How the heck is burning the US flag going to achieve anything good?

[Caleb]

The point that you all seem to be missing is that we are not going to show up, unannounced, one day and start burning a flag. This thing is not going to be done in a corner.  The point will be explained prior to the burning in letters to the editor, press releases, etc., not only PRIOR TO the event, but also during the event we will have large signs that explain exactly what we are doing.

Doubtful we'll get arrested.  Burning a U.S. flag is not against the law.

Caleb

[Caleb]

A great many people who oppose the current military policy also consider themselves proud Americans.

You know, Kevin, THAT is precisely what I am trying to change.  We live in a culture that practically worships the government.  It's weird because 70% of people think we're on the wrong track.  And I wonder, "why aren't they revolting?" 

The answer is because there is a deeply entrenched underlying cause that is stronger than their momentary dissatisfaction:  PATRIOTISM

Understand, when I say "patriotism" I'm talking about the FALSE kind of patriotism.  The "my country, right or wrong" type. 

I'm going to say this:  Patriotism (Nationalism) is a form of worship.  If you are a Christian who is a "proud American" you are an idolator!  If you are an atheist who is a "proud American" ... well, you aren't really an atheist.  You have a God alright, he's Uncle Sam.

We live in a country where a mindless pledge ("of ALLEGIANCE" no less) is considered a virtue.  Where its practically demanded that you say "Thank you for your service to our country" to a veteran.  Where "I DON'T support the troops!" is practically blasphemous speech.  Where I can't enjoy a football game without a musical indoctrination session prior to the game.

By burning their symbol, maybe I can erode that a little.  The U.S. government, with all its atrocities, cannot hope to survive if nationalism is destroyed in the hearts of men.

The reason you guys don't like it is because it strikes a little too close to the root for your comfort, and you're afraid of the repurcussions.  Someone told me, "I hope you don't get beat up!"  That shows the problem, doesn't it:  that someone would be willing to physically attack someone else for burning a piece of cloth is indicative of a larger problem:  they worship the idea behind it!

Caleb

[AlanM]

A great many people who oppose the current military policy also consider themselves proud Americans.

You know, Kevin, THAT is precisely what I am trying to change.  We live in a culture that practically worships the government.  It's weird because 70% of people think we're on the wrong track.  And I wonder, "why aren't they revolting?" 

The answer is because there is a deeply entrenched underlying cause that is stronger than their momentary dissatisfaction:  PATRIOTISM

Understand, when I say "patriotism" I'm talking about the FALSE kind of patriotism.  The "my country, right or wrong" type. 

I'm going to say this:  Patriotism (Nationalism) is a form of worship.  If you are a Christian who is a "proud American" you are an idolator!  If you are an atheist who is a "proud American" ... well, you aren't really an atheist.  You have a God alright, he's Uncle Sam.

We live in a country where a mindless pledge ("of ALLEGIANCE" no less) is considered a virtue.  Where its practically demanded that you say "Thank you for your service to our country" to a veteran.  Where "I DON'T support the troops!" is practically blasphemous speech.  Where I can't enjoy a football game without a musical indoctrination session prior to the game.

By burning their symbol, maybe I can erode that a little.  The U.S. government, with all its atrocities, cannot hope to survive if nationalism is destroyed in the hearts of men.

The reason you guys don't like it is because it strikes a little too close to the root for your comfort, and you're afraid of the repurcussions.  Someone told me, "I hope you don't get beat up!"  That shows the problem, doesn't it:  that someone would be willing to physically attack someone else for burning a piece of cloth is indicative of a larger problem:  they worship the idea behind it!

Caleb

People have lost the ability to distinguish between love of countrymen, and love of government of the country. I love the American people, by and large, but despise what our Government has become.
I don't think your protest will accomplish what you wish, Caleb. The media, and citizenry, by and large, will distort it and demonize you.