I wish to first voice my support, admiration, and high respect for the men and women who constitute the police at the town, city, county, state and federal levels. Without their services, dedication, and sacrifices we could not continue to have the life we live in this country.
Recently while driving through a North Little Rock neighborhood, I observed a United States flag being displayed in front of a home. Something about the flag struck me as unusual.
The center stripe of the flag was a dark blue. When I got home I did some research and found this is the Thin Blue Line Flag, dedicated to law enforcement. There is also a solid black flag with a horizontal blue stripe for these deserving people.
The flag of the United States of America represents all who are citizens of these United States.
Apparently some commercializing companies decided to capitalize on the growing support for law enforcers by making the center strip of the United States flag blue. Altering the size, shape, color or displaying the flag in other than an authorized manner is a violation of U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1. Unfortunately, the United States Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional penalties for altering or other disrespectful acts committed against our flag.
While I am on the subject of respect for our country, let me add my opinion of a recent TV show featuring a dance competition. On this show, one couple used the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, as the music for their dance number. Really? The national anthem of the United States of America, one of the greatest nations on this planet, a dance tune?
At one time I remember that preachers, teachers, policemen and firemen were the ones children were taught to turn to in time of need. These people, along with our doctors and health providers, were the elite among respect held by the people. During periods of national crisis, our military joined these people.
Perhaps our lawmakers who have served in the military and are aware of the importance of our national emblem and anthem could take appropriate steps to enact penalties for those who deface or disgrace our nation through abuse of the national emblem and anthem.
As to the Thin Blue Line Flag: I support adoption of a black flag with a horizontal blue line through the center as the emblem showing respect and support for our law enforcement servers. Let this emblem become an authorized flag as we have authorized support for the POW/MIA under the provisions of U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 10. Section 189. To alter the emblem of this nation to show support for one group, regardless of how deserving, is not the correct way.
Let us recognize the contributions of law enforcement servers. Let us also show the proper respect for this nation, our emblem and anthem, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who remain disabled serving this nation.
Let us be Americans again.
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Wincie C. Daniel lives in North Little Rock.