Web Page Ad

[Josie]

Hmmmmm...couldn't help but notice advertising for Flag shirts/clothing on your web page. Yet on the same page you have as etiquette that the Flag should not be used as such. Seems like a contradiction.

[NAVA1974]

...couldn't help but notice advertising for Flag shirts/clothing on your web page.

Must be a variable link because right now I don't see anything that brings me to such clothing. Please tell us where that appears on our website as well as the link itself.

Thank you,

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[Peter Ansoff]

A couple of thoughts on this:

1. The flag code says that the flag shall not be used as an article of clothing. It seems to me that this is somewhat open to interpretation. Flag-themed shirts, ties, bikinis, etc., are not flags -- they are clothing that is decorated with motifs related to the design of the flag. It may be splitting hairs, but I see a distinction between flag-themed clothing and clothing that was actually made from a flag.

2. In any case, the flag code does not necessarily represent currently accepted usage. Usage has evolved since 1923, and the code has not kept up. A good example is the horizontal display of large flags in athletic events and parades. The flag code says explicity that you should not do it, but even the American Legion has said that it's OK as long as it's done officially. Similarly, I think the popular consensus is that flag-themed clothing is OK as long as it is tasteful.

3. The purpose of this forum (as I understand it, anyway), is to provide accurate information about the flag code, flag history, etc. It's not to advocate slavish adherence to the code. I don't see any inconsistency between quoting the code on the site and supporting advertisements like the one that Josie describes.

Peter Ansoff

[Josie]

Apparently I owe you an apology. I thought I saw it at the bottom of the left hand side bar. I do not see it now and am glad. Thank you for your quick response.

[Peter Ansoff]

Apparently I owe you an apology. I thought I saw it at the bottom of the left hand side bar

It may very well have been there earlier. The advertisements on the forum pages vary from time to time. I'm not too familiar with how that works, but apparently the ads do generate a signficant amount of revenue that keeps the forum going.

Best regards,

Peter Ansoff
Forum Admin

[NAVA1974]

Apparently I owe you an apology. I thought I saw it at the bottom of the left hand side bar. I do not see it now and am glad. Thank you for your quick response.

No apologies necessary. The purpose of this forum is to encourage open discussion and debate. You see any concerning the use or misuse of the flag of the USA, bring it on!

Nick A
Columbia Maryland
(Weathered the earthquake, hurricane, and tropical rains quite nicely, thank you.)