nelson@avsdS.UUCP (12/10/83)
Patriotism in this country always seems to be closely allied with militarism - just listen to the words of the national anthem. I refuse to stand for the anthem. If already standing I turn my back to the flag. I do this not because I hate America but because I am against the kind of patriotism that stems from ignorance, faith in power, and the worship of violence. Pride in our country for the accomplishments that advance knowledge, alleviate suffering, and further peace and prosperity for the world is a just sentiment. Our noblest efforts are made not for the provincial interests of 230 million people, but for the human race. Pronouncements of greatness made in a braggardly manner are what patriotism symbolizes to me. I don't believe those loudmouthed cretins and turn away in shame and disgust. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A comment on Dave Decot's surge of patriotic feeling at the movies. I have not seen this kind of thing happen in a long time. It is very frightening to hear of sentiments like this arising. Reagan promised to restore our pride and faith in America and it seems to be working - we play bully to the rest of the world and unthinking people all across America feel pride again. This is a great nation? Glenn at Ampex
wetcw@pyuxa.UUCP (12/13/83)
Isn't it strange that here in the United States one is allowed to not stand for the National Anthem or to turn their backs on the flag. I could name at least 15 countries where one would be killed on the spot for such. I can further name 10 more where the same act would be grounds for prosecution. Oh well, I can only say that it must be the exuberance and idealistic energy of youth. You go right ahead and do what you want to when the flag goes by, it's no skin off my nose. And I won't even tell you your wrong for doing it nor make remarks about your action. However, if you are ever standing behind me and make remarks about my actions when the flag goes by, I"LL PUNCH YOUR LIGHTS OUT. You have no business putting someone else's feelings down because they don't agree with yours.
ucbesvax.turner@ucbcad.UUCP (12/15/83)
#R:pyuxa:-43800:ucbesvax:7500064:000:637 ucbesvax!turner Dec 14 13:29:00 1983 wetcw claims that he can name 15 countries where one would be killed on the spot for not making obeisance to various national symbols. I find it odd that he didn't name them. I am curious to know what these countries are. He also suggests that certain kinds of comments on the part of observers of his ritual obeisance would provoke a physical attack from him. I would like to know the precise extent of his willingness to censor other people's opinions with his knuckles. It would help me in gauging the danger to freedom posed in this country by emotional patriotism of this intensity. --- Michael Turner (ucbvax!ucbesvax.turner)
sample@ubc-visi (12/16/83)
T. C. Wheeler says:
However, if you are ever standing behind me and make remarks about my
actions when the flag goes by, I'LL PUNCH YOUR LIGHTS OUT.
I begin to understand why he supports the invasion of Grenada. If you
don't like something, beat it up. Saves one the trouble of thinking.
Rick Sample
ubc-vision!sample