A symbol is a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. What does the U.S. flag represent? Certainly it represents justice and equality as spelled out in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. What really is disrespect for the flag? I would submit that it is disregard for those things the flag stands for. Those of us who refuse to honor the rights of all citizens to equality and justice are disrespecting our flag and all that this county stands for. Those people are making a mockery of the flag, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Any of us have the right to object to illegal treatment of our fellows. Those who insist we “honor” the flag by saluting or covering our hearts or standing at attention are misled. We honor our flag by observing those things it stands for. When those things are not honored, we have the patriotic right to object. Kneeling, raising a hand, standing and holding hands are objections to those who fail to hold this country’s values in esteem.
It is not disrespect of the flag.
