Congratulations! In one short editorial (Whidbey News-Times Jan. 23) you have succinctly outlined one of the major social problems of the day, i.e., disregard and flaunting authority, followed by aid and abetting, yea, encouraging, the breaking of the law by citizens and active duty military personnel. What a wonderful role model you present!
The U.S. Navy officer was clearly in violation of Public law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code as codified in US Code Title 36, Chapter 10 (Patriotic Customs), paragraph 176 (Respect For Flag), stating no disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States, followed by a list of specific disrespectful actions, including wearing the flag as apparel.
Describing this event and other similar ones as an exuberant display that broke a “rule” tries to spin the officer’s conduct to a minor juvenile misbehavior similar to using the wrong fork at dinner or a fraternity prank.
Hello!! Anybody at the office and holding a blue pencil? There is no such thing as a technical violation. It’s straight yes or no! The US Navy officer did not just break some silly military “rule!” He broke the law of the land, the same law that applies to me; and hold on to your hat—the same law that applies to you, Mr. Editor!
And where have we heard the phrase “everyone is doing it”?
You slough off what should be a major consideration. This individual is a commissioned officer, under oath to obey US laws — all laws — not selective laws, who if a Naval aviator, when airborne, is responsible for the lives of four people, responsible for the operation of a million dollar machine, and responsible for possible use of lethal ordnance.
I hope you are not offended by the word “responsible.” He has no slack — ever — to be a hot dog; to act in a juvenile manner. Instead he should be setting a good example for his troops.
He must always act according to the laws, orders, procedures, and, yes, rules.
I do not envy the lieutenant’s commanding officer who now should be investigating this officer’s fitness to remain on flight status and also to remain in the Navy.
Yes, there is a flood of patriotism in this country and support of the service personnel. And well there should be! Completion of a combat tour is a time for celebration and rejoicing — but not anything goes.
As to you, Mr. Editor, your “So what?” to breaking a law one has sworn to uphold is editorial journalistic egotism at its worst, and indicates a complete disconnect with the military environment into which you have inserted yourself.
Incidentally, when did “Betsy Ross Home Page” vice the actual US Code become the major reference for a question regarding respect for the flag?
Paul Noel lived in Oak Harbor.
