Flag debacle is everyone's fault; now let's move on

Editor,

Let us see if we can't finish off all of the silliness over the flag incident. First, let's blame everyone involved, then absolve them and then shut up.

First, the U.S. Code states: "When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace."

That means that when the El Centro de la Raza students raised the Mexican flag on a pole of lesser height than the U.S. flag - which they did - they were in violation of the law. They were also unwittingly guilty of disrespecting Mexico on its day of independence.

Then the ROTC cadets didn't take it down the following Monday, leaving a foreign flag flying alone on U.S. soil. I suppose that somehow proves we shouldn't be in Iraq.

Then, another student took it upon himself to remove the Mexican flag and damage it. Which, if nothing else, proves umbrage can de disguised as patriotism and that free speech is still punishable. Remember, U.S. courts have held that ripping up, burning or wearing on the seat of your pants the U.S. flag is acceptable speech. And if I recall correctly, there have been demonstrations in Mexico where the U.S. flag has been desecrated.

Next, important people became outraged about the removal and damage, but then had to backtrack and be apologetic about the installation and failure to remove the flag in the first place, blaming it all, of course, on that dreaded, intellectually boggy concept called miscommunication. But making yourself out to be the south end of a northbound horse is also free speech, and these were, after all, important people. So I'll say no more.

Thus, the students who put the flag up were in error; the students who didn't take it down were in error; the student who did take it down was in error; and important people made fools of themselves.

Everyone involved may now hold out their left hand and give themselves a light slap with their right hand as due punishment. There, you are absolved. Now get back to educating and being educated.

Donald Burge

UNM staff