Editor,
While it is unfortunate that the individual cited in the story published in the Daily Lobo on Wednesday tore a flag, in proper journalism the background should have been explored. If there was no U.S. flag flying in the vicinity, the Mexican flag should not have been allowed to be hoisted and, depending on etiquette, position and simultaneous raising may have been appropriate. In watching a drum corps visiting from Mexico in Socorro last week, the city and the visitors also practiced poor U.S. flag etiquette by using a draping of a U.S. flag and raising the Mexican flag above the U.S. flag. While it may be popular to fly the Mexican flag here, New Mexico became part of the U.S. in 1912. Proper flag etiquette, especially in civil ceremonies and in public places, is the norm and not the exception.
It is interesting to note the two veteran UNM administrators quoted in the highly biased article, which did not cite or explore proper flag etiquette. Before reporting in a biased manner and becoming a puppet of UNM administration, perhaps you might consider the character and behaviors of your administrative sources as well as allowed breaches of etiquette in flag display, which are erroneously described as possible hate crimes.
Richard J. Willis
Daily Lobo reader
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