Comments on: Don't Demean This Flag!

Andy Rooney On Why He Thinks People Shouldn't Wear The Flag

[agavalis]

As a tax-attorney/accountant I wear a flag on my lapel to signify to clients and colleagues that while on the one hand I am in a position to decipher the tax-code in their favor, on the other, as a licensed attorney, I'm also an officer-of-the-court and indirect agent of the government to properly calculate taxes within prescribed guidelines.

While I can provide tax-savings, I%u2019m also an indirect tax-collector benefiting from deciphering government-sourced complexities. Therefore, the flag I wear on my lapel signifies my two-way role as a liaison between the government and those who use my abilities.

[bbernal100]

I am a Spanish student living in the U.S.A., and I must tell you that in Europe, most people think exactly like you Mr. Rooney. The flag in this country is in everything: car dealers, at produce section of supermarkets, on envelopes, etc, etc. I have even seen it imprinted on underwear! Americans have turned their flag, regrettably, into an overused pseudo-patriotic symbol, which in Europe is seen as supercilious and in very bad taste. If you don%u2019t believe %u2013 just ask any Spaniard, German, or French, and they will tell you they have reached nauseous levels with the ubiquitous parade of your beautiful flag.

Your culture has degraded to a very low point of sentimentality, and it is now permeated in every aspect and place of your society with a kitschy patina.

The flag has its place and time; it is to be used with respect, and in occasional events. Having it on your face all the time, ever where, demeans its importance, as you correctly pointed out in your last appearance.

You do an excellent job sir.

Respectfully,

Bernal

[eisman4]

Bravo, Andy! As you, I am from the old school of flag etiquette. It seems that after the events of September 11, 2001 ("9/11" is just a political, focal-point slogan), there has been a tremendous upsurge in American "patriots" displaying our flag in all sorts of gauche manners. Our flag was never intended, either by its designers or by those who fought to preserve it, to be used as underwear, beachwear, baseball caps, coffee mugs or neckties. What makes me absolutely cringe are the car antenna and window flags that have blown so much in the breeze that they are no longer anything more than tatters. Where were all of these flag-wearing patriots prior to that date? One of the results of the attacks on the World Trade Center was to line the pockets of specialty-item makers with gold. The real irony is that the vast majority of makers of these American Flag products are foreign, mostly Chinese! Where do you suppose G. W.'s pin was made?

[audi1202]

Dear Mr. Rooney,

If there is a silent little war going on in this country about people wearing the American Flag lapel pins, you certainly added fuel to their fire last night. At a time when patriotism is at an all-time low in our country and when traveling abroad we are even squirmish about uttering the words, %u201CI am an American,%u201D you chastise millions of Americans for showing signs and symbols of patriotism. Are you also telling me to stop wearing my cross necklace, my Buc%u2019s tee shirt, my Gucci watch and my red, white and blue %u201CI voted%u201D sticker on Tuesday? Andy, we Americans are all about symbolism and freedom. In addition, people who display the American Flag on their bumper stickers are not demeaning the flag. Quite to the contrary, they are showing how our nation%u2019s flag has significance and value to them. Lighten up, Andy, and don%u2019t criticize our President%u2019s lapel pin, either. That may be one tiny bit of hope that American%u2019s have left to bring the troops home after he has totally botched up any chances for people to have faith in our government again.

Maybe tonight%u2019s commentary was symbolic for you, Andy, telling the nation that you%u2019ve gone over the edge this time.

Patriotically yours,
Ajadair1

[hhowards1]

Now you've dunnit! Your flag (non)waving has unleashed the sunflowers (snflwr4real)!

[husser63]

Andy, I am afraid it is time for you to be put out to pasture and I have always supported you in the past.
Since 911 I have worn an American Flag to let any would-be terrorist know that there is an American in their presence. I intend to be as brave as the American's who said "Lets go..." on that fateful day and I will do whatever I can to interfere with any terrorist plot. Wearing an American Flag is my way of sending a warning in the hope of heading off something un-american, whatever that might be...

[random_radar]

Gosh, Mr. Rooney, I am surprised at how many negative comments people have made. I agree with you that we are cheapening the value of the flag as a symbol. Of course, people are free to do what they want with the flag...

But I perceive that the reason that politicians wear the flag is because otherwise we would doubt their allegiance. It is a way of covering up their deficiency in upholding the constitution and protecting our rights. It much easier to wear a flag to decieve the naive public than to stand up to "special interests" who want to take advantage of us.

Of course, judging from the psuedo-patriotic critics of your column, the politicians have them fooled pretty well. Our freedom may be ebbing away, but the flag waves proudly for the United Slaves of America!

[marcelde]

WHEN I SEE A NAZI SWASTIKA, I THINK OF THE FACISTS WHO BURNED BOOKS AND GASSED PEOPLE. ==

WHEN I SEE A CONFEDERATE FLAG, I THINK OF THE FACISTS WHO TARRED AND FEATHERED AND HUNG OUR BRETHERN. ==

WHEN I SEE OUR WONDERFUL SACRED FLAG ON A LAPEL, BIKINI, OR BALLOON, I WORRY THAT OUR SYMBOL HAS BECOME ASSOCIATED, NOT WITH THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE,

BUT WITH THIS MISADMINISTRATION AND ITS ALLEGIANCE TO WAR, LIES,& IMPRISONMENT IN SECRET FOREIGN JAILS. ==

I SEE HYPOCRITICAL RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS LIKE HAGGARD. ==

HYPOCRITICAL CONGRESSMEN LIKE FOLEY. ==

REPUBLICAN SCANDALS LIKE THAT OF NEY AND ABRAMHOF ==

A PRESIDENT WHO IS NOT A LEADER BUT A *DECIDER* ==

I THINK WITH *SHOCK AND AWE* OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR COUNTRY AND TRUE AMERICAN VALUES. ==

I WONDER WHEN *MISSION ACCOMPLISHED* WILL MEAN HEALTH CARE FOR ALL, AND AN END TO TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH. ==

I PRAY FOR THE SAFE AND SOON RETURN OF OUR SOLDIERS AND URGE BUSH NOT TO *BRING EM ON* BUT *BRING EM HOME !* ==

WHEN SANITY RETURNS TO THIS POTENTIALLY GREAT LAND, THEN I WILL ONCE AGAIN PROUDLY WEAR OUR FLAG. ==

[ftwaynekeith]

Andy, Andy, Andy,
You probably did not even know that there is an etiquette of proper wearing of a flag pin. It should always be on the left and always be above any other pin (clubs etc.). If worn on a hat the same applies; never below ANY other emblem and always straight in position.
My company has given away thousands of flag pins and 100's of thousands of flag decals. In this time of stress on our patriotism and beliefs it is a way of saying "WE BELIEVE IN THIS COUNTRY" and what the flag stands for.
You usually are clever and smart. On this topic you were neither.
Upon your request, I will send you a supply of flag pins with the instruction card as to how to wear it.
May God bless the U.S.A.

[jiminokc]

Regarding your commentary on our Flag: Thank you for saying what I've been thinking for a long time. I've sent a letter with some more thoughts; I think a two page letter is too long to be a "comment".

[kayinmo]

Andy Rooney,
I have watched 60 minutes and you for years and years. This is the first time that I have felt strongly enough about your comments to make a reply. I am very disappointed in you and your negative comments on people wearing the American flag pins. I suppose you would condemn me for flying an American flag in front of my small business, which I do everyday. You have gone off the deep end. For years, I have watched you on 60 minutes whether I agreed or not with what you said, but last evenings comments from you evidently show your true character. I will not be watching your segment on 60 minutes ever again. Dissappointed in Andy Rooney from Mo.

[shavilan]

Dear Mr. Rooney,
You oppose people wearing the American Flag as jewelry and call it "demeaning to it as a symbol." Does this also apply to another symbol that many people wear as jewelry - the cross?

Sue Haviland

[windyw-2009]

Back in the days of Harry Truman and John F Kennedy it was uncommon for Americans to hate their own country--in fact it was presumed that most Americans loved their country. I believe that people who wear or display the flag these days are making a statement that they believe in this country and stand for it, which is no longer a given for politicians or citizens and especially apparent for the mainstream press including CBS news.

[dalidog255]

As a Girl Scout Leader for 25 years, I have taught my scouts flag respect. Every year we hold flag disposal ceremonies, when we burn old flags given to our troop from post offices, businesses, etc. It is small minded people like you who think since we are burning flags, that we dishonoring the American flag and not %u201Csupporting the troops%u201D. As the daughter of a D-Day Navy veteran, the niece of 35-year Navy pilot, wife of an Air Force Vietnam Veteran, the aunt of an Air Force airman currently serving our country, no American is more supportive of the flag than me. One of my sons lived near in the Pentagon on 9/11 and witnessed the horrid event. Now, the %u201Chot button%u201D issue is burn a flag ~ get beat up! However, US Flag Code states disposal for worn flags is burning! We are not burning in protest, but in respect. But sometimes small minded people do not understand, or do not wish to understand what our Girl Scouts are doing. I fear you may be fanning the flames.

[em50bc11]

Mr Rooney:
Just because you hate America and were a reporter and a coward during WWII you think you have the right to tell people what they should and not do. You ae entitled to your opinion but don't tell the American people and the people who serve in the Miltary and who have given up their lives so you can get on TV and tell people how much you hate Ameerica and everything it stands for and everything you hate. All you are is just a cranky old man who has stayed at his job to long. Why do you just get a life and leave everyone alone.

[flograp-2009]

I wear crossed Marine Corps and the American flag on my left lapel or collar, closest to my heart and a Bronze Star lapel pin on my right that I earned in combat serving with the U.S. Marines in Korea during 1952-1953.
I wear them as a patriotic symbol in support of the brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces during this period of the global war against terrorism and in the Iraq conflict. Wearing these symbols is in support of my country that provides all of us opportunity and freedoms which includes the right to express our views.
In this regard, and taking a page from your style Mr. Rooney, I wonder if you really believe in all the often cynical views you express on 60-minutes or if you have other motives.

[observantx]

Dear Mr. Rooney:

AMEN!

Lately politicians wearing the flag has the same purpose as a wolf wearing a sheepskin.

[edjohn66]

"My point is, I have earned the right to wear a flag pin if I want to and you don't have the right to criticize me or anyone else that wants to do the same."

Yes, he DOES have the right to criticize you or anyone else that wants to wear a lapel pin. Its called freedom of speech, and its guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.

[amydenise1]

The United States flag code states that the American flag should not be worn as apparel or decoration. This includes ties, pins, etc. I'm an Army wife and support our troops all the way, but I agree w/this article 100%.

[jpack78]

Mr. Rooney

I served in the US Navy for over 33 years and I wear a flag on my label with pride. I now own a ranch i Texas and when I am working out in the pasture I don't wear a pin because I doubt that the cows would care or know the difference. My point is, I have earned the right to wear a flag pin if I want to and you don't have the right to criticize me or anyone else that wants to do the same.