Ettiquette Law

[Mythos]

Hi all,

I suffer from scrupulosity, so the answer to this may be obvious, but I was wondering how far our obligation to obey laws extends. Namely, the U.S. Flag Code, which is technically law, but is frequently called ‘advisory’ and ‘flag etiquette’. There are no legal penalties for breaking it, but I’m wondering whether this would be morally binding, given that it is officially a law.

Does this mean I have to get rid of my shirts, matchboxes, and everything else that violates this code?

 

[Hlafdige]

The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.

Some of the content of this code – including the above statement on the reasoning behind these observances – borders on idolatry, to say the least. For me, that in itself would be reason enough to hold onto those shirts and souvenirs.

 

[TheDoctor]

Hi all,

I suffer from scrupulosity, so the answer to this may be obvious, but I was wondering how far our obligation to obey laws extends. Namely, the U.S. Flag Code, which is technically law, but is frequently called ‘advisory’ and ‘flag etiquette’. There are no legal penalties for breaking it, but I’m wondering whether this would be morally binding, given that it is officially a law.

Does this mean I have to get rid of my shirts, matchboxes, and everything else that violates this code?

No. Your shirt is NOT a flag, it is a garment decorated with the flag colors or stars to look like a flag. What the code says you can’t do is to take a flag and wrap it around your body wearing it (the flag) as clothing.

Better?

 

[royal_archer]

Some of the content of this code – including the above statement on the reasoning behind these observances – borders on idolatry, to say the least. For me, that in itself would be reason enough to hold onto those shirts and souvenirs.

A flag is a symbol in many ways just like a cross. We do not worship the cross, but we do hold it in respect for what it represents. the Flag is a symbol of our country and our way of life. It also represents the Men and women who served this nation. To use the flag in a way that is not sensative to that, is disrespectful to the things it represents.

 

[Hlafdige]

The cross represents the Cross of Christ, which is at the center of all things created and through which God the Son makes saints of sinners. The flag represents a commonwealth, an artefact of human society, which even if it should last for a thousand years would never be immortal like the least human soul. President Obama‘s face and slogan „Yes we can“ are printed on many a t-shirt without disrespect either to him or to to the country he represents.

Respect is due the country, and respect is due the flag, but not the sort of reverence we show for the Cross.

 

[Fawkes]

A flag is a symbol in many ways just like a cross. We do not worship the cross, but we do hold it in respect for what it represents. the Flag is a symbol of our country and our way of life. It also represents the Men and women who served this nation. To use the flag in a way that is not sensitive to that, is disrespectful to the things it represents.

Agreed.

Respect is due the country, and respect is due the flag, but not the sort of reverence we show for the Cross.

I do not think that royal archer was putting the flag on the same level as the Cross. However, from the point of respect, both should be treated with such.

 

[royal_archer]

Agreed.

I do not think that royal archer was putting the flag on the same level as the Cross. However, from the point of respect, both should be treated with such.

And to clarify the respect due in proportion to what they represent.