Do you fly the flag?

[Herb Parsons]

Irony

I think the REAL irony is that there are those that will defend a "protester's" right to run down the country, then attack someone for running down the protester. Mamma always said, don't play with the big boys if you don't wanna play rough.In the past, I flew an American, Texas and private flag (a gift from one of my many daughters). I went through three sets of the US and Texas flags and finally wore out the private flag. I hung them off a combo topping lift/flag halyard about halfway up the length of the leech. Before I replaced them, I found that they should have been 2/3 the way up the leech, so I'm going to wait and replace the topping left/flag halyard. Plus, I won't fly them 24/7 anymore either. Hope to have them back up by the 4th.

 

[Tom s/v GAIA]

Hey, if Mike doesn't like the flag,

I can respect that. In fact I'll even give him a match so he can burn it. After I wrap him up in it and soak him with gasoline.I'm a Vietnam vet and my name is,Toms/v GAIA

 

[Stu Jackson]

Isn't the concept to be able to have a...

discussion or debate about the issues without resorting to violence?

 

[Bill Roosa]

Two ways out of this mess

I like sailing and that is why I come here. I see 2 ways out of this mess:1) Stop feeding the dog you don't want to live. When somebody makes a "comment" that you "just have to get him on that one", don't. Just ignore those posts. They don't get any response (which is what they want) and they die.2) Tactical Thermonuclear Flame. You can come back with a retort that is so universally embarrassing the original poster goes elsewhere for easier game. This does require a high level of skill however and if you are unsuccessful you will only "fan the flames"This is America and everybody is entitled to their opinion, even the dummies. Of course if a dummy has an opinion do I care? Will I waist my breathe arguing with a dummy? Kinda like teaching pigs to sing; it irritates the pig and frustrates the instructor.For the record; I too am a vet.Tom: can I be your battle buddy on the flag burning detail?

 

[Old Salt]

Sorry Dewayne if I upset your sensitive nature

Maybe your new here, In the past Phil and the others who run this website and bulletin board have made it clear that purely political posts are not wanted or accepted here. I know that you were responding to Mike opening salvo but returning fire just keeps the battle going. As I said I hold Mike for firing the first shot with a purely political stance that had little or nothing to do with sailing, then it wentr downhill from there.Its funny that you ASSUME that "I don't care for your opinion" You know what happens when you ASSUME don't you ? Because you'd be wrong on this subject. The thing is that political debates don't belong on a Sailing BB. As a matter of protocol . Sure some debates that have to do with boating will always slide sideways into a political debate. Cruising to Cuba, the ICW, Santorium (Senator from PA) and NOAA weather, etc. But when a politically tinged comment has nothing to do with sailing its not needed or wanted here. And I hate to break this to you but even though this is an open and public forum it is not YOUR website and Bulletin Board. Its Phil's and if anyone is going to post here they are expected to abide by their rules and terms of use (BTW - Off Topic posts happen to be one of them) If you want to post whatever the h*ll you want then I suggest you start your own website and bulletin board and manage it yourself and invite Mike and Black Jack and all the others there.One last thing. Jeez and I'm sorry I have to explain POX to you. . It has various meanings that could work for this discussion. Just google it -- But as it pertains to boating "Pox" is commonly used to denote blisters non your hull.

 

[M King]

Clarification

Gentleman, my name is also Michael and I to live in the Knoxville, TN area. Just so you can tell the difference, my boat is the one flying the American flag with pride and treating it with the respect and dignity to which it is entitled. I remember the 'Pledge Of Allegiance', pray to my God and love my country...have a great 4th !!!

 

[Elliot - SailboatOwners.com]

Lets tone it down.

Yep, it's true. This thread should have been deleted a few days ago. We can all let it go and get back to sailing. Don't forget about the political forum available in the menu at the top of the page if you need to express yourself some more.  I try to always fly the flag off the backstay. I'd like to get a stern flag pole someday. That just seems more nautical.

 

[Harry]

Sorry guys & gals

But I can't let it go....I'm also a member of a unique minority group....middle aged, Vietnam vet. Mike, I'm proud of your comfort in expressing your views, and like others, I believe you have the right (and duty) to express divergent opinions. However, it pains me to see the way you express them. I feel your methods are disrespectful and hurtful to many people, and that won't earn you heaven points either. Seeing the flag flying upside down brings a tear everytime. Brings up memories of things you will never have to experiecce (we hope). Could you find another way?

 

[Ross]

Harry, there will always be people

who fail to value the priviledges that they enjoy. I am afraid that trying to change them is a complete waste of effort. These same people also complain about the decisions made by the politicians and yet they never vote. There is no benefit in throwing pearls in front of swine they can understand the value if they can't eat it, f### it, or take it to the bank.I too am a vet, in and out before Vietnam got too hot. I care that the work that has been done by a few and benifits so many seems to go unacknowledged. We should complain when things are wrong in this country but complain in a positive manner and offer a remedy.

 

[Dwayne Hillier]

BOAT POX!!!

&^%^&% Boat POX! Why did I not see that???!!! Oh ya, eyes clouded over in rage. On a lighter note; I've heard of Boat Pox but I've not seen it with my own eyes. Not sure I would even know what I was looking at.

 

[dwayne Hillier]

Ummmm, I too served

...for the record. Since you are all, mostly, big on this flag thing, something I just don't get, perhaps you could enlighten me on 'protocol' should I ever visit US waters...with regards to flying your flag? I know to treat it with respect, I do that to all flags regardless of nation, but as for a sailboat, where am I suppose to fly it...off the spreader, if so which one, Starboard?? What about just off the Transom...oh wait, another flag is suppose to go there. Tell ya what, just to make things easy for me I'll have a new sail made up with the Stars and Stripes and another with a Maple Leaf and then all will be well and enough with this whole flag...flap (pun inteded).

 

[Herb Parsons]

I Believe...

If your boat is Canadian, the starboard side would be the proper place to fly our flag.

 

[Ferg]

dwayne ....

….. when visiting ANY other country, the polite thing to do is fly that country’s flag off the Starboard spreader. I keep a flag halyard just for that purpose. Now, it is OK to fly the “Leaf” off the stern, it’s even OK if the Leaf is bigger than, say, the Stars and Stripes, just as long as the host country’s flag flies higher. The Leaf flies about 4 feet above my sternrail.I myself am a bit “disappointed" in America of late. However, I would point out the “Politics, Religion and other Angst” section of this site to all who want to squabble it out! It’s fun and interesting, right Herb? ;DLater, eh!Ferg

 

[Herb Parsons]

Definitely Interesting

And Ferg, I'm not the least disappointed with Canada.But then, my expectations weren't very high. Gotcha, eh?

 

[Ferg]

~*L*~ Yep Herb ...

and you're still funny!Later, eh!Ferg

 

[dmattlin]

Always fly your colors...

I have a mount on my stern where I can attach my American flag. I never leave the dock without it. Here in San Diego it is unusual to see people without their flag. I have even seen stop stop those without their flag and ask where there flag is. If you decide to fly your flag besure to take it off at night fall and always keep it secure.**Tip** If your sailing in waters where there is a near by naval or marine base you will gain much more respect from your local Coast guard, Vessel assist and other passing American boats..