
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 4, 1990                   TAG: 9007050179
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-9   EDITION: HOLIDAY 
SOURCE: VICKI GARDNER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DAY OF PRIDE

HERE IT is again, the Fourth of July, a timely reminder of our heritage. It arrives just in time to counterbalance the frustration shared by many Americans over the issue of flag burning. The First Amendment allows for the freedom of expression. This liberty has been upheld by our elected officials, and no doubt, rightfully so.

Anticipating the annual fireworks displays signifying the autonomy won centuries ago, one can hardly rationalize the logic in the minds of flag arsonists. However, should these assailants be reprimanded and to what degree? In a day when a crucifix submerged in urine can be considered art, why would the burning of our national flag surprise us?

Maybe we should incorporate a few new traditions into this national day of celebration and deflate the impact of flag desecration. We could turn the tables on this game of attention-seeking.

Traditionally, the only way to dispose of a worn, torn American flag is to burn it! Maybe we could create a whole new national observance with this idea.

Just imagine the impact of some 200 million Americans setting ablaze their old flags simultaneously on Independence Day in a patriotic gesture while "America the Beautiful" echoes across the nation. Talk about fireworks! Boy, that would take the wind out of some demonstrating sails.

Think of the economic impact. Heck, if the flag-burning idea caught on, flag companies would spring up everywhere. Our nation's unemployed would be given a second chance. Why, the flag tax, freely offered by the people, for the people, would offset the savings-and-loan bailout. The possibilities are endless.

If we could turn flag burning into an international campaign and promote the idea to Third World nations, our export sales of self-igniting/exploding American flags could balance the trade deficit. Since many of these overseas people don't speak our language, we could just keep the premise our secret. Those who continue to demonstrate against the United States by flag burning will inadvertently be helping us . . . and not even know it.

America is truly the home of the free and the brave. We have once again proved that, by allowing a handful of discontented citizens to say how they felt even though it was a negative message.

Our mistake was to give this group of radicals the attention they begged for. For most of us, our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, a tear in our eye and a lump in our throat during the "Star Spangled Banner" while the fireworks light up the sky tonight is all the reminder we need that our national pride is alive and well.

by CNB