Jack’s Winning Words 6/14/16
“The flag is a symbol of our national unity.”  (Adrian Cronauer)  Flag Day is said to have begun in 1885 in a Fredonia, Wisconsin, classroom.  The teacher suggested that the pupils have a birthday for the American flag (it had 38 stars).  Of course today’s flag has 50 stars, one for each state in the United States of America.  It’s ironic that the battle for state’s rights should continue under a banner symbolizing unity.  No one ever said that marriage was easy.    ;-)  Jack

FROM JLF AT BULL'S EYE:  Did you out your flag out today?====JACK:  It is now!

FROM TRIHARDER:  I can't feel united with anyone that uses the flag as a weapon rather than a symbol of freedom.====JACK:  One of the principles that unites us is the freedom of speech (expression).  The symbolism of the flag is greater that the divergent opinions of the populace.====TH:  We united by one flag. But its13 stripes which could symbolize diversity seem to be becoming splinters. ====JACK:  What do you think of Lady Justice, with her blindfold and scales, being used as a symbol in courts?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  WHEN I WAS in high school i was on a debate team.  the resolution one year was:  should Alaska and/or Hawaii be admitted to the Union?  i was on the affirmative side. ====JACK:  I remember those days.  The Civil War, in part, was fought over new states being added to the union.  Change has always been a hard sell...even for the Church.  Did you ever fight the battle as to whether or not the American flag should be displayed in the front of the church.
====ST PAUL:  indeed.   it was not an issue at SLLC where we did display the two flags but it was here a few  years ago.  we struck a compromise.  the flag is displayed in the building along with all our service personnel, etc.  but not in the nave.  there are no flags in the chancel.   there was one patriot who was quite incensed but we talked him down and tried to explain that the Kingdom of God is not the same as the USA.  he is still quite active at the church.

FROM TARMART REV:   Well stated, my friend!!====JACK:  I would hope that the politicians would see the lapel flag, not as a vote-getter, but as a sign that they believe in the principle, "one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."====REV:  I will pray with you that they will . . . perhaps God can speak to their hearts better than we . . . sometimes I feel we come across only as "resounding gongs or a clanging cymbals" to the standard bearers.====JACK:  Did you ever watch Jim Barris and the Gong Show.  YouTube probably has an episode or two.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We have a Belle Tire store that flies a huge American flag. When the wind blows hard, it snaps and flutters.  We love to see that large flag.  New Baltimore is in the process of receiving donations for Michigan tallest flag pole.  We met an English lady who has moved to Michigan last year.  She told us they can no longer fly the 5 states flags because they may be offensive to some people.  She said she was finally able to fly her flag for the first time....here in the United States.  Flags are very important and we should treat them with deep respect.====JACK:  When I see those businesses displaying HUGE American flags by the curbside, I wonder if it's a display of patriotism or a way to circumvent zoning ordinances that don't allow other banners like that.  What do you think?  Maybe I'm being too cynical.====JUDY:  Belle Tire didn't have to fight anyone for the flag.  Neither did New Baltimore.  We are by Selfridge Air Base and we have a lot of active and veterans living in the area.  It's patriotism!====JACK:  Here's what I read...Belle Tire displays its patriotism by flying a large American flag, a company tradition started in 1991 during the Gulf War.  “We thought it was important to show our patriotism,” said Jeff Kruse, vice president of Belle Tire. “We think it’s still important to continue to show it.”  The 20-by-30 foot flag flies on a 60-foot pole and is replaced every two months, he said. Rocket Enterprise Inc. from Warren, Mich. is hired to maintain and replace the flag.  Belle Tire leases the flag for $1,500 per year, which covers the cost of repair and replacements, said Lisa Adams, a sales representative for Rocket Enterprise.  The flag and pole can withstand winds up to 90 miles per hour, she added. The pole has to be wide enough to accommodate such a large flag.  Belle Tire has large flags in front of 76 locations in the Midwest, said Mr. Kruse.  “We get thousands of comments annually from customers and people who drive by and see it. They say they appreciate it,” he added.

FROM RS IN TEXAS:  Nope.  And few realize there is no comma (and therefore should be no hesitation or pause) between "one nation" and "under God" in the pledge to the flag.====JACK:  I remember the "todo" that arose when "under God" was added to the pledge.  There were good reasons given by those on both sides of the issue.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  We haven't had much unity in recent years; we really are a very diverse nation, but when it comes to "them" vs. 'us" I think we are still patriotic Americans! We don't want another war, to unite us in a cause!! How privileged we are to live in the USA...you almost have to have some experience "abroad" to fully realize that!  My flag is out! God Bless America!====JACK:  The flag is a symbol of what we stand for, just as the cross is a symbol for Christians.  Even the 10 Commandments are a sign of what God wants us to strive for.  We must not allow ourselves to let go of our principles, just because everything's not perfect.

FROM RJP IN NAPLES:  No Marriage is easy......it takes cooperation, consideration and compromise and in the case of our nation we need Washington to be willing to do the same. As my dear mother used to say,  " Tain't easy McGee" Taken from the old radio show Fibber McGee and Molly.  I do realize you are tooo young to remember that show.====JACK:  Of course, I remember Fibber McGee and Molly.  Fibber and Molly were really a married couple, Jim and Marian Jordan.  In their show, I liked the name of the street they lived on...Wistful Vista.  Do you remember what street you lived on when you were first married?====RJP:  Sure do....Oak Park Blvd in Oak Park, Ill. One room studio apt. Can't recal the exact address though because we were only there 6 months as we returned to Western Illinois U to go back to school.====JACK:  "Those were the days. my friend," as the song goes.