What's your thinking? 

Pioneer Press
Fort Jones, CA

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

page 7, column 4

pioneerp@sisqtel.net

Underlying these emotions is the desire to not do anything foolish, unpatriotic, counterproductive, or stupid (or brave.)  People are looking at oncoming regulations regarding water usage; entry into the forests we own as citizens; the legality of our septic systems; our unfettered right to own guns (and ammunition;) the State and National debts, which will surely result in inflation which will make our incomes much less able to provide for our food, clothing and shelter; what our health care systems will look like next year; and the list goes on and on (you can add many more, I'm sure.)

The point is, I have seen many diverse positions that play right into the hands of the very governmental elements, and other groups, that are looking to put these regulations on our backs.  Their theory is, "Divide and Conquer."  Each of us is generally concerned with our own heartburn and devil take the hindmost.  And. I don't believe we can prevail with that attitude.  Shouldn't we have an overall rallying theme, and action, that will give us  the knowledge that we are part of a team and not out there fighting the battle on our own? In addition, we need those courageous leaders who will arise from the crowd to keep the team moving in the right direction. We can see hope in the Tea Parties; what else are we going to do? Or, are we just preaching to the choir?

Mark Stephens of Yreka had taken a bold move to proclaim his alarm at what is transpiring by flying his U.S. Flag upside. This action is prescribed in the congressional direction on flag etiquette (item #8) as appropriate when you feel your life or property is in danger. 

 

Some unpatriotic, or ignorant, soul saw fit to tear down Mark's flagpole and flag to try to shut him up.  If the action of flying the flag upside down as a "statement" affects the "certain people" like that maybe it is just exactly the rallying stand that is needed.  Can you imagine the affect that millions of upside down flags would have on the politicians in Washington, DC, and Sacramento? Mark is having second thoughts about his action, as he feels alone; I haven't turned my flag upside down, either.  I would feel very alone if I did.  My question to you is, "What is your thinking about this?"  If there is an outpouring of support, we will carry forth with the concepts on a statewide and national level.  If not, we'll hang our head and shut up. What about it tea drinkers and others?  Are the thoughts unpatriotic, brave or just plain dumb? Let's hear it in print or by phone.