Appreciate right to wave flag
I wonder if Gustavo Arellano would rethink his submission
“American
symbol distorted in gaudy displays” (Daily Bruin,
Viewpoint, Oct. 16) upon reflecting what life would be like for an
Afghan reporter expressing similar comments about that
nation’s flag.
The people of that country are forced to display loyalty to both
their nation and religion upon pain of death or worse. The beauty
in the wave of spirit, embodied by the stars and stripes which
soared in the aftermath of our national tragedy, is that it was a
spontaneous exhibition, originating in the minds of the American
people.
Perhaps the most poignant image I have ever seen was that of the
heroic members of the New York Fire Department hoisting the
American flag over the ruins of the World Trade Center.
Old Glory represents those men and women, and every American who
has ever felt pride in their country. It’s only political
connection is to the principles upon which our nation was founded.
These include the freedoms of speech, religion and the press, which
are often taken for granted. In that spirit, I respect
Arellano’s right to shelve his flag, but I will wave mine
with the pride of a man who appreciates the greatness of his
country.
Jeff Turk UCLA School of Law
Flag is a symbol for American values
Gustavo Arellano does not seem to understand what the Ameican
flag means, and why people wave the flag (“American
symbol distorted in gaudy displays,” Daily Bruin,
Viewpoint, Oct. 16). It is especially abhorrent that he states,
“I refuse to wave the flag precisely because most of the
United States is doing it.”
Displaying the flag is not condoning the government. Our flag is
a symbol of America itself. The attacks on the World Trade Center
were an attack on America, specifically, everything that is stood
for and everyone who is a part of it. It was an attack on those
shared and cherished commonalities that make us Americans.
The attacks reminded us all of what America was, and how it was
a part of us all. We display the flag because while we are
bloodied, we are nevertheless unbowed. We display the flag because
what it stands for is part of us ““ what it stands for is
good.
Daniel B. Rego Alumnus
America’s war a battle for freedom
This letter is in response to Mitra Ebadolahi and Shirin
Vossoughi’s column (“Proper
retribution entails more thought, less force,” Daily
Bruin, Viewpoint, Oct. 9).
While we await the creation of your proposed “impartial,
international body” to bring the “perpetrators to
justice,” what shall we do in the mean time? Shall we
passively sit back and wait while the Taliban government of
Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden declare “jihad” against
Israel and the United States, giving them free reign to plan more
heinous acts of mass destruction on even more innocent people? I
think not!
How quickly we seem to forget all of the lives that were lost so
that we Americans can partake in the liberties and freedoms of
today. Many died in the Revolutionary War which paved the way for
the birth of freedom and democracy. Hundreds of thousands died in
the Civil War so that racial equality could be obtained. And should
America have simply ignored Hitler as he invaded all of Europe and
wrongfully imprisoned and slaughtered millions of Jews?
“Freedom is Not Free,” (a quote which can be found
inscribed at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.) The fact
that you are able to voice our opinions against our government so
freely is a direct testament to the blood that has been shed to
allow you this unique and precious privilege.
According to your column, I and the majority of Americans, would
be labeled as racists and murderers. It is obvious that one cannot
reason with people who possess such extreme views that you hold to.
Your article encourages cynicism and criticism, which is your right
as stated in the Constitution of the United States.
However, I thank God we are not represented by people who share
your extreme views. At a time when our national security is on high
alert, I thank God that our elected officials are united in their
resolve to combat the evils of terrorism around the world. It is
time for all generations to join together to support and defend
democracy, justice and freedom. God help us if you ever represent
us in Washington D.C.!
Karrah Bristow Fourth-year Neuroscience