Hmmm...what if someone puts a Muslim crescent on a flag? How would that be digested by the masses?

Was this taken at John Ashcroft's house? I am sure he applauds this kind of flag.

Man, I really dislike that one.

I do have a lot of trouble understanding why Americans waste so much time and energy and treasure on issues surrounding the symbol of the flag! It is a flag, for goodness sakes; nothing else.

In fact, it is nothing more than a commercial symbol these days, used on the backsides of jeans, on cigarette rolling papers, on condoms.

If this kind of energy and concern could be directed at REAL problems....

I don't think you're over reacting at all. This bothers me, too. And no, it wouldn't be better if it was something else instead of the Jesus fish. This country provide the freedom and infinite ways to express your views, opinions, religious beliefs, thoughts, ideas, etc. That person can surely find a way to do it without messing with the flag. Sorry, but I think the 50 states represented by those missing stars are more important than his religion.

I think it's funny. I'll let this link explain: http://www.minitru.org/llf/sf.html And to put that on a flag pole too! What were these people thinking?

As usual, Jak the anti-statist and anarchist belittles a flag.

Just like the pledge, the flag is what it is. It's a symbol of this country and is recognized worldwide as such. To replace any part of it with anything is insane.

The flip side of it is that we as Americans, are so damned tolerant of everything that this flag is perfectly acceptable, or at least will never be addressed to whomever decided to fly it.

I could argue that the symbol, the "vesica piscis"(SP?)is an ancient symbol, a portion of the Flower Of Life, that it's a symbol of female fertility, more ancient than christianity, but that's beside the point. I don't think it belongs on the Murkan Flag. I am not one to worship the Flag anyway, but I do think it's highly innapropriate.

Thanks to all who took time to respond. Having taken more time to think about it, I've decided that it is just a case of free speech. No problem with that. I'm not forced, coerced, or held up to scorn if I dislike it. That is the test of free speech isn't it. If only speech you agree with is tolerated or approved of then you are not really in favor of free speech. In that way it is different from the pledge issue, where coercion, scorn and ridicule are sometimes involved.

Norm, I have to agree that it's a freedom of speech question. Altering the flag for a political purpose by cutting and pasting is, really, no different from altering it by lighting and burning--I may be sickened by such blatant corruption of what I see as 'the meaning(s)' of the flag, but based on my own previously voiced convictions I have no choice but to defend this flag-alterer's right to do so.

I am so tired of people complaining about things in this world that do not matter in the least! Yes I am loyal to my country and I am thankful for those who fought and died to protect us and give us freedom. But I also believe that there are more important things to worry about than whether someone has a flag with an icthus on it. So next time you feel like complaining about something look at the people around you who are hurting and in need and worry about their needs instead.