LETTERS: WHAT'S A REAL FLAG?

To the editor:

I read with interest the letter from O.L. Shannon who discussed the desirability of having an anti-desecration amendment. I have long been interested in the various customs and courtesies which are accorded the flag through tradition and proclamation, even though they do not have the force of law. These non-binding regulations contain many recommended rules which are being broken on a daily basis, most likely because most Americans are simply unfamiliar with flag etiquette.

For several years, a major retailer imprinted the flag on its disposable soda cans. However, they seemed very responsive to removing it from their cans once it was pointed out that their practice was inconsistent with recommended guidelines for courteous flag display.

It seems to me one of the initial goals prior to any legislative reform pertaining to the desecration issue is to delimit the definition of the U.S. flag.

There are those who currently do not view the U.S. flag on stamps as "real flags" although they apparently are considered so by current definition. As strange as it seems, one's point of view regarding the act of flag desecration may depend on the definition of the flag itself. Does the act of throwing a "U.S. flag" postal stamp in the trash along with disposable diapers, used coffee grounds and egg shells constitute flag desecration even though it is not done with malicious intent?

How about the cancellation of the stamp itself? It appears to me we must first define "U.S. flag" and then, if desirable, move on to identifying what would constitute desecration. It is my current understanding that changing the definition may require a presidential proclamation.

Jerrell L. Driver, Ph.D.

Cape Girardeau