US Armed Forces Veteran Wraps Newborn in US Flag in Photo...Sparks Outrage

a reply to: Sremmos80

Surely. However, when one violates a law in multiple ways, it tends to negate any argument about "the spirit" and turn it into a "didn't care."

To restate my position: I really don't care what they do. I myself would never consider doing it. They wear a flag every day. If they have any clue as to how violently people in the military react to a flag touching the ground, they probably should've seen this coming. While I don't particularly care what they do, I don't particularly feel bad for them either.

These same people are outraged at any showing of the flag, any display of patriotism and have ecstatic fits of joy over anything socialist.

a reply to: CharlieSpeirs

It's their right and I don't think it should be illegal. But they will suffer the ridicule and criticism. That's my right too!
Deal with it!

While I, as a photographer and an American, think it is tacky to use the flag as a prop in a newborn photo shoot...

a reply to: lovebeck
You think a U.S. Navy VETERAN is "tacky" to have wrapped his child in the flag? I say that he has the "right" to do whatever he wishes with that flag. As a matter of fact, he has the "right" more than anyone else to do so without fear of ridicule. I will give him my Dad's Casket Flag to wrap his next. My Dad (Navy Vet.) will be beaming with pride. Tacky, my a**.

LOVE.

So, I'm a veteran and here are my thoughts on this- the picture is beautiful. It violates, by the letter of the law, the US flag code. The first amendment trumps code 110%. I'm cool with that.

I'm absolutely fine with the idea of fighting and dying for the inalienable rights enshrined in our founding documents. I revere the flag and what it should stand for, but I'd never want anyone punished for what they do to a piece of cloth. Symbolism is important, and I understand that, but the right of every human being to express themselves in art or any human endeavour using their voice or the media of the day is a right granted by the Creator, I've always found that worth dying for.

Anyone bitching about this really needs to look in their heart, and ask themselves why it offends them. The ideals of this flag are ageless and worthy. Wrapping a baby in it presents no threat. Burning or pissing on it without reprise proves its resiliency and agelessness.

One will cover my coffin. Why should I take offense to one holding a newborn.

A piece of cloth, soaked in the blood of innocents.

If you get upset at that and not us flag shorts, bikinis, head bands etc, you have a screw lose.

a reply to: lovebeck

The people who are "outraged" or rather made an anonymous grievance online are the same sort of people who scour through the bible looking for ammo to berate religious followers from a spiteful and loaded atheist stance.

Usually people who are anal retentive with the rules of flag code also advocate on how it should not be displayed anywhere in their possible sight....because they are douche bags that hate more than they love. They look for ways to fight "fire with fire", since anyone who loves their country and people is their chosen enemy...since they are hateful, petty people.

This photo is love and thoughtfulness wrapped up in a single frame. Anyone who doesnt like it is not anti american or unpatriotic or what ever. You are less human for being a prick over this.

To those people I say this: Let the party continue. You were invited even if you chose not to come. Let a people enjoy their country and each other under a spirit of unity and love. Freaking LOVE...for fraks sake. Why would someone loving their country and people be so damn offensive to anyone? You have to be as nasty as vinegar to think like that.

My only feeling about the picture is that it's cute. I wouldn't do it, but they're not me, so who cares?

I will say that when someone puts a picture on Facebook, it's like opening your arms wide and saying, Please love me and criticize me. And there WILL be both! People WILL be outraged. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and it shouldn't be a surprise at all that they post it. If they don't want criticism, don't put it out there for the entire world to see! Send it to Gramma and a few friends and let it be.

Looks like a slow news day since the news is reporting non-issues.