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From: Marc Yablonka
Dated: October 3, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Ken, I obviously didn't invest the deep thought into the poem that you have, and I really appreciate your taking the time to say why the poem troubles you. I don't know the poet personally, or his original intent., I can assure you, though that, in no way, did I mean to denigrate any of the other professions that the poet mentioned by posting it. Also, I didn't get the impression that the poem itself particularly denigrates those professions, God bless them one and all!, but again I didn't give it as much that as you have. When I read it, I was reminded of the expression "If you're reading this, thank a teacher. If you're reading it in English, thank a Soldier." I don't think that expression denigrates teachers like me. It only serves to remind us that many Americans, in particular those who have not served like the 1% of the population who have, take too much for granted. Thanks!
Marc
From: Marc Yablonka
Dated: October 3, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
My pleasure, Bob.
Marc Phillip Yablonka
From: Steve Sevits
Dated: October 4, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
A long time ago a flag scholar observed that those who intentionally disrespect wind up disrespecting themselves more than the flag. Having once been in the flag business for a number of years I agree.
Steve
It is the Soldier
October, 2019
From: Bob Morecook
Dated: October 5, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Hi Marc and all In reading this what I hear is that it is the soldier who makes all this possible. From a PRACTICAL point of view. Others ALSO do this - such as the courts, police. I think I read it too casually -- that it is only praise of the soldier. Soldiers are fundamental and essential but not unique. Many fields also are necessary to protect our freedoms. But without soldiers ALSO they would be seriously at risk or perhaps in time, absent.
best wishes,
Bob
From: Preston Cluff
Dated: October 4, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Ken, I am a HUGE fan of the American Legion's proposal. That flag never hits the ground as it is proudly waved at events...and many times there are soldiers/police officers doing the waving. Compare that to some idiot too lazy to get a job, but finding time to complain about being mistreated in some manner, and burning it or tearing it up. For the time being, I'll cringe as I respect his/her right to do that.
Preston
From: Steve Sevits
Dated: October 4, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Nothing is ever a permanent MATTER OF SETTLED LAW, courts can and do reverse themselves. Just remember the Dred Scott decision.
Steve
From: Marc Yablonka
Dated: October 5, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
That’s exactly what I was trying to say In my response to Ken, Bob.. Only you said it better (and in fewer words)!
AFVN Group Conversations
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: October 4, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
It’s a matter of settled law, Preston. The SCOTUS ruling makes disrespectful treatment of the flag a freedom of speech matter. Your argument says that violating the display rules is good or bad depending upon who does it. Good if a cop or soldier does it, bad if a protester does it. That’s not a valid logic argument, much less a valid legal one.
Ken
From: Ken Kalish
Dated: October 3, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Mark, I’ve seen this before and been troubled by it before.
Unfortunately, most people who like it don’t understand or agree with what the words say (not what the writer intended). Freedom of religion does not mean “Be Christian or be gone.” Neither do most people appreciate that last line. Our flag is not a religious symbol. Showing disrespect to the flag is simply a violation of many people’s mores. It is not a crime, despite the attempts by the American Legion to make it so. Hundreds of thousands of “patriotic” Americans who would flush red to see a football player kneel during the Anthem and presentation of the flag have absolutely no qualms about applauding the horizontal presentation of the flag as a prelude to a sports event. Can’t have it both ways. Either one is required to be religious or one is not. Either it is mandatory that one show respect for the flag or it is not. One is either committed to the rules of flag display or one is not. It’s that simple.
Ken
From: Bob Morecook
Dated: October 3, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
This is SO true. Thanks for posting this.
Bob M
From: Marc Yablonka
Dated: October 3, 2019
Subject: It is the Soldier
Came upon this poem on LinkedIn tonight and thought I would pass it on:
It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
© 1970 2010
Charles M. Province, U.S. Army