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Patriotism gone wrong

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Contributed by: Hannah Smith on 10/19/2006

"Any person who displays any flag other than the flag of the United States of America or the state of Colorado...upon any state, county, municipal, or other public building commits a class 1 petty offense," states Colorado law 18-11-205 which is preventing many valuable learning opportunities.

Supporters of this law remind everyone of the importance of patriotism and even quote former President Theodore Roosevelt who said, "There is room here [in the United States] for only 100 percent Americanism, only for those who are Americans and nothing else."

Admittedly, Americans devote less and less time toward honoring their flag these days. Sadly, some may even neglect to remember the founding fathers that helped shape this country and provide American citizens with undeniable freedoms.

However, Americans can still be patriots if they display flags of foreign countries.

Disallowing these flags doesn't help create more devoted Americans. It simply prevents multiculturalism and teaches students that is superior to all other countries, which is definitely not the case.

Students in Colorado deserve to learn about cultures of other countries, especially in their foreign language classes. Can you imagine a student taking a French course without even seeing the flag of France? What about a Spanish student who hasn't seen Spain's flag? There is no good reason for saying that these flags can't be permanently affixed to the walls of these respective classrooms.

Think about the multi-lingual and well-educated Europeans. Don't you suppose that they are shown the United States flag as students? Of course they are.

Flags remain vital aspects of cultures across the globe. The majority of the world is not making the same mistakes as Colorado and, as a result, it is becoming more literate and well-rounded.

Also, flags can often be linked to meaningful traditions. For example, in its cafeteria, Bear Creek High School displays flags representing countries from which foreign exchange students have come. This is a wonderful way of honoring these students and it should not be ended because of some silly law.

Clearly, Colorado law 18-11-205 was well thought out. The only argument its supporters claim deals with patriotism. These people need to stop and think about the benefits of foreign flags. Displaying these flags does not destroy patriotism in this country, it rather reinforces it.

Adlai Stevenson once said, "I venture to suggest that what we [as Americans] mean [about patriotism] is a sense of national responsibility which will enable a master of her power- to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self-respect and the respect of all mankind."

All mankind includes citizens of foreign countries; respecting them includes respecting their flags.

Hannah Smith is a freshman at Bear Creek High School and enjoys spending time with animals, volunteering and playing the violin.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Hannah Smith

Morrison , CO

Hannah Smith has posted 31 stories and 1 comment since joining on 10/10/2006. Hannah Smith 's average story rating is 4.98.

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