John Hancock's blanket was more important than the American flag

Nobody said that we want a flag to be used as a towel/blanket. Running around and displaying the flag after a race is not using it as a blanket. Where is this idea coming from? Where are you guys getting this? Just because a flag is draped over someone/something does not turn it into a towel. Isn't our national anthem about the flag going through hell and being all the more glorious because of it?I am merely saying that the towel dudes were crazy and that the towel was being used like a flag. This was clearly forced upon our athletes. If it is going to be used as a flag, I would rather have it be the American flag. Also, I am a vet so I should kick my own arse for suggesting that the John Handcock flag was inappropriate (this is directed as deadmanrunning)? Anyway, this has been derailed by you old timers remembering your glory days back in the service. I think we need to focus on trying to figure out who the rude African American guy was with his hands all over Meb, whose protocol it was to not allow flags and who was the mastermind behind turning Meb's efforts into a commercial. It was a sickening scene and all you guys can think about is flag protocol? This clean flag obsession is surely the sign of vets who never were deployed. Must have been boring folding the flag day after day.

[quote]Totem Pole Moose wrote:

Also, I am a vet so I should kick my own arse for suggesting that the John Handcock flag was inappropriate (this is directed as deadmanrunning)?

[quote]

You trolling me bro ? Did you suffer brain damage while in the military ? I never said anything about the display of the Hancock flag being inappropriate. I was commenting on a side topic about the code for displaying a US Flag. Period. I am fine with an athlete displaying the flag after a victory. Just don't use it as a blanket, a towel, or drag it on the ground (which I have seen numerous times). If you are going to celebrate your national pride, then continue that pride and treat the flag with respect, that's all. I thought the use of the Hancock towel as flag was stupid and crass- but certainly not against flag code.

Man, this thing escalated quickly, and I am confused (these boards aren't world famous for nothing). A sincere thanks to all who correctly interpreted my points.

To sum up: There is a proper way to display and treat the American flag.

If you want to go to the finish line and get a bic and burn the thing, have at it. It is your 1st Amendment right. Read Scalia's opinion on it. He wrote the decision protecting it.

My point is, I do not think the American marathons' goal is to insult people who want to treat the flag properly. They handed the flags out to top finishers instead of Mylar blankets. The runners would wrap the flags around them as a blanket. I am glad they got rid of that tradition as it insulted a large part of the fan base.

I am fine with the John Hancock logos on the towels. I would love for corporations besides Nike to see value in sponsoring running. More money into competitive running, the better. Others disagree. Great. Don't do business with John Hancock. I do not patronize them currently. Perhaps I shall.

I am a huge fan of Meb and America. I would love to see him wave a flag to celebrate the 31 year US drought at Boston. Just not a fan of one wearing it as a towel.

For Mr. Choomsky et al, burn your flag at the line, my man. Enjoy your freedom to do so.

When did I say anything about burning a flag? You are such a polemic thinker it is rather obnoxious. My issue isn't sponsorship, its turning a symbolic moment for the nation into a commercial. Should our Olympians be forced to hold up McDonald's flags? Oh, don't tell me that major marathons aren't international competitions.

Look at the prior discourse. At no point have I said anything that resembles the desire to burn the flag. If anything, I was being rather patriotic, wishing that the flag would be displayed in such glorious moments.

Its Dr. Chooomsky to you.

How about a Flag Towel!!!! Duh. ( or thereabouts )

Same thing. USA is a business not a country

rothermj wrote:

If you want to go to the finish line and get a bic and burn the thing, have at it. It is your 1st Amendment right. Read Scalia's opinion on it. He wrote the decision protecting it.

Wrong. Brennan wrote the decision and Kennedy wrote a concurrence. Scalia voted in favor of the right in that case, Texas v. Johnson, but he did not write an opinion or concurrence.

The commentators also continued to say that "Hawi, his brother is there ..." wrong. not his brother ! I wish commentators would learn who is who !

Truly hilarious thread. I haven't laughed this hard in a while. Thanks, guys.

+1 million. John Hancock is investing (spending?) a ton of money into this race for it to happen --wearing the towel at that exact moment for all of the photographs that will go around the world is the exact reason why they probably pushed it onto him. Nothing wrong at all with what TM did.

Mall cops don't get the respect they deserve.