The fascination of so many Americans to empty symbols of "patriotism"
> may be both a disease and a symptom.
>
Which seems to exceed that of most other nationalities. Ours is, I believe, the only country which refuses to lower its flag in deference to another in the Olympics, no?
The really interesting thing is how many of these flag-fetishists also pursue an ahistorical, illogical brand of Christianity. If you ever want to have fun at the expense of such a person, ask them how frequently they salute the flag, accuse them of idolatry, and quote the First Commandment. Repeat as necessary, until a light bulb appears over their heads.
-- "Hige sceal þe heardra, heorte þe cenre, mod sceal þe mare, þe ure mægen lytlað."