Kakki wrote: >>No one has commented on the students on a number of campuses being banned from flying American flags, putting up signs that say "Proud to be an American," and having pro-American rallies. This is more my point than anything - the either subtle or overt control of students personal beliefs, etc. How do those actions relate to speech codes, racism and date rate? If they do, I've missed the connection. And I already doubt anyone will address this issue because even here on the JMDL, it is perceived as politcally not popular by some to be pro-American or not anti-war so certain speech once again will be inherently stifled.<<<
I am on digest so just received & had a chance to read the list on the FIRE website about the students & others who were banned from flying their flags. I agree with you that it is apalling that anyone would ban students or anyone from flying an American flag. I don't get this at all & I am glad there is an organization such as FIRE to help. At the same time, these incidents don't lead me to believe that this is happening on a widepsread basis on campuses everywhere. I am sorry that you feel that it is unpopular on the JMDL to be pro-American or pro-war. I don't share that perception of the JMDL at all. I have heard many folks speak in favor of this war & to tell you the truth, I felt as if my opinion was in the minority but I just think that is the way things are right now in the world & I am okay with that. I have never ever felt like I fit in with the status quo as far as my beliefs & life goes, so am quite used to being in the minority. Although I am not in support of this war & I don't feel compelled to fly a flag, I am so supportive of people flying flags. I am so in support of the kids in the troops fighting in Afghanistan even though I am not in support of this war. As a mother of a son who is the age of those kids, I cry a lot when I see their faces but that is not the reason I do not support this war. What it really is about for me, is that I have a vision of how the world could be & we seem to be getting so far away from how things could be! But as John Gorka once said, "I am from New Jersey, I don't expect much. If the world ended tomorrow, I would adjust" :>} Not really. Anyway, there are many here who have expressed their views in favor of this war & I respect everyone's views on this issue. It is not an easy issue to come to terms with. Truth be told, I find myself hoping that everyone who is in favor of the war is right. I don't want to be right! But my heart & my understanding of the issues has led me to follow down "the road less travelled". Anyway, Kakki, I hope you will continue to express your views & opinions. I think it is important that we all express these things knowing that someone may challenge us, but without taking the challenge personally. ******************************************** Kate Bennett www.katebennett.com sponsored by Polysonics www.polysonics.com Discover the Indies at Taylor Guitars: http://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/awp/indies/bennett.html ********************************************
