For years, right-wingers burned under the collar as they watched protesters set fire to the American flag. Now, with conservatives on the outside of political power in Washington, it looks like it may be their turn to use the flag to score political points.
Action flick star and conservative activist Chuck Norris seems an unlikely person to promote the desecration of the American flag, but in a recent comment piece he penned, he may have done just that.
In an article published earlier this week at the conservative news site WorldNetDaily, Norris suggested that supporters of the Tea Party movement find historical flags, such as the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, to fly in front of their homes as a symbol of opposition to the policies of the current government.
"I suggest you fly some revolutionary flag in lieu of your 50 star flag over the next year or so. Post the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, Navy Jack or Gadsden flag ("Don't Tread On Me") or any representation that tells the story of Old Glory and makes a stand for our founders' vision of America," Norris wrote.
The star of the Missing in Action movies and Walker, Texas Ranger added: "If you insist on posting a modern USA flag too, then get one that has been tea stained, to show your solidarity with our founders."
The words "tea stained" are hyperlinked to a page at the "WND superstore" that offers a "Tea Stained (Heritage) Mahogany 50-star Flag Kit" for $73.50.
Norris' move has angered more than a few commentators.
"Once again Norris encourages the next Timothy McVeigh to act," blogs Ron Moore at Examiner.com. "Shouts of 'You lie' may be followed by shouts of 'You die' if this rhetoric continues. Then flags will be lowered; to half-staff. Doesn’t anyone on the right have the courage to stand up for the people’s right to choose a leader?"
Meanwhile, Ed Brayton at ScienceBlogs nominated Norris' suggestion for "Dumbass quote of the day."
"Can you imagine if some liberal deliberately stained a flag to make a political statement?" Brayton wrote. "They would be condemned as heathens, traitors and, at the very least, probably French."
