A Veteran Decided to Drop Some Knowledge About Who Really Regularly Disrespects the Flag

disrespect flag — The New England Patriots, left, are among those who have come under fire for exercising their right to protest. Meanwhile, brands regularly include the American flag in their fashions. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer/Sam Edwards)

Patriotic fans have continued to claim that athletes are disrespecting the flag by taking a knee. However, one Twitter user discounted those notions by posting a thread that detailed what the U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1 Section 8, also known as the Flag Code, has to say about it. User @koopa_kinta, a third-generation veteran, spelled out the code Saturday, Sept. 23. He outlined examples of how sports teams and other brands have actually desecrated the flag by wearing it on uniforms and embellishing it on clothing and cushions.

Since “disrespecting the flag” is still the narrative being used, this courtesy of the US Flag Code Chapter 10: Respect for flag

A Thread

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176D

“The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.” pic.twitter.com/z3rywoKDtO

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I (pt 2)

“It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like…” pic.twitter.com/xHG3sypUrA

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

Since it’s Saturday…

US Flag Code Chapter 10.176J

“No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.” pic.twitter.com/7R8sZmqcp1

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

Nothing in the Flag Code explicit states you have to stand, just that you “should.” All the things I listed were outlined as disrespectful.

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

Signed,

A 3rd Generation Vet

— Bearded McBeardFace (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017

The Supreme Court has ruled it is unconstitutional to enforce penalties about flag desecration. And yet, many patriots have not referenced these instances of so-called disrespect as they drag athletes for peacefully protesting.

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However, @koopa_kinte found plenty of support from fellow Twitter users when he dropped this thread.

This is a brilliant post. I have a much appreciation for research-based opinions, routed in fact and information, expressed intelligently.

— benjamin kanes (@benjaminkanes) September 26, 2017

Thanknu for this. Never understood ppl who beat their chest about the sanctity of the flag while wearing flag print undies w/ that implies…

— Thomas (@tiktikitomtom) September 26, 2017

??????‍♂️

— KEN (@kenmirror) September 26, 2017

Point….Set….Match!!!

— armando cuesta (@armandocuesta1) September 28, 2017

EXCELLENT FACT BASED THREAD!!! pic.twitter.com/R1HryTLuyn

— SadieCitrus (@SadieCitrus) September 27, 2017

Still, one person issued a clarification about how she interpreted the code, which states in part that “the flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.”

So for example, you can wear apparel that resembles the flag or have items of advertisement that look like the flag,

— Chrissy (@nallimcmyssirhc) September 26, 2017

I still cringe when I see it and agree with your point, but didn’t want there to be a total misinterpretation of the code

— Chrissy (@nallimcmyssirhc) September 26, 2017

And while there were others who also said the code was directly referencing the flag and not illustrations of it…

It’s talking about the literally flag. not drawings. worst disrespect is the olympians wearing the flag around shoulders. An actual flag

— Zach Anderson (@zachryanderson) September 28, 2017

…many agreed with the tea @koopa_kint spilled in his thread.