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Here’s what the code actually says.
Unless you were literally living on a different plane of existence this weekend (which, kudos to you, if you were), you could not have missed President Donald Trump‘s three-day-long tirade against NFL players who have taken a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality.
Trump’s repeated argument is that players who do so are disrespecting the American flag.
The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2017
But what does it really mean to disrespect the flag? One man on Twitter broke it down by going line-by-line through the U.S. code regarding the flag and… you might be surprised by what really disrespects Old Glory.
Since “disrespecting the flag” is still the narrative being used, this courtesy of the US Flag Code Chapter 10: Respect for flag
A Thread
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Turns out it’s not NFL players disrespecting the flag, but organizations.
Let’s jump right in…
US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176C
“The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.” pic.twitter.com/a9niowcX5f
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
It’s also a lot of patriotic Americans.
US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176D
“The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.” pic.twitter.com/z3rywoKDtO
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Who love to drink Budweiser.
Here’s a popular violation
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I
“The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.” pic.twitter.com/OMNzTurFaD
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
And decorate their home in red-white-and-blue paraphernalia.
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
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Most Fourth of July barbeques are extremely disrespectful.
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I (pt3)
“…or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.” pic.twitter.com/WVvQVjD6qG
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
College football is out of the question.
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
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
But what about kneeling? Well…
Not covered in the “Respect for Flag” section; standing/kneeling/sitting. That’s considered a conduct violation, not disrespectful.
— HennyWise (@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.
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
And as for the men and women in service who may be offended by players’ behavior…
Signed,
A 3rd Generation Vet
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
One might say that should settle things, but… we doubt it.
