If there is one opinion I hold higher than fact it is that every person needs to learn how to think independently.  It is for that reason that I dislike political parties or factions of any sort.  They group up large amounts of people with few shared views and even more disagreements under the guise of a united front.  They give one bland face to a very complex set of individuals.  These people each  have unique experiences and relationships and lives that shape what they believe.  And it doesn't matter anymore.  Everytime a politician speaks for you, you lose a little bit of that individulality and you become the blank facade they want you to be.  But this discussion is for another time...  I just want to use that set up to discuss a timely topic:  September 11.

In about a week and a half, the anniversary of a devastating and horrifying day will be upon  us.  And in the wake of the feelings, actions, and overall response brought on by this date we have to wonder what an appropriate response will be.  Like the year following the day itself, many people will choose to dawn american flags and where clothing to the same effect.  Lapel pins will don the chest of many a politician and we will hold hands because we are a stronger, more united country after what happened, right?  I disagree.

I will not place a flag outside of my home and I will not wear red, white and blue.  I will not say the pledge of allegiance and I will never pledge allegiance to a flag.  We must remember the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of law enforcement and fire safety on September 11.  It was they, not the american flag or the corrupt senators, represenatives, president, judges, and beaurocrats that it represents, that saved lives and gave up their own.  It was that flag, however, that caused the attack, in part.  It was the years of over ambitious imperialist aggression that developed and cultivated hate for the united states as a whole.  September 11 was a retaliation.  A retaliation for the years of deadly and arrogant decisions of a small percentage of this country.  But we all paid the price.  The flag was a red, white, and blue target on all of our backs.  We are all partially to blame.  We elected these people and we turn blind eyes to their actions.  But please, think before you let them throw a facade of patriotism over a tragedy that they are largely to blame for.  If you ignorantly follow their lead, making this a day to once again salute the flag, the lives lost and the sacrifices made are completely worthless.  From that day we should have leanred that men are more faliable than we believe.  And instead of celebrating this as the day america became stronger, we need to realize that it was only the beginning of the decline if we do not hold these people accountable.   
 
So please, think for yourself.  These are solely my views and I don't want you to agree with me, I just want you to think.  Should you praise the flag?  I say no.  I say we should commemorate the lost as people, not under one symbol that has, as of late, stood for more bad than good.  Visit the memorials and leave flowers, help the familiesleft behind that are struggling to get along, or send a care package to tired and weary soldier.  These are people. These are individuals.  Do not let them be swept up and lost in the jingoistic fervor that comes around a couple of times a year.

If you truly beleive flying a flag or honoring this country is the best way to remember that day, then by all means go ahead.  All I hope is that we all can truly delve deep within ourselves and decide what we think is right.  Do not follow the crowd simply to follow or simply because it's easy.   Take the time to know how you feel.  Take the time to look past the broadcasts and reports telling you what is appropriate.  

Remember, a flag is a piece of fabric.  It no more represents you or I than the shirts we wear or the cloths we wash dishes with.  But your body and mind, your actions and decisions are a representation of humanity.  And if we learn to mourn one another fully and support one another when tragedy strikes, then a real celebration is in store.