The difference is, a white soldier a century ago would have had no moral ground on which to oppose serving with a black soldier. A black or Hispanic soldier in 2010, however, could rightfully perceive the flag as portending a racist message.
Is the flag inherently racist? No, of course not. And there are many who bear it without race-related intentions. But there are also a decent number who do carry that flag as a symbol for a racist cause, and if I were a black man in a predominantly white organization, it would be hard not to have my suspicions.
With that possibility in mind, given two applicants identical in every way but for such a tattoo, I would select the one without it. And that really does describe the dilemma face by Marine Corps recruiters, who now have far more potential recruits than they have spots available at boot camp.
If you accept that argument, then you’ll accept our current flag being banned by the grievance lobby. You’re being very shortsighted.
Five students sent home for wearing “incendiary” t-shirts on Cinco de Mayo:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2507571/posts
The tee-shirts in question had the American flag on them.