VFW slams Kid Rock for flag poncho

St Petersburg Times ^ | 2-4-2004 | JUSTIN GEORGE

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

While Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's stunt that closed the Super Bowl halftime show continues to fuel a national backlash, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is criticizing another halftime performer.

Kid Rock donned what appeared to be an American flag slit in the middle so he could wear it as poncho for his part of the show Sunday, and the VFW is outraged.

"That is just blatant, disgusting disrespect for the flag," national spokesman Jerry Newberry told the St. Petersburg Times on Tuesday. "We have people dying for that flag right now, and that just goes beyond any realm of understanding in my mind."

The organization wants apologies from everyone involved with the performance, including CBS, which aired the Super Bowl; MTV, which produced the halftime show; the NFL; and Kid Rock.

Newberry said the organization has received hundreds of e-mails from complaining veterans.

"It's not clothing," Newberry said. "It's a flag. No one should be allowed to cut a flag under any circumstances. He slit that flag in the middle and wore it as a poncho. Shame on him. And shame on him and CBS and MTV and the NFL. Shame on them."

The Detroit rock-rapper is well-known for draping himself in various permutations of stars and stripes, and he displays huge flags during his shows. He also sings patriotic songs such as America the Beautiful in addition to his raunchy fare.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

When is the last time that this guy bathed?

[VRWCmember]

At least he shaves his armpits. (If you like that sort of thing in a guy.

[JerseyHighlander]

It's only a matter of time before he fades away...

Abbie Hoffman arrested for wearing the American Flag
The Witness (Abbie Hoffman): Everybody dressed as Keystone cops and we went to Stony Brook to arrest all the whiskey drinkers
Mr.Schultz: Objection.
The Court: I sustain the objection.
The Witness: You missed a good story.

And finally the excess, encouraged by the mass media. Allow a year for discovery of a talent, a year for promotion and two years for exploitation. Excess is needed to maintain visibility.

"You ought to watch it in the next coupla years."
"Oh, man."
"The pace. Slow down, you finally realize you're doing yourself in."
"I figured that out a long time ago. I also figured this out: I gotta go on doin' it the way I see it....I am here to have a party, man, as best as I can while I'm on this earth. I think that's your duty too." -- Interview with Janis Joplin

[IncPen]

When is the last time that this guy bathed?

I know this is cruel, but I think he appeals to girls who aren't very appealing themselves.

Just a hunch.

[sirshackleton]

In slight defense of Kid Rock, I've seen and read a lot about him and his support for the troops and this country, so I don't think he intended any harm. But that was definitely horrible judgement. In a way I'm surprised he did such a thing, but at the same time I'm not.

And I agree, it's only a matter of time for him now...

[OldEagle]

"And I agree, it's only a matter of time for him now..."

Unless he sincerely apologizes, a slight detail that Natalie overlooked. I'm not sure that I understand why, but it would probably save his career.
Oh wait a minute, his fans aren't flag-waving country folks.

[musical_airman]

Also....In Defense.......even though I'm not a fan either.....

Last November I went on a tour all over Europe with one of the USAF bands doing a USO- type show for the troops stationed over there. At Rammstein AB a guy working security for us told me that the base had recently been visited by J-Lo, Ja-Rule, and Kid Rock. He said that he folks from the base told J-lo to basically go to hell when she refused to stay in base billeting- she had to stay in Frankfurt (about an hour and a half to two hours away) and be driven back and forth every day in a white mercedes with a white leather interior- yet another reason why she continues to suck in general.
But, back to my point. Kid Rock and Ja-Rule also refused to stay in billeting- but it was becasue they insisted on staying in the dorms with the younger troops. They made all of those troops very happy. Was it bad judgement to do that to the flag? Of course. (does he look like a rocket scientist?) Is it possible that maybe he loves his country and is just stupid sometimes? I think maybe.......he did go to a government school after all. I don't think they're allowed to teach about care of, or respect for the flag anymore- they just teach your right to burn it. I say cut the guy a wee bit of slack on this one.

I.E.......
Me:"Dude, we really appreciate it and all, but you aren't supposed to that to the American Flag...."

Kid Rock: "Sorry man, my bad...."

See? Problem solved.
;)

[PattonReincarnated]

Here are the flag rules and regulations:

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#4

When a flag of the United States is to be retired, it is recommended to take the flag to the VFW. I suggest in this case the they take Kidd Rock in his flag to the VFW and allow the VFW to properly dispose of both.

[jwalsh07]

I think you may have it right. Now if Kid Rock comes out and says "My Bad" and apologises to the troops who get buried under it, I'll be sure.

[musical_airman]

I agree. 'Nuff said.

[CyberCowboy777]

I hope your right.

Until he comes out and says "I don't give a sh!t" I am giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Bush signed a flag with a sharpie, and I know he knows better.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Someone told me this is Hank Williams Jr.'s son. Is that true??

[Ol' Sparky]

The real question is, why do model/actress types become attracted to long-haired, maggot-infested types like Kid Rock and Tommy Lee?

[dennisw]

Don't hate him because he's a stoned out white trash moron.

[SouthernFreebird]

Um, you do know he's with Pamela Anderson don't you...not exactly a woofer.

[joesnuffy]

Like those VFW dudes are like way harsh....like wow you would almost think it was their flag
Kid Rock made a poncho of and then threw on the floor...
The VFW needs to chill dude....</sarcasm>

[IncPen]

Um, you do know he's with Pamela Anderson don't you...not exactly a woofer.

Eh.

Pam Anderson is a blow up doll. She's 73% silicone.

Take all that away: woofer.

[clamper1797]

I can't post on FR what I yelled at him when his stage hand thru the flag next to the drummer on the floor.

[N. Theknow]

The saddest part is that his age group and the age group(s) to which he appeals don't have any idea of respect or etiquette, much less flag respect and etiquette.

He probably thought he was doing something patriotic and noble.