"They were using the symbol derisively as misguided patriotism."
___________
"misguided patriotism?"
YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!
This must be opposite of "guided patriotism," where a student may make vague references to U.S. sovereignty, and may wear understated, muted colors of powder blue, light pink, and creme. They may also play a "Muzak" version of "America, the Beautiful," as long as no lyrics are actually sung.
IN WHICH IT IS EXPLAINED THAT THE BIGGEST LATINO ORGANIZATION DREADS BECOMING AMERICAN [Michael Ledeen]
The Richmond Times-Dispatch, in a thoughtful editorial yesterday, called attention to the email sent out by La Raza, the biggest Latino organization in the United States, first mentioned by The Corner last Thursday:
The e-mail refers to congressional legislation that would, among other things, (a) provide grants to immigrants taking English classes, (b) permit those who gain English proficiency to apply for citizenship one year early, and (c) provide grants to groups offering instruction in U.S. civics and American history. These ideas hardly seem provocative; learning English and American civics used to be something immigrants did enthusiastically. The e-mail about the bill, however, warns that "while it doesn't overtly mention assimilation, it is very strong on the patriotism and traditional American values language in a way which is potentially dangerous to our communities."
(More on the memo here.)
It sounds like La Raza has proclaimed itself un-American, don't you think? They don't want their people to assimilate, and they don't seem to like "patriotism" or "traditional American values."
Somebody might mention this to President Bush...