Debate rages over plan to blanket UCF with U.S. flags

The Orlando Slantinal ^ | 07/06/03 | David Damron

[Prov1322]

A plan by a student group to install hundreds of American flags at the University of Central Florida is provoking a debate over whether the idea is an exercise in patriotism or political intimidation.

Members of Rebuilding On a Conservative Kornerstone, or ROCK, have received the blessing of President John Hitt to spend up to $7,500 in student-government fees to place flags in every lab, classroom and auditorium on campus.

The push is partly a response to faculty who opposed the war on Iraq, but mainly to show support for American troops at war, supporters say.

[Prov1322]

Ah, the "chilling effect" of the flag...long may it wave! Nice to see something good come out of UCF! Although I love the inane comment: "On the other hand, it's absolutely dangerous," Martin said. In the context of war, "it's being used to bludgeon people, to stifle debate."

[Guenevere]

I think it's a great idea!
Would that other universities followed suit!!

[rellimpank]

--if there is any group in the US that needs some mental "bludgeoning", it's left wing college professors--social parasites all--

[autoresponder]

"The America flag.....

......absolutely dangerous....."

[autoresponder]

"Other student groups and professors contend that installing flags in class at a time of war sends a subtle message to students, especially ones from other countries:

Tone down criticism of the United States and President Bush."

[jwalsh07]

UCF is my alma mater. I was a vet when I went there and my philosophy professor was an especially rabid hater of all things military. He was also a spiteful bastard and thus he and I went at it tooth and nail all semester. In the end he won, or so he thought, because the D I got in that class is the grade I am most proud of and the only one I got there, while gathering a BSEE, that was less than an A.

That was a long time ago but I can't imagine it has gotten any better and this article warms the cockles of my soul.

[talleyman]

Bump, y'all!

[Prov1322]

FYI and thanks for your postings. Keep up the good work!