I agree, there is a certain tendency, a rather distasteful tendency among posters here to conflate conservatism with fascism.
It was very apparent in the manufactured outrage over that gymnast who stood respectfully, eyes forward, facing the flag, hands clasped before her as the Star-Spangled Banner was played, she was apparently “disrespecting” the flag by not holding her hand over her heart.
Tinpot fascist regimes force their citizens to be uber-patriots, screaming abuse at those who don’t comply with their hyper levels of nationalist fervour. If the United States means anything it means that government officials cannot force you to say something that you don’t particularly want to say.
And yes that includes the Pledge of Allegiance, it’s not Holy Writ.
The flag stands for all the people of the 50 states...NOT the government.
I don't care whether or not the government wants her declare her patriotism. If the little bitch hates her fellow Americans so much, then maybe she should get the hell out. Same for the queer moslem.
Do I take it personally? Hell yeah.