FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- High school students performing a play they saw as a pro-democracy tale were disqualified from a theater competition for a flag-cutting scene that judges say broke Florida laws.
The troupe was performing a 1963 James Clavell play called "The Children's Story." In it, a class of U.S. third graders cut up the flag after the country is defeated by a powerful enemy. Illustrating how easily minds can be molded, their new teacher tells them that if the flag is so good, everyone should get a piece.
Judges at the Florida State Thespians District 13 one-act play competition said cutting up the flag was illegal, and disqualified the group from the competition earlier this week.
Melody Wicht, one of the judges, said many people complained about the play, but she based her decision on a Florida statute that charges "whoever publicly mutilates, defaces or tramples with intent to insult" the flag with a first-degree misdemeanor.
"I tried to stay as objective as possible as they performed," she said.
But one legal scholar said Florida's laws are outdated. Bruce Rogow, a Nova Southeastern University law professor specializing in constitutional law and First Amendment rights, cited a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a similar Texas law, ruling flag desecration may be an expression of disagreement in a democracy.
"What's especially ironic is that this is a pro-democracy, anti-totalitarianism play, and yet they're punished for using the flag as an example of what shouldn't be done in a totalitarian society," Rogow said.
The student-participants from Archbishop McCarthy High in Fort Lauderdale said the play presents a patriotic message.
"The play is actually pro-American," said Erin Fragetta, 15, who worked on the production. "It was intended to be an anti-communist message, and the judges just turned it around on us."
posted on January 30, 2004 12:45:15 PM new
"intent to insult"
Apparently there was no intent to do so but people often have knee jerk reaction.
There are several businesses around here that have flags displayed that have been up until they are sunfadded and hanging in ragged tatters. I find that offensive although they undoubtedly are not intending to insult. They are just cheap.
You may offend or dishonor the flag but I have to object that you can not desecrate the flag unless you regard it as a holy object of veneration. If your politics are the same as your religion you should move to a theocracy. Despite what the far far right wants the Republic is not yet a theocracy to make it's symbols objects of worship.
posted on January 30, 2004 01:06:06 PM new
I'd rather have a piece of the flag than one desecrated by the signature of George Bush.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the United States and consistent with United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, as amended, do hereby proclaim that effective Wednesday, July 23, 2003, Executive Flag Desecration and Defilement Privileges are hereby permanently expanded to include whatsoever George W. Bush feels like doing, up to and including drawing on it, painting on it, or even pinching a fat Presidential steamer on it.
posted on January 30, 2004 01:24:48 PM new
Of all the "patriots" who hung out flags on their porches or taped them to their car antennas after September 11, I only know two people who ever treated it with the respect it deserves. As the symbol of our nation, any American happy about being one has a two-fold obligation, imo:
1) to allow others the freedom to dishonor the flag
2) to venerate the flag for what it represents
I had a political science professor in the '70's who marched into class on the first day it met, pulled a wadded-up American flag from his pocket, and, without a word, set it on fire with his Zippo. The whole class sat there, stupefied. Finally, I found the guts to say, albeit in a shaky voice, "If theatrics of this sensational and base nature are how you "teach", Dr. _______ , I'll take my withdrawal slip right now." And I did. So did seven other students. Having found my courage to challenge his spectacle, (and knowing I wouldn't be subject to a grade from him, heh) I told Dr. _______ on my way out of his class that while I supported his right to burn the flag, I certainly wasn't going to pay (tuition) to watch him do so. I then glibly suggested that he try his teaching methods further east than California -- say, China...
posted on January 30, 2004 01:27:25 PM new
I'd rather have a piece of a descrated flag, only after it was burned while wrapped around those who bash Presiden Bush.
"If you believe you can tell me what to think, I believe I can tell you where to go. Not all of us are sheep....."
posted on January 30, 2004 01:36:41 PM new Good for you, Pat! Next, he would be asking you to meet him in his office after class to ..light another fire.
