It's official, America is too PC

[VaBusa]

Thanks, but I've been keeping up and I'm not talking about the VP here.

Merely pointing out that the boys were trying to cause a problem. No coincidence. It was smart but not laudable on their part to use the American flag as a cover up for their intended racism knowing that they would have lots of people misunderstand and jump to their support at the mere sight of our flag.

What you view as racism, many view as patriotic. IF there was no actual fight or words exchanged, which appears to be the case, it's completely SUBJECTIVE for anyone to say "those 5 were inciting violence". Perhaps you'd see the flip side if the tables were turned and a huge group of Americans were upset over these fellow Americans wearing Mexican flags on their shirts? Either scenario is silly...we will not all agree on everything, but I assure you, being offended by your own flag is nuts, period.

[HT_USMC]

we are talking about citizens....not illegals. keep your racism to yourself. the citizens were having a peaceful time. they did not send anyone home. your racist ideals is getting the way of your ability to see the facts.

After rereading my post again, I can see that I didn't give enough courtesy and respect to those of Mexican decent who are natural citizens (read: born here) and those who are proud of their heritage.

I didn't not claim they were illegal, though. I simply left that as an option. But after rereading it I can see that it came across pretty harsh.

My bad. Please excuse my passion.

[Vega]

What you view as racism, many view as patriotic. IF there was no actual fight or words exchanged, which appears to be the case, it's completely SUBJECTIVE for anyone to say "those 5 were inciting violence". Perhaps you'd see the flip side if the tables were turned and a huge group of Americans were upset over these fellow Americans wearing Mexican flags on their shirts? Either scenario is silly...we will not all agree on everything, but I assure you, being offended by your own flag is nuts, period.

So honestly, what purpose do you think they had by wearing the American flag shirts to school on Cinco de Mayo?

Do you think they were trying to upset someone? Instigating? I mean these are kids we are talking about here...

[afterhours]

Strange, I thought I specified the difference between the two whenever/wherever applicable. The word immigrant is used to denote that I see them as Americans of Mexican decent and not as illegal aliens.

You're kidding yourself if you think it's not at least possible that there might have been a few of those students (and/or parents) in attendance who are illegally here.

For the record, I'm not a racist. This is the typical card played to get the typical American to play by these "new rules" of political correctness.

I believe the borders should be closed. Period. I believe we need a fence. Period. I believe immigration should be slowed. Period. I have compassion for those people in our world less fortunate, Mexicans included. I'm not racist but I believe in our nation and our nation doesn't have a snake on the flag. If you want in, you do it the right (legal) way and you are an AMERICAN and an American only. Period. American's don't have a problem with the red, white and blue. Period.

why?

that a pretty racist thing to say...

i just read your last post......sorry.

[VaBusa]

So honestly, what purpose do you think they had by wearing the American flag shirts to school on Cinco de Mayo?

Do you think they were trying to upset someone? Instigating? I mean these are kids we are talking about here...

They're proud to be Americans? What makes a group of citizens decide to take Cinco De Mayo (not a Mexican holiday) and declare it a day to celebrate their heritage? The question is rhetorical. I believe in their right to do just that, but I also think if you don't want to participate in that, you shouldn't be singled out for NOT making them feel all warm and fuzzy. That the Mexican-Americans might be offended by their own flag is crazy, but as we're hearing now, blame may not be on ANY students, but the actions of an overzealous VP that make assumptions and judgment calls that perhaps he shouldnt' have...

[HT_USMC]

So honestly, what purpose do you think they had by wearing the American flag shirts to school on Cinco de Mayo?

Do you think they were trying to upset someone? Instigating? I mean these are kids we are talking about here...

Instigating what?

Why is it okay for demonstrators to carry the Mexican flag in parades/marches on U.S. soil but five kids can't wear an American flag ?

It's only instigating if those celebrating take offense to the American flag...

[Vega]

They're proud to be Americans? What makes a group of citizens decide to take Cinco De Mayo (not a Mexican holiday) and declare it a day to celebrate their heritage? The question is rhetorical. I believe in their right to do just that, but I also think if you don't want to participate in that, you shouldn't be singled out for NOT making them feel all warm and fuzzy. That the Mexican-Americans might be offended by their own flag is crazy, but as we're hearing now, blame may not be on ANY students, but the actions of an overzealous VP that make assumptions and judgment calls that perhaps he shouldnt' have...

They're using PROUD TO BE AMERICANS as an excuse.
Those kids celebrating are AMERICANS too. It's their RIGHT as an AMERICAN citizen to celebrate Cinco de Mayo whether it's a holiday in Mexico or not. Don't rain on their parade and hide behind our flag. Common Sense!

It hasn't been said that anyone in particular was offended by the flag, but by the intent of those 5 kids. They admitted themselves that they were trying to get a reaction. Honestly, do you think that's right?

Every action has it's conciquence and ultimately each party needs to assume responsibility.

Im sure the VP needs to prevent fights everyday and is in the worst position here. Not matter what decision he would have made, someone was going to get upset. It was a lose/lose situation for him as a mediator.

[HT_USMC]

why?

that a pretty racist thing to say...

i just read your last post......sorry.

No problem. It's viewed as racist to say the possibility exists? I don't think so. Perhaps it's because I'm a programmer and therefore a very logical thinker; I don't know.

I can't say it's impossible for an illegal alien to attend school there and be celebrating as part of that gathering - so, it must be at least possible.

And just to ease the tension hopefully, I only used the word illegal twice and both times I specified "illegal aliens" separately from those who here legally or naturally. I just didn't do a great job of being "nice" about it. So hopefully with the same passion that I (mis)typed those statements, perhaps you can see that your passion allowed you to (mis)read into those statements a bit too.

Really, the issue isn't who was involved but rather more about how things were handled and why. Therein lies the need for my apology and the need to say you were right about how it came across.

[Lycan]

IMHO, there should never be a reason to NOT fly or wear or be proud of the American flag as an American, period.[/QUOTE]

"wearing an American Flag body suit"

Sooo. can we get a pciture of you wearing one Michelle?

Omar! Grab the camera buddy!

[afterhours]

problem is we are all talking about ideals...

but this is a specific event, and we have to look at what actually happened, not what we want to pretend happened.

sure we should all be proud to wear the US Flag.....but that not the issue. in this specific instance these 5 young men decided to wear the flag to make a specific statement.

the statement was not "american pride".

we all want to pretend it was, for various reasons. but these kids are hiding behind the flag, and using it to make a very specific anti "mexican" statement.

[busagirl4444]

I think that they wore the shirt as 1) freedom of speech 2) to acknowledge that the United States is one of the countries that recognizes our mexican citizens and theri right to celebrate their heritage. 3) the fact that the boys admitted to violence is of no consequence. 4) I don't think that anyone here hides behind the American flag, they stand with it proudly and fight next to it. The fact that the word immigrants is used and you would take an offense means that you are playing a racism card. Immigrants are not only Mexican, Irish, Polish, Hungarian, Indian, etc... Our country celebrates holidays for all different cultures. It doesn't matter what you wear to the event, the fact that you showed up to celebrate with them is and should be good enough.

I'm a white girl who tries wrap imagine that... You know how many African American folks laugh at this.

[Vega]

problem is we are all talking about ideals...

but this is a specific event, and we have to look at what actually happened, not what we want to pretend happened.

sure we should all be proud to wear the US Flag.....but that not the issue. in this specific instance these 5 young men decided to wear the flag to make a specific statement.

the statement was not "american pride".

we all want to pretend it was, for various reasons. but these kids are hiding behind the flag, and using it to make a very specific anti "mexican" statement.

+1

Very true and that's the sad part.

[mnrf900r]

Im going to laugh my butt off when the ACLU is called and the school is sued over this. These students had their rights violated specifically by the vice principal. The shirts would have been fine any other day of the year. I hate the fact we should bow down to such crap like this.
My mom mentioned ACLU when my brother had an issue at his school over something stupid like this, The school backed down immediately and apoligized.

[afterhours]

I think that they wore the shirt as 1) freedom of speech 2) to acknowledge that the United States is one of the countries that recognizes our mexican citizens and theri right to celebrate their heritage. 3) the fact that the boys admitted to violence is of no consequence. 4) I don't think that anyone here hides behind the American flag, they stand with it proudly and fight next to it. The fact that the word immigrants is used and you would take an offense means that you are playing a racism card. Immigrants are not only Mexican, Irish, Polish, Hungarian, Indian, etc... Our country celebrates holidays for all different cultures. It doesn't matter what you wear to the event, the fact that you showed up to celebrate with them is and should be good enough.

I'm a white girl who tries wrap imagine that... You know how many African American folks laugh at this.

once again you are not dealing in the specifics of this situtaion, or this discussion.

1. both sides have freedom of speech, however that does not allow you to disrupt an event.

2. what the USA recognizes is pointless. because all citizens have equal rights to express themselves.

3. the intent of these 5 boys has everything to do with how they should be treated. you cannot ignore that they have admitted that they wanted to disrupt the event and cause a problem....that is not a civil right.

4. nobody said anyone here is hiding behind the flag.....however those 5 boys are hiding behind the flag.

[HT_USMC]

3. the intent of these 5 boys has everything to do with how they should be treated. you cannot ignore that they have admitted that they wanted to disrupt the event and cause a problem....that is not a civil right.

Disrupting an event by standing in a T-shirt is the fault of those taking offense to the T-shirt. I mean, they didn't run through the area screaming and kicking.

[afterhours]

why can't we all just admit that these wanted to disrupt the event....they have no problem saying it.

[skydivr]

IF these were adults on a city street, they'd have every right to 'make a statement' and I'd be willing to stand there and wear an American flag shirt with them as their freedom of speech is protected by the 1st Amendment.

The problem is that they are NOT adults and they were at school where the school, the teachers, the school board are all responsible for their safety, and are sued ever time some child or parent gets offended (most of the time over stupid stuff).

I understand the VP was latino and that may have clouded his judgement (certainly stirs the pot further). Frankly, If I were in his shoes, I would have to strongly consider asking them to "make their statement" off the school grounds (and the same thing if the latino kids wore Mexican Flag shirts on July 4th) in order to protect the student's (lives) and the school (from lawsuits).

[afterhours]

i would have more respect for these boys if they just admitted that they wanted to make a statement and stop hiding behind the flag.

[Gentem34]

problem is we are all talking about ideals...

but this is a specific event, and we have to look at what actually happened, not what we want to pretend happened.

sure we should all be proud to wear the US Flag.....but that not the issue. in this specific instance these 5 young men decided to wear the flag to make a specific statement.

the statement was not "american pride".

we all want to pretend it was, for various reasons. but these kids are hiding behind the flag, and using it to make a very specific anti "mexican" statement.[/

That's how you see it...I see it as the "Mexicans" were trying to make an anti "American" statement.

[VaBusa]

i would have more respect for these boys if they just admitted that they wanted to make a statement and stop hiding behind the flag.

And I'd have more respect if those that are seemingly offended explain just why their American flag should offend them at all, even on Cinco De Mayo...

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this, but I will say that my life here in the country of VA is quite different than that of those in CA where there may in fact be this type of tension amongst sects of society that I just don't see or understand. I don't condone the actions taken by the VP, and I wouldn't condone the 5 actually engaging in violence of any kind, but if this is about 5 kids wearing t-shirts and THAT was enough to get them removed from school, I go right back to seeing a school that condones political correctness at the cost of something as simple as the clothes you chose to wear that day, clothes that broke no rules...