This just doesn't fly...

A commentary from Ruben Navarrette Jr., a special to CNN:

SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- This is where we've arrived in this country: You have the constitutional right to burn an American flag, but you can get into trouble for simply flying a foreign one.

At least you can in the 30,000-person town of Pahrump, Nevada, which is close to Las Vegas and even closer to stepping over the line with an idiotic, intolerant and insulting ban on foreign (read: Mexican) flags. The town council voted last week, 3-2, to approve an ordinance that makes it illegal to display a foreign flag -- unless an American flag is flown above it. Scofflaws face a $50 fine and 30 hours of community service.

(Another article from USA Today.)

So it seems that in the community of Pahrump, Nevada, it's illegal for someone to display a foreign flag, unless, of course, an American flag is flown above it.

Right.

Well, according to a certain document called the United States Constitution, what they did is wrong because it violates the basic right and principle of this nation.

Do you know what the Constitution says? It states, in the First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

*Sighs*

The man who proposed the ban, Michael Miraglia, said he was upset by the sight of immigration activists marching through US cities waving Mexican flags last May in protest to a crack-down on illegal immigration. He also "told USA Today that he was especially miffed that 'we had Mexican restaurants closed that day.' "

So, Mr. Miraglia, you're going to ban flying foreign flags, just because some Mexican restaurants were closed one day? It seems to me like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning.

Mr. Miraglia, do you value your freedoms? Especially your freedom to propose this ban per freedom of expression? If so, remember what Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Instead of thinking of yourself, think of others, especially in your community, who just might want to exercise their First-Amendment right and fly a foreign flag.

Also, I must say this is a waste of resources. Why not do something else, like raise standards of living in your area, or increasing the water supply? Focusing on anything other than important issues such as these is very silly.

Not only that, but as my fellow blogger Athelwulf has alerted me, this ordinance breaks flag etiquette concerning both international flags and American ones:

2) When the flags of two or more nations are flown together, each flag should be displayed from a separate pole of the same height, and each flag should be the same size. In time of peace, international custom forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation.

[...]

4) Within the United States, when the U.S.A. flag is flown with flags of other nations, the poles should be the same height and in a straight line.

One last thing, Mr. Miraglia. I hope you like this present from me:



(Source: 3DFlags.com.)

If you wish to express your disagreement (kindly) towards Mr. Miraglia, here is his contact information (thanks to the Pahrump Town Board website):

Michael Miraglia
(775) 727-5107
m.m@netscape.com

NOTE: His term does end on December 31^st, so be quick.