I Give You Permission

Written in response to a Fox News Facebook post about the incidents at LSU involving a student wanting to burn a flag.  I wrote this in response to a few who, on the Fox News Facebook post, urged him on.

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That Flag means EVERYTHING. It means 200+ years of freedom. It means that men and women died so we would have our freedom. That flag means that you are free do do what you want, think what you want, feel how you want and that you will not have to worry about your government oppressing you. Think about that when you burn that flag. Think about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have all died to give you the freedom to burn that flag. Thank them for that freedom. To me, that flag means that my children can grow up to decide their own future. That my daughter will not be oppressed by brutal religious laws. That flag means that I don't have to wake up every morning and swear my love and allegiance to a supreme dictator who is detached from the people he oppresses. That flag means that I can turn on my TV and be entertained by shows that don't first have to be approved. That I don't have to be subjected to propaganda and that the press can be free to report on news and deliver opinions that are against the government. That flag means that the government won't come and take us away if we don't agree with them.
I was a sailor in the United States Navy. I chose to put my life on hold for four years so others wouldn't have to. I stood watch while you slept at night and went to foreign lands and waters to make sure others could be free. If it means that much to you, that you hate this country so much that you feel you need to burn our symbol of freedom, then go ahead. I give you permission, but when you do, think about those who died to give you that freedom while you do burn that flag.
Have a nice day.