You know, it’s not like I made up the Standards of Respect. It is Section 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, and became Public Law in 1942. I think it’s sad that so many people can look over certain laws that they deem unimportant, yet be so passionate about others. If you believe in our Democracy, you should embrace the laws created to govern it. If Christina had wrapped her child in a red, white, and blue blanket that was NOT a flag, the symbolism would have been known, and a law would not have been broken. Do I believe she should go to jail? No, of course not. Do I think that Rock the Vote should promote good citizenship and adhere to a Federal Law? Absolutely.

Well we hashed this a while ago. I am on the side of it being offensive, to me personally. It is my opinion. And veiwing Julia (from Rock the Vote) it did what they wanted, people are talking about it. I guess as long as the ends justify the means….*shrug*…

Oh and I am 32 and I registered to vote when I turned 18, I have never missed an election, even when there is one thing on the ballot. I do absentee ballots when I am out of town for an election and I am training to become an election judge as well.

Thanks for featuring Christina’s new PSA. You all bring up great comments, about the flag and how we should respect it. This is an issue that will probably be addressed by the next Congress, so if you really want to weigh in, register to vote.

http://www.rockthevote.com

even with the heavy make up and hair done all up, she looks so young! it’s almost like she’s carrying her baby brother, haha.

I think people view the American flag along a wide spectrum of beliefs. The statute above is probably just trying to protect some command of respect, which may get diluted if we see the flag everywhere. I must admit that there is something powerful about seeing the flag draped over a military coffin or see it rippling in the air at a foreign US embassy.

I think Nicole has a legitimate opinion that shouldn’t be so cavalierly dismissed. The flag can be an extremely personal thing. I know it is for my naturalized parents. And I know it is for my friend who’s serving in Iraq.

With that said, the PSA is quite brilliantly executed, and I think the flag only enhances the message.

Oh wow, the last comment talking about the symbolism of Max wrapped in the flag was actually posted by me (Erica) not Nicole. That’s what happens when you surf the net while multi-tasking at work.

I hope everyone goes to vote and not just in the USA but all over the world.

About the flag used as something else: I was in a restaurant last week and they had made lamps from flags from all over the world. Looked quite nice, but I guess it’s not in line with that respect standard!

Nicole (8:24) What about in the Olympics when the athletes wrap themselves in the flag, should they be jailed for flag disrespect?

Nicole, you’re right that it is a violation of the standards of respect. But at the risk of sounding kind of unpatriotic I’ve got to say that I love the symbolism of baby Max being wrapped in cloth representative of the USA–the country his life will no doubt be interwoven with his entire life. I really liked the PSA.

Good point, Nicole. Of course, most people don’t care about respecting the flag. Plus, as a celebrity, Christina might think she is above all of that. I think the idea behind the video is nice, but not well thought-out and slightly tacky.