I was very glad to read “Patriot Act” [Good Intentions, January]. I’m so sick of seeing the American flag plastered all over the place like a cheap advertisement, as if that proves anything except a person’s paranoia about being seen as un-American. True patriots would be doing something for the country, whatever that might be—working in the armed services, or volunteering at a charity, or teaching children the meaning of the constitution. The flag is a great symbol, but people are just using it to let themselves off the hook. Look, I’m patriotic, everybody. Look! Look at me! It’s shameless and it’s against the law. Or at least against the Flag Code. You have to wonder how deeply their patriotism really runs, if the most they can do is trot out the bumperstickers.
Jim Warner, St. Paul
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