Gathering around the sundial, the Columbia University College Democrats took part in a weird nation-purging exercise that consisted of getting twenty American flags wet and subsequently drying them, while simultaneously ringing a bell. Each flag represented a grievance with the Iraq War (aka The War on Terror) and each ring of the bell mourned the death of a civilian or soldier. For some reason, groups of people found enough contention to warrant spitting on the little ceremony and find it generally offensive.
President of the CU Republicans, Chris Kulawik, said a few things in the true, hard-core, “America, fuck yeah” attitude that every non-American hates (thus perpetuating the unfortunate American stereotype of arrogant, imperialistic, self-absorbed pricks):
“I really do believe this borders on the desecration of the American flag.”
“It says something when elitist Ivy Leaguers think that they have the right—nay the responsibility—to tell us the flag needs cleansing and that they have the hubris to do so,” he said. “I think it’s insulting. I’m outraged, and I don’t think it’s something we should accept.”
Is it not hubris to think that the flag does not need cleansing, that it is so perfect and untainted that it can be kept how it is? Atten-hut!!!: Wake the fuck up please, sirs! And ‘desecration’? Really? Washing the flag is desecration? Well, I just desecrated half my wardrobe and, having just woken up, I’m now going to go desecrate my face.
While I am not particularly found of that incessant, annoying bell (they at least could have used nice melodious chimes), I don’t think CU Dem’s antics here deserve such bad publicity. And if ideas of American patriotism don’t include constant self-reflection and open-minded discussion, then God save us all. In any case, God Bless America! (I’ve always wanted to do that, and after a year of getting truly “Americanised,” I think I can).