Thread: CLEVELAND TENNESSEE Rep. Eric Watson / Flag Bill

Rep. Eric Watson Introduces HBs 1408 & 1409

Eric Watson Protecting Our Flag

"Presidents’ Day is a day we set aside each year to acknowledge the service of our past and current U.S. presidents, and to consider our history as a nation.

We’ve had 43 presidents. That is, 43 men of diverse backgrounds who have greatly impacted world events and even affected the course of history. Men like Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan and others. And that diverse group all have one thing in common ... they all served under the flag of the United States of America.

"Compared to some other countries, the United States is a young nation. We are only 230 years old. But in that time we have led the world in the development of industry and technology, innovation, human rights, and the defense of freedom.

"We have been called a nation of immigrants ~ and we are. America was built with the labor of men and women of all cultures and faiths who came here from other countries seeking a better life. Our open arms have always been strong arms, and it is a testament to the greatness of America that so many seek refuge upon our shores.

"But times have changed. The world today can seem a threatening place. And it is. And where once immigrants came to this country hoping to share the American dream, it now seems many come hoping instead to exploit it.

"During this past year, the issue of illegal immigration has become one of major concern for many U.S. citizens. We’ve seen occasions where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in opposition to U.S. immigration policy. During these protests, the national flags of Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries have been prominently flown and displayed.

"As Americans, we have no problem with this. Peaceful protest and free speech is not only a cherished right in this country, it is vital to a free society.

"But what some people do have a problem with, is the manner in which our flag is treated during these protests. One incident in particular took place at Montebello High School in California. A Mexican flag was raised on the same flagpole with an American flag, but the Mexican flag was flown above the flag of the United States. And to add insult to injury, the American flag ~ a flag that has stood for liberty and freedom for over 200 years ~ was positioned upside-down. It’s hard for a lot of U.S. citizens to stand by and watch the flag being desecrated. Especially when the best and brightest of our youth are dying in defense of freedom on foreign soil.

"That is why I am introducing House Bill 1408, which would make it the law in Tennessee that the American flag be topmost when displayed with multiple flags on one flagpole. The official state flag would be second, and all other flags would be below that.

"Additionally, I am proposing another bill ~ 1409 ~ that would make it a Class A Misdemeanor not to follow the protocol of HB 1408. This will give local and state law enforcement agencies the power to enforce protection of the flag.

"Our presidents are our leaders. Whether we vote for them or not, we support them. Not because our lives are threatened if we don’t, the way it is in other countries ~ the way it was in Iraq ~ but because we are the American people, and they are our American presidents, and this (indicating the flag) is our American flag and we are ONE nation under God. If anyone wants to fly our flag, let them fly it with respect and honor to the American spirit and all the good we have tried to do in the world.

"We welcome all people to come and share the American dream, but they have to do it in accordance with the laws of this country. That is why I am asking lawmakers across Tennessee to join me in protecting the sanctity of the American flag by supporting House Bills 1408 and 1409.

"America is still the greatest country on earth and Tennessee is still the greatest state. There’s no reason we should have to allow flags of foreign nations to be flown above ~ or at the expense of ~ the American flag here on our owb soil.

"Again, thank you for allowing me to serve. It is an honor. God bless you all and God bless our flag."

http://hometowncleveland.com/

This is a wonderful bill, we need to show appreciation to Rep. Watson for this bill.