On The Value Of Symbols

Bob Newman

I am abnormal and wish to explain.

I am abnormal, according to leftist extremist Reggie Rivers, who writes a column in the Denver Post, because I believe in defending (and have defended with my life, as have millions more true Americans) the flag which represents the principles for which so many Americans have died.

Frankly, I am proud to be so abnormal.

In his latest anti-American tirade in the way-to-the-left Post, "Radical Reggie" continues his never-ending attacks on America by stating that "the flag is not without its problems." People like Osama bin Laden love it when Americans attack their own flag and all it means, but this fact doesn't bother Reg one iota.

Reg says the flag is "merely a symbol of our ideals . . ." and therefore isn't all that important. Tell me, Reg, do you have any of the trophies and other stuff you won while playing for the Broncos and in college and high school? You do? Those are mere symbols, Reg. So why do you keep and treasure them? Why not burn them as you say the flag should be burned?

The former Bronco goes on to say that anyone who respects the flag is participating in "idol worship" and is therefore violating the Second Commandment.

No, I am not making this up.

Finally, Radical Reggie says that references to the flag in our national anthem are about as meaningful as "Britney Spears."

I wonder if Reggie is troubled at all that terrorists around the world cheer him on when he gets going on his anti-American rants?

People like Reggie can’t understand the importance of symbols in our lives, which become valuable because of the blood and lives sacrificed for what a symbol like the flag represents. Reg can’t grasp this concept because he has never risked anything for anyone, having spent his entire adult life ensconced in wealth brought to him by his career in professional football. While he played games for a living and was (and still is) living large in luxury and safety, Americans willing to die so that Reggie can continue that Bohemian lifestyle are bleeding and dying on battlefields hither and yon. It is highly doubtful that a single one of those men and women Reggie belittles, mocks and insults could be named by the former Bronco-turned-novelist.

At the end of the day, Reggie has done nothing of genuine consequence in his life and is so troubled by this fact that he feels he must snipe at those who have from the lair that is his Post column. His repeated claims to be a patriotic American ring hollow, for true patriotism isn’t demonstrated by cheap words on fish wrap. It is demonstrated by deeds. But the self-righteous have always been wont to crow from their perches about how much they love their country while others do the nation’s oftentimes deadly dirty work under conditions people like Reggie can’t even imagine.

Words are cheap. Blood, limbs, eyes, entrails and lives are expensive, and those are things Reggie and his ilk steadfastly refuse to risk so that others might live in freedom.

To borrow from today’s American lexicon, there are those who love to loudly talk the talk, but who never walk the walk because only their freedom is important to them, whereas the freedom of others, especially Third World Muslims, is of no concern to them whatsoever. Knowing this and feeling unworthy because of that knowledge, they use verbal arrows to pierce the symbols of those willing to put their money where their mouth is.

But we’re used to it, Reg, so fire away. When all is said and done, we sleep with clear consciences in knowing that our deeds will forever drown out your vile, hateful words.

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Bob Newman, a decorated, retired US Marine, is host of the “Gunny Bob Show” on Newsradio 850 KOA in Denver, and host of “Inhuman Newman’s Anger-Management Hour” on 630 KHOW, also in Denver. His “Global Positioning Statement,” a daily insider’s update on the war on terror, is carried by various Clear Channel radio stations from coast to coast. A ground-combat veteran, he is the director of international security & counterterrorism services for The GeoScope Group and is the military science & terrorism columnist for The Denver Daily News. He can be reached at bobnewman@clearchannel.com.

bobnewman@clearchannel.com