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I don't have time to read through all these pages, and after some brief browsing, I think this point has been made a few times, but I thought I'd drop in my two cents. I think a private business should be able to set any policy it wants. There's an argument to be made about whether an apartment complex SHOULD ban the American flag from being displayed by residents but I hope no one is trying to argue about whether the complex has the RIGHT to make such a demand on the people staying on its property. I say this as a recent navy vet who now lives in an apartment. I would never try to tell someone else what he can do with his property. Whether it really is good business or not is another thing entirely. It could backfire, especially with enough negative press.
If service members really are protecting the freedom of our country's citizens, then the idea of commanding respect should be anathema to those service members. Whether it be forcing a company to provide a forum to show the flag or forcing kids to say the pledge of allegiance (or even acknowledge it), that is a restriction on freedom. I would much rather people be brought up on critical thinking skills so that they might decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong. In a truly free society, people are going to do and say things that upset others. That's the beauty of it. Freedom is being able to do and say these things without fear of reprisal, as long as the original deeds don't infringe on others' rights to life, liberty, and property. I don't expect respect or patriotism. I certainly wouldn't try to demand it from anyone. If it's forced, it's probably not sincere, anyway. In this specific case, the people are more than welcome to let their lease run out and move into a complex more accepting of displaying flags. The first company might eventually come around to the idea that it's not best for their business to hamper such freedom of expression. Then again, maybe not. Who cares? It's their property. Don't use it.
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