Are Blue Line Flags an Abomination?
The question in the headline may seem like an odd question to some people, but allow me to explain. We’ve been having people tell us, the Blue Lives Matter team, for a while now that we should be selling American Thin Blue Line flags. That way more people can openly show their support for law enforcement. We’re a group of police officers, not flag makers, so we never really did much with these suggestions besides thank people for their support. Then the other day were were notified that people can buy 3 foot by 5 foot American Thin Blue Line flags for under six dollars, and we thought that the deal was too good not to share.
American Thin Blue Line Flag – $5.99 w/ Free Prime Shipping on Amazon
When we posted this, it sure got a lot of attention, but mostly from people who weren’t too happy with it. One user pretty much summed up most of the comments:
“I will always support law enforcement but this is a desecration of the American Flag.”
This resulted in quite the internal discussion among those of us at Blue Lives Matter. People seemed split between the two groups.
On one hand, the American Thin Blue Line flag proponents said that it’s not an desecration of the American flag, because it’s a completely different flag. It’s a flag specifically to represent support for American law enforcement.
The other group says that it’s clearly based off of the American flag, because it’s supposed to represent American law enforcement. The American flag should not be altered in appearance; To do so is a violation of US Flag code which states:
The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars, white in a blue field.
To them, the appropriate flag for law enforcement would be solid Thin Blue Line flags:
Thin Blue Line Flag 100% Made in USA – $24.88 w/ Free Prime Shipping on Amazon
We thought that the critics might have a point, and we quickly took down the Facebook post promoting the deal. Unfortunately, by taking the post down so quickly, we didn’t actually get to see how most of our supporters actually felt about the issue.
Here we are left wondering what you think about this issue. Should Blue Lives Matter forgo any support for the American Thin Blue Line flag, and stick strictly with the solid Thin Blue Line flag? We want to hear from you. Please let us know what you think in the comments below.
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David
I was in the military before becoming a police officer. It is common for military personnel to buy and wear subdued American Flags. They don’t follow code. My question to those naysayers is, do they feel like the US military is desecrating the flag? I don’t feel like they are and I support this flag.
Steve
I had the same thought as I was reading the article and then saw your comment. As another veteran and former police officer, I have never once looked at one of these flags and thought it was in any way disrespectful or a desecration of our nation’s own flag. If anything, I would classify it as a tribute flag based on the format of the U.S. Flag. It may symbolically resemble the flag, but it is not, by definition an American Flag. I also support the blue line flag in this form.
Buzzardt
When the United States Supreme Court has ruled that it is a persons freedom of speech right to Burn, Stomp on, Tear to Shreds and even to Urinate on the United States Flag. I think it is within their ruling to put a Blue Line on it. Ordering one now.
Carl Calder
Accepting the desecration of the American flag like this is no different than accepting the desecration of the flag that liberals put Obummers face or logo in the Union section. No one liked the changes like that and it wasn’t an American flag either, so why should we accept this? Altering Ole Glory to suit your political or group needs should not be accepted. I support our officers, always have and have family that are officers, and I’m a Paramedic, but I love my country and what the flag stands for, and it should not be altered. My 2¢
Bruce
I have both flags, support both flags, fly both flags and have served under both flags.
Pat
I fully support law enforcement. I believe the proper flag should be the blue line on the black background. The American flag should not be altared.
Brandon
I don’t think it is disrespectful of the flag at all. Those who feel it is can simply fly both
Jon Templin
I love law enforcement and wholeheartedly support our men in blue however I believe the American flag is a sacred symbols and shouldn’t be tampered with . There is a thin blue line flag that shows support for law enforcement however it is its own flag but to tamper with the American flag I believe is wrong.
Hunt
I prefer the American flag version as an Officer. However, my next door neighbor, a Trooper, does not like it as much. He feels that it should be red white and blue with a blue line.
Matt
The definition you posted states “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be fifty stars, white in a blue field.”
This flag is black, white, and and blue, therefore does not meet the conditions to be an American Flag, by definition.
I think it’s great! It represents US Police officers because it reminds us of the 13 unions, 50 states, and our fallen officers in one symbolic banner.
Visit us at RiverDrive.CO to see our Whiskey and Wine Barrel flags. We’re coming out with Thin Blue and Thin Red Line versions. We would love some advice on what charity to donate the proceeds from the Thin Blue Line Whiskey/Wine barrel flags to.
Matt@RiverDrive.CO
Mike Rumfield
I too have served under both flags. Personally, I’m torn because there is a lot of validity to both sides. I read a comment previous about the subdued flag patches and while that is technically outside of code it also is part of a military uniform. That changes it a bit for me. I look at this issue as more of a symbolism issue than I do a design issue. The American flag is a symbol of unity over one nation. It’s a symbol of freedom. I would present the argument that the LEO flag should create unity and solidarity instead of division. If that is the traditional black thin Blue Line flag then so be it. I personally would not have a problem flying either but I want everyone to think big picture. This of course with the knowledge you’re not going to make everyone happy.
Blue Supporter
I agree full heartedly with Buzzardt, if it is legal to desecrate the American Flag, it is perfectly acceptable to use it as a baseline for proud support of American first responders. (I say first responders because there is also a thin red and thing gold line flag on the same black American flag.)
Leon Strigotte
It is easy to gloss over the desecration since WE think it honors LE, but what about using it with LGBT colors or BLM colors or ….. Desecration of our flag takes away from why the flag, why those particular colors that is used to drape our coffins with. What’s next, substitute the blue line flag for THE United States of America flag. I fought, bled and defended a Red White and Blue US Flag NOT a flag with a Blue line. Do not care what the Supreme Court or anyone else say, how do you honor and respect the flag. Find a new flag or symbol.
James Smith
As a member of law enforcement, I appreciate the support. I fly both, with no intentions of disrespecting Old Glory or offending true patriots. Unfortunately, in this day and age, everything offends someone. If it truly offends you, I would ask that you respect my right to free speech. If you can’t accept that, well, I guess I would just say have a very nice rest of your day and move along.
CATHY
For me, I don’t have a problem witl this particular incarnation of the flag I love it simply because of what it represents. BUT–there have been some groups who have altered the flag (to their colors, stars, etc.) that I absolutely detest, probably mostly because it was for a cause or ideology that I felt didn’t represent the USA well. So…does this double standard make me a hypocrite? I don’t know. But I would want to know if the website that was selling them at such a low price was having them made in the USA.
Leon Strigotte
Below is a link that leads to a Veterans statement about the US Flag. He states better than any comments here WHY you should NOT tamper with or misuse the US Flag and it’s colors.
https://m.facebook.com/Ronin-Tactics-481066231924067/?ref=m_notif¬if_t=close_friend_activity
D. Dove
I’m tired of all this political correctness. I like the American flag with the blue line. The think the other “black and blue” flag is not the best choice when so many people are complaining the cops are abusive. I stand behind law enforcement and will never waiver on that!!
Greg
With all respect, please do not alter the Stars and Stripes.
A
I have this flag (American flag that is black and white with a line blue) in my home and on the other wall is the American traditional flag. I personally do not see a problem for it is done tastefully and respectfully unlike the flag turned rainbow/unicorn that wiped it’s ass on. For the naysayers, I say then do not buy it then. For those that do support it fly it with pride. As for the unicorn ass-wiping one, ummm yea don’t.
Ta Lee
I have a Thin Blue, Thin Red and an American…I fly the American all the time, except when when half staff is called for, I remove American and place blue or red.
Albert Cantu
I am a U.S. Army Veteran and a Police Officer. I also believe it is a desecration of the American Flag. I see why people don’t think its a big deal, but it is. Its just easier to do the thin blue line with a black background. I thank you all for your support no matter what you pick.
Michael D
I think if the military is ok with it then why should we bitch about it. If the people that are willing to die for this flag then who are we to say it’s wrong
Eric Page
I’m one of those that cannot bring myself to purchase or support the use of the black and white American flag with the thin blue line. I could not and would not and was very vocal about the Gay community when they changed the red and white stripes on the American flag to rainbow colors. I fully support the solid black flag with the thin blue line. As for the subdued American flag on military uniforms, I’ve always thought that should only be warn when the use of color could get you killed, I also think it is imperative that in the environment that we fight in today, being able to identify the country of a combatant is very important. Just for the record I am former military and law enforcement.
D Grisbach
As a daughter and sister to two LEOs, the blue line on the black and white American flag seems appropriate. I look at it like this, everyday police officers put their lives on the line for the safety of our communities. They are sworn to uphold the constitution of the US. They are what keeps us from destroying ourself and our neighbors. Since the fallen officers die for Americans by the hands of Americans, I think it is only appropriate that the symbol for a fallen officer reflects just that.
Until people stop disrespecting the flag by using it for protest purposes, there shouldn’t be any talk about political correctness regarding the thin blue line on a flag that resembles the American flag.