Mandated memory?

Lawmakers push rule on POW/MIA flag

INWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE t is possible to oppose a thing without opposing the intention behind it.

For example, thousands of French men and women may be angry about high taxes or the need to express their anger to the nation’s political leaders, but many would oppose the violence that has affected Paris and other cities for weeks now.

One might oppose President Trump’s shrug of the shoulders in relation to the mur- der of journalist Ja- mal Khashoggi, even while recognizing a need to preserve strong strategic relations with the Saudi Arabia government.

Which brings us to Sen. Tom Cotton and his legislative partner, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Democrat from Massachusetts.

Yes, you read that correctly. The other day, the two senators found a way to be two-peas-in-a-podish. Emphasis on “-ish.” The pair offered this: Introduction of the National POW/MIA Flag Act.

The measure would require the POW/MIA Flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery, the buildings containing the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense, and veterans affairs, the office of the director of the Selective Service System, each major military installation (as designated by the Secretary of Defense), each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, and each United States Postal Service post office.

Now, this is the point at which we applaud the stated intent, which is to honor the more than 82,000 Americans who are listed as prisoners of war, missing in action or otherwise unaccounted for from the nation’s past wars and conflicts. “It is my hope that this small gesture reminds Americans to honor those who left our shores and never returned,” Cotton said.

POW/MIA advocates have cheered, and who can blame them? This nation needs to be ever mindful of the sacrifices made by those in our military services and the families affected when loved ones do not come home.

This, however, strikes us as blatant campaigning through legislation, as reaching for an issue that will certainly look good on the next batch of campaign material.

We think mandatory display of the flag that represents the country these members of our military fought for is the strongest statement of their patriotism any federal installation can fly. The U.S. flag belongs in a category unto itself, above any other symbol. Congress has every reason to mandate Old Glory should fly at federal institutions because it represents everything that makes the nation great and its aspirations to be greater still.

Do we have a problem with the POW/MIA cause or its flag? Not at all. But Congress’ only mandate should focus on the U.S. flag, the symbol of our nation. Encourage and applaud the flying of the POW/MIA flag, but do not mandate it, especially in a cynical nod toward bipartisanship when these two senators can hardly see eye to eye on anything else about solving the challenges of the nation.

Let’s remember our POWs and those missing in action. Let’s say a prayer for their families.

But let the old Red, White and Blue stand far above all others.