Would the killer even be convicted?

I mean, this is the rhetorical equivalent of running back and forth across the lanes of a freeway at 2 AM, you cant really blame the unlucky car who finally hit him.

It's going to be a red letter day when someone finally snaps and mows down every one of them. Well, maybe spare the kids.

The flag trampling isn't a very smart idea, in my opinion. If I saw someone trampling an American flag, I'd flip out.

Fortunately the Irish are more sensible than that.
Only extreme nationalists like IRA-supporters place the symbol of the flag above the values its supposed to represent.


Don't get me wrong, we'll still kick his ass just on principle.

There's nothing sensible about not flipping out when someone tramples your flag. Do I have to explain to you what symbolism is?

Sorry Billy, but Ireland finds the American overreaction to flag insults and making kids pledge allegiance each day, to be creepy. Its not because we are any less proud or patriotic. Its because we remember full well that the men and women who died for Ireland died for their people and their freedoms, not for the object used to symbolize them. If you use the symbol to subvert the meaning, then you've defiled its purpose. And reacting like a loon when a sad little man attempts to insult us, does just that.

Of course you are free to come over and tell us precisely how we should respect our own country. Be sure to mention how great Bush is and the evils of homosexuality too.

god i hate uppity cunts who unironically speak for the GOOD SECTION of their country, no matter where they hail.

Yea! Fuckin people talkin bout their fuckin countries. Fuckin fuckwads.

I always feel that if someone goes to the trouble of going to the flag shop and buys a flag then it's their flag anyway and they can do what ever retarded nonsense they like with it.

Thinking this way allows me to unclench my fists every now and again and also have a good laugh at the logistical hilarity of that one time all of those angry Muslims managed some how to source hundreds of Danish flags apparently over night.

Trivia Fact: Americans have a list of secret Flag Rules drummed into their heads as children. If you display an American flag in severe violation of those rules, like touching the ground, or beneath several other flags, it'll really annoy Americans.

Phelps and his peculiar, obnoxious lot thrive on attention. It's as simple as that. When they decided to start into protesting at the funerals of those killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, a lot of the media seemed to start ignoring them. Now they've got to go to extra lengths to grab the attention Papa Phelps needs.

That's my theory, anyway. For those who've never read it:
http://www.blank.org/addict/

theres absolutely nothing wrong with talking up your country, but once you get into that pious EXCEPT FOR ALL THE CRAZY ASSHOLE TERRORISTS, NO ONE IS DUMB ENOUGH IN MY SENSIBLE COUNTRY TO CARE ABOUT NATIONAL SYMBOLS AT ALL PERIOD territory, you become more ignorant than irritating.

i guarantee you that if you go into a pub in Donegal and start pissing on the Irish flag while calling Eire a country of faggots hated by God, youre going to get alot more than just 60-year-old ex-IRA crazies on your case. if you dont believe me, feel free to prove me wrong.

Although I admit I spoke too broadly, that last comparison is ridiculous. Calling everyone faggots and pissing on flags would get your ass kicked in Switzerland, or a Buddhist monastery.

And yeah, there are reactionaries in both countries, but in terms of official policy and standard practice, I think its objectively clear that most of Ireland is less reactionary (not so much the northern part). You just don't see Irish 'Fox News' reports about people properly disposing of flags. Its not a matter of which country is better, but which approach I think is better.

God used to love maple syrup, but stopped right around the time Phelps was denied entry. Mysteriously, God now also hates hockey and beer.

I think I read that they think it's all too late for us to be saved so all they're doing at now is being dicks about our imminent deaths and eternal damnation.

Doesn't he hang around with Ben Doon?

Meh. All I heard from Irish was "HURR YOU AMERICANS ALWAYS SO WOUND UP ABOUT FLAGS - NOT LIKE US!"

That's really all it boils down to, is egotism. The ol' "we're more sensible than you guys" routine. Yawntacular.

Fair enough, I was being too broad in my statements, mostly reacting to Billy and that recent "Mexican flag being cut down" video. And there are Irishmen would break a bottle over your head for disrespecting the flag or singing God Save the Queen in the wrong pub.

Overall though, Irish kids aren't required to salute the flag and we're suspicious of attempts to indoctrinate nationalism, except of course at sporting events. And I think its a healthier attitude.