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opinion

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Flag burning --- an American disorder

by Art Hassan

"Democracy can only be preserved if it is limited."

Ortega y Gasset

"Say what you may, but a Panamanian would never burn his national flag." I later apologized for these unkind remarks.

Growing up in Panama, as a protectorate of the US military, I too had a dream. I sometimes thought of "David and Goliath." Yes, as a kid, I always thought Panama must be better than the US in some way --- The United States always being the Mighty Philistine.

While watching the the United States play Sunday's CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Panama --- the thought of David and Goliath, again came to mind --- maybe because of the Gold and Silver apartheid system in the Canal Zone.

One of the best known characters of Bible history is David, who as a lowly shepherd boy defeated the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath, and then grew up to be King David of Israel --- and human ancestor of Jesus Christ.

After Panama lost on penalty kicks, 3-1, a friend called to "needle me" about Panama soccer lost to the USA, and in a childlike manner I responded, "Say what you may, but a Panamanian would never burn his national flag." Of course. I later apologized to my neighbor and friend --- for those unkind words because I know as a fact that CULTURE is indeed a relative concept of family values and patriotism.

However, freedom is also a relative concept. The first condition of freedom is its limitation; make it absolute and it dies in chaos.

As an immigrant and citizen by choice, and retired "senior citizen" --- I love the USA. Even now I can say with confidence that you can go as far in America as your abilities will take you. The whole American system is structured to give immigrants like me, a second, third or even a fourth chance.

Our civil liberties are our fundamental rights that assure equal worth and dignity to each and every member of society.

However, while Panamanians die to honor their flag of a Third World nation, American liberal Democrats waste no effort in the USA to desecrate Old Glory.  My personal theory from years of research is, only a "Marxist fellow traveler" would desecrate the American Flag" --- regardless of the disguise.