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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SylverFlame" data-source="post: 799116" data-attributes="member: 8423">I checked this thread out because I was interested in the topic (freedom of speech is my thing). As such, this thread definitely falls into this category.There has been much talk about the nature of flags in this thread. I agree, a flag is a statement. I am canadian, and I feel strongly whenever I see my flag. I expect americans feel the same, as do all other people in the world. However, something I have noticed about this thread is somewhat disturbing (I should note here that the mod's and some others have not ignored this). There are a number of people who are saying how the Iraqi flag is a bad thing due to its implied statement. Well, on the same token, so is the American flag and the Skull and Cross Bones and everyother flag here. I find it a little troubling that nothing has been said about the nature of the American flag but plenty has been said about the other flags. This creates an issue.If a person is going to drop flags (political tag ons aside), then all flags should be dropped. I like the sigs here. I have more than one good laugh over someones sig and (shameless plug) have started a poll in this forum as to whether or not people like mine. So, since a sig is a personal thing, then all things in it are personal. The nature of the flag then becomes redundent.I feel no more issue rise in me when I see an Iraqi flag than I do when I see an American flag, a Canadian flag (except the pride mentioned above), the Union Jack, or even the ol' Hammer and Sickle of the USSR. These things are okay because a person flies what speaks to them.I would fly an Irish flag even though I do not live there. I have Irish blood in me and so is that flag not a part of me? Issue has been raised over the nature of "special" flags (ie. the bullet-riddled one described by someone earlier). Well, these are equally interesting to me. It shows an opinion. If someone were to post a Canadian flag with a big red line and circle over it, I would be insulted (deeply). However, I also realize it is that persons right to show this image. It's freedom of speech. They aren't forcing it on me and aren't actively hurting me (aside from the insult). Also, it is my right to reply to it. Freedom of speech again.So, this is the nature of the beast. As has been said before: All or none. I vote all. This forum proves that the great, tolerant, posters who frequent this site can have a calm and informed discussion. Just as they can do it over this then they can do it between themselves should issue rise with a sig (no matter the nature). I myself have gotten comments on the Care Bear in my sig. All of these have been calm (with the exception of one, which was not nasty actually). I responded with the above mentioned poll. If this phenonemon can occur twice, it can occur again.Thanks to everyone who has made this post, and ENWorld in general, accessible to those who wish to speak. To draw on the eighties: May your future be so bright, you gotta wear shades.</blockquote>

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