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I have really enjoyed reading the different opinions on the topic. Although when I first read the article and saw the video, I wasn't sure myself what I thought.
But after considering the many viewpoints, I stopped to think about what I thought the PoA stood for. To me, it represents the freedoms and liberties afforded to those protected under it - ie. citizens, refugees, etc.
As for the connection to the military, especially post 9/11, when the flag was hung upside down (some say it's protocol to do when we are in trouble, others say it was a mistake), when everyone was wearing those flag pins, the flag itself became a symbol of unity against terrorism. A couple of hundred years ago, the flag began as a symbol against tyranny and a new world. So there is a direct connection, because thousands have died protecting those freedpoms.
I think that regardless of one's feelings about reciting the PoA, I think that if you are in a place where people stand and revere it, it's a matter of basic manners to at least stand up with others. Someone else said it's like when they play another countries' national anthem/flag raise at say, a hockey game, the olmpics, etc.
Regardless of where the kid got his idea, he was being disrespectful in the manner in which he defended his rights and the way he spoke to the teacher. To that, it increases my suspicion that the kid did not come up with this himself. His dad's enthusiasm was rewarding behavior that the child didn't fully understand, and did what he thought was going to be "right" or controversial.
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