A Disgrace to our Flag

[TruBlu]

OK, so I was watching the O'Reilly Factor earlier and saw an add for the next best thing since sliced bread commercial. Just another Billy Mays, "let me yell at you to by my product commercial," but this was was different. This one defaced a flag. Excuse me, THE FLAG. That's right, Mr. Mays is endorsing a new product, "Mighty Mendit," and they decided to market it best, they would rip a flag and glue it back together, then stick it in a wind tunnel to 'prove' it works. I find this disgraceful, and because I don't have the time to reiterate my self constantly, here is the email I sent the Mr. O'Reilly.

Mr. Bill O'Reilly,

I was watching your television show, The O'Reilly Factor, on Fox News just minutes ago today, 4 December 2008, and witnessed a fantastic display of disregard to our great country and its great flag. While it was not on your show, and I'm quite sure that would never be the case, I did witness it during the air time of 8 PM to 9 PM EST, the same that your show occupies. While you may or may not have control over the commercials that air during the show's recesses, I know that your producers and the "suits," as you may like to refer to them as (in reference to your NBC comments), do.

Towards the end of your show, a time approximation of around 8:45 may be fair, a "Mighty Mendit" commercial, hosted by the 'popular' Billy Mays aired. It started out as your standard 'buy this new great product' commercial, then they showed it, a torn American Flag that they promptly glued back together! If that wasn't bad enough, they then prompted to raise the flag on a small pole in a wind tunnel and subjected it to 'storm force winds.' At the time that they showed this, a small disclaimer of sorts appeared at the bottom reading: Actual repaired flag allowed to dry overnight. I find this repulsive, to purposely mangle a flag, repair it with glue, and then use it to sell a product.

Why is the repulsive? OK, first lets give them the benefit of the doubt and say that they flag was already ripped and they were simply doing us a service by mending it with their latest and greatest product. Sure no laws or flag codes are broken, if that is the case. But, no matter which way anyone spins it, if I may, they have still broken the Flag Code. This is done by using the flag as an advertisement for profit. Section 8i of the Flag Code reads, "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." Is this illegal? No, the Flag Code is purely voluntary to be followed, but is in place so that it is not disrespected in any way. Any real American or patriot would obey this code if they do not wish to offend those who have spent their lives dedicated to that flag and the country it symbolizes, whether that be civilian or military, political or apolitical, decided or undecided, it does not matter, it is a disgrace to the face of this country.

For a little extra information on the actual commercial, here is the link to a copy of it (http://www.asseenontvvideo.com/51164...ty-Mendit.html). If you so choose to watch, the flag is first shown at 29 seconds, disgracefully torn, but clean like a new flag. The section with the flag ends in only 10 seconds, but those 10 seconds speak louder than 10 hours of this commercial.

I am sure that you and the good people at Fox News will take this into consideration the next time 'the next big thing' comes along and actually review it, because I'm sure if you had, it would not have aired.

With Concern,
*Name

Am I getting too worked up about this, or am I in the right to be offended?

[Billyd]

"If not me, who? If not now, when?" While not completely accurate, it expresses my sentiments. Obviously, you felt strongly enough to contact Mr. O'Reilly about a advertisement that aired during his program. I would be interested in seeing his response, or the response of someone at Fox News.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

Originally Posted by Billyd

"If not me, who? If not now, when?" While not completely accurate, it expresses my sentiments. Obviously, you felt strongly enough to contact Mr. O'Reilly about a advertisement that aired during his program. I would be interested in seeing his response, or the response of someone at Fox News.

I would too. This is really bad. Just a quick FYI I believe that the people who run Fox control the commercials, not the show hosts.

[PaulR]

I just saw that commercial for the first time today. I feel the same way. I look forward to seeing the response as well.

[SlightlyCatholic]

I don't understand why a flag was used when it states that it can mend "almost any fabric". I bet if Billy Mays showed a torn Iranian flag or something of the sort, you'd hear more about this.

[TruBlu]

Originally Posted by C/SSGT Seifer

I would too. This is really bad. Just a quick FYI I believe that the people who run Fox control the commercials, not the show hosts.

Did you read the full email?

While you may or may not have control over the commercials that air during the show's recesses, I know that your producers and the "suits," as you may like to refer to them as (in reference to your NBC comments), do.

While the producers and corporate suits (the people who run Fox) do place the commercials, they do so according to what show would be airing, as to capture a specific audience. Although if they actually watched it, this wouldn't have been aired...

No email yet, but as expected. I'll update you guys as soon as I get one back.

[army_grunt_11B]

Not trying to be the devils advocate, but I will bet you money, you won't get an email back any time soon. If you do get one, it will be a short and to the point of "not our fault, talk to these people" type of email

[TruBlu]

Originally Posted by army_grunt_11B

Not trying to be the devils advocate, but I will bet you money, you won't get an email back any time soon. If you do get one, it will be a short and to the point of "not our fault, talk to these people" type of email

Understandable, but while my intent was to get something changed, I always took in the factor that it may turn out to be "just another email." I wrote him, or rather them, because I felt as thought someone needed to say something about it. Even if nothing is changed, I know that I made the attempt, and will continue to make the attempt if the blatant trashing of our flag is continued.

[Drill for life]

I hate it but I'm telling you they won't do anything. They are out to make money and they could give a Rats Butt about how you feel about there commercial. People in my unit need to buy Mighty Mendit to Hem there pants.

[C/Msgt.wraith]

Originally Posted by army_grunt_11B

Not trying to be the devils advocate, but I will bet you money, you won't get an email back any time soon. If you do get one, it will be a short and to the point of "not our fault, talk to these people" type of email

I agree with grunt on this one. I Believe though that you will not even get messaged back, Blu. But yes, we can all agree that an idea for a commercial like that should be told to a few veterans to see how they feel about that, can we not?