Taking advantage of freedom
Some students at Hesston College may have been a little on edge last week after hearing that their financial aid might be cut.
It's not because they were bad students — it's because their college doesn't fly the American flag.
Last week, local news outlets reported that the Kansas House was considering a bill that would cut $160,000 in aid to HC students. Apparently, an obscure Kansas law requires the flag to be flown at all schools. Hesston hasn't flown it since 1970.
The House didn't approve the measure — thankfully. If they did, it would be a violation of the principles that the flag represents.
Plain and simple, the flag stands for freedom. And to coerce someone to fly the U.S. flag if it goes against their personal beliefs is an erosion of that freedom.
First of all, the law itself is ambiguous at best. Does it apply to public or private schools? Elementary and secondary institutions or colleges? And what about homeschools — do they have to put flags on their lawns?
The law is well-intentioned, of course. It's not a sinister plot to turn us into communist China. It's just a way of demonstrating pride in our country.
But patriotism and pride in one's country is an internal thing — you can't force it or fake it just by raising the flag on a pole.
The great thing about this country is that you're allowed to be nonpatriotic if you choose. It's a matter of personal freedom and choice.
Sort of a paradox, isn't it?
Hesston College has made their decision. The constitution guarantees their right to do so.
— JENNIFER WILSON
