This is truly THE END OF REASON!  SIGH…

The Associated Students of The University Of California At Irvine, have voted to ban the hanging of all flags in an “inclusive” space, because all flags – especially the American flag – are offensive.

The bill was authored by Matthew Guevara and passed with six yea votes, four nay votes, and two abstentions. The bill states in part:

“[F]lags construct paradigms of conformity and sets [sic] homogenized standards for others to obtain which in this country typically are idolized as freedom, equality, and democracy,” the bill reads.

The legislation argues that flags may be interpreted differently; the American flag, for example, can represent “American exceptionalism and superiority,” as well as oppression.

“[T]he American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism,” the bill continues, arguing that “symbolism has negative and positive aspects that are interpreted differently by individuals.”

The anti-flag hanging bill adds that free speech, such as flags in inclusive spaces, can be interpreted as hate speech.

“[F]reedom of speech, in a space that aims to be as inclusive as possible[,] can be interpreted as hate speech,” the bill reads.

You can read the entire story here.

It is difficult to know where to begin with such foolishness. A couple things that do strike me, however, are the absolute cowardliness of the two student senators who abstained.  I find it difficult to believe that one doesn’t have an opinion either way on this issue.  Then again, a record of voting present proved impressive enough to land one former senator in the White House. So what do I know?

I am also at a bit of a loss as to why a paradigm of conformity to the standards of freedom, equality, and democracy, is a bad thing.  After all, it is that paradigm that allows this ninny to attend a state sponsored school and then sneer at the values of his country, (along with emphasizing the nation’s historical follies).

Notice too, the use of one of those paradigms of conformity – free speech, being turned on its head to DENY free speech. At some point we need to understand that free speech means all speech is free.  There is no such thing as free speech, unless it hurts someones feelings.  I happen to find the very notion that we ought to hide the flag of my beloved country, because it might be offensive to someone from another country who is BEING EDUCATED ON OUR SOIL, highly offensive and downright hateful! But for some reason guys like Guevara won’t shut the hell up! Maybe, I can petition the school…

Finally, it is fascinating for me to read the text of this bill, with all of its academic gobbledy gook.  Boy oh boy, look what happens when someone takes too many ethnic studies courses. Then again, I often wonder if students pull these kind of stupid stunts, not because they actually believe the crap that comes out of their mouths, but because they want to become internet sensations.  I have a suspicion that Guevara will be up all night googling his name.  Sigh…