The Editor, Sir:

I write in support of your columnist Garth Rattray's admonition of those who disrespect our national flag (September 1).

While the elation and pride at the world-shattering performance of our athletes in Beijing is understandable, there are certain internationally recognised conventions, in relation to demonstrating national pride, that should be observed if we are not to be viewed as a 'buttu' society.

As Rattray outlined in some detail, the national flag should never be represented in any other than its standard approved form and always treated with due respect.

Not even the great Bob Marley's image should be emblazoned on it as has evidently become popular.

The flag ought not to be used as a convenient background for commercial publicity.

Enforce standards

I also associate with this inappropriate use of our national symbol, the manufacture of flip flops with the flag on the sole and hence, under the wearer's 'footbottom'. Surely, the ultimate in 'dissing' ourselves as a nation.

We urgently need to enforce standards to prevent us from living the contradiction of producing some of the world's greatest performers in sports and entertainment while showing poor form in some of our expressions of national pride.

Our athletes and other national representatives also have a responsibility to act as role models.

Excited, as they may be, in moments of triumph, they need to ensure that when they take the national flag, they may, by all means, wave it and drape it around their shoulders, but never lie down on it or allow it to hang around their necks like a towel.

I am, etc.,

JOHN A. MAXWELL

Kingston