Flag Waiver

Is the Bush administration's Office of Personnel Management doing its part to fight back against the forces waging a War on Christmas ? And what about protecting the U.S. flag? Frankly, the holiday card we recently received in the office from the good folks over at OPM raises some questions:

First of all, you can see that just like President and Mrs. Bush, they've gone with the more generic "Happy Holidays," rather than the traditional "Merry Christmas." (Hey, it's a diverse workforce.)

And how about that flag-on-the-ornament motif? Cute. But take a look at Title 4, Section 8 of the U.S. Code. It says:

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

So that OPM seal where the stars should be? Hmmm...

Also, the law states:

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.

I guess the card isn't exactly "advertising" OPM, but as pretty as it is, I think everybody who receives it will discard it eventually.

But hey, is this really the season to nitpick? I'll take the high road and say, I salute your patriotism, OPM, and a great big Happy Holidays to you, too!