Jason, America was founded on the principal of freedom. Does everyone have to believe exactly the same on everything as you to live here? Gee, you're going to get awfully lonely.

to J.L. from San Diego, If you Dont Love Old Glory and what She Stands for, then you know what you can do, You can get the HECK out of this Country and dont let the DANG DOOR hit you in the REAR when you Leave. Same goes for you Walter

Hooorah for the detained Marine! I read today no charges will be filed by MWC officials. The Marine is an example of a, "good American." Many are watching this protest group and waiting officials to observe them closely for violations of the law!

good man, you did what you felt was right.

TO CLARIFY PRIOR POST COMMENT: I have no doubt that Jimmy,Dennis and Robert also believe in the rule of law. I want to make that clear. I did not intend to imply otherwise.

Iraw = Iraq, sorry.

People who misuse the flag in that manner are trying to provoke a confrontation. They're not logically advocating a position, or even making an informational picket to use labor terms. Best thing to do is for the police to enforce the law, and for the rest of us to turn around and walk away. They disgrace themselves (and their argument) by their behavior, and show how boorish they really are. Once we get rid of Bush and get out of Iraw, maybe the temperature will drop a notch or two and sanity will prevail.

Jimmy,Dennis and Robert...Obviously, your words were from the heart. I found them very touching. Mr. Modisette, so are your own. ______ Judie, it seems to me that Mr. Modisette affirms you stance by his own comment regarding the police. It seems certain that Mr. Modisette supports the rule of law even as he is subjected to it. I am not surprised considering his willingness and passion to defend the U.S.A. flag. ____I thank each of you who have served and/or are serving this nation in both times of peace and in times of war. May God Bless America!

Obviously, J.L. san diego, wins the award for the MOST RUDE and inappropriate comment here...to date.

Mr. Modisette's,
Congratulations. By your own admission it should be that much easier for the DA to prosecute you for infringing and interrupting a group of people who paid for the permit to exercise their first amendment right to assembly. I suggest you seek counsel before you make any more mistakes. The second incident confirms that you are in fact a moron.

This is Mr. Modisette's personal e-mail address: CHSisko@hotmail.com. I know that's his e-mail address because I am Mr. Modisette. Anyone who wants to say something bad about those police officers would be better off not to say it infront of me. Those officers knew that I wasn't leaving the area without that flag. They were doing their job, which is one I wouldn't be able to stomach. God bless those officers and this great country of ours. I appreciate all the support from all the people who still understand what, "I pledge allegiance..." really means.

J.L....if it weren't for some rather infamous reactionaries some 235 years ago, you just might be a subject of the Queen of England today. Good night all!

Just as I expected, all anyone cares to discuss is how they served this country, this and that obscuring the issue with their personal garbage. You can’t even stick the subject. Best of luck, you reactionary Okies.

I'm not addressing Jimmy personally but I stand by the fact that by inference he called me rude first if you check back. Also, I don't know if he should have been arrested or not. I wasn't there. The fact that he has no hard feelings leads me to believe that he may have thought they were justified. As far as counselling Jimmy admitted that he is rude. Now who needs counselling.

Judie, First & foremost you attacked me by saying that I was rude. Second you will not receive any apologies from me because I did not personally attack you, unless you are one of those people that think Mr. Modisette should have been arrested & then I guess you could take it personally, because that is the way it was meant. I stand behind what I said & it won't hurt my feelings if you never personally address anything I say. I find it hard to believe that you would wear your heart on your sleeve & let anything I had to say injure you emotionally, if that is the case then you may need to seek counseling.

mrs judie, the police should have escorted him away, talked to him, got his side of the story and if there showed that all he wanted was to get the flag, they should have let him go. congrats on air force, i am a disabled veteran of the af from desert storm. all my uncles and relatives,one was a pow of in germany and they really messed him up and my dad retired from the navy, so i have been instilled and drilled on duty, honor, and country and freedom and what our flag stands for. i received a medical discharge and i go to va to be treated and taken care of, plus i have had several surgeries to correct the problem i had incurred. i was on the honor guard and i did over 150 details, 70% of those were funerals and it was a extreme honor of being in the honor guard and the 6 years i was in was the most eventful and meaningful thing i got to do in my life. as a veteran, those 6 years i wish i could have done 60 years. to serve my country and the friends and people i got to work with and meet will be something i brag about and will never forget. like i said earlier, mwc police and chief calebs better had dropped the charges, make a open public apology and do some better training on their officers on common sense and discretion and the words "PROTECT AND SERVE". HOORAAH for the ARMED FORCES AND THE MANY VETERANS!!!!!!

Just for the record, Robert, even if something posted IS racial, anti-American (which is also open to interpretation) or anti religious(also open to interpretation), they still have as much right to express it as you and I. IMO Jimmy was belittling me. It is something that injured me emotionally just as Modisette was injured by the desecration of the flag. Words as well as actions can injure.

oh yes mrs. judie, jimmy is right in saying what he said and he in my opinion wasnt trying to belittle you. you are also right and everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as it is not racial, anti-american or anti religious. then i feel they cannot give their opinion. freedom of speech has been interperate so many ways it does make you wonder who is right or wrong. i believe(not to get off the subject) but book of revelations is interpreted also many ways. however i believe that majority of the people that knows about the marine is in his favor and the mwc police and calebs are WRONG. HOORAH FOR THE ARMED FORCES VETERANS!!!!!

mrs judie, the police should have escorted him away, talked to him, got his side of the story and if there showed that all he wanted was to get the flag, they should have let him go. congrats on air force, i am a disabled veteran of the af from desert storm. all my uncles and relatives,one was a pow of in germany and they really messed him up and my dad retired from the navy, so i have been instilled and drilled on duty, honor, and country and freedom and what our flag stands for. i received a medical discharge and i go to va to be treated and taken care of, plus i have had several surgeries to correct the problem i had incurred. i was on the honor guard and i did over 150 details, 70% of those were funerals and it was a extreme honor of being in the honor guard and the 6 years i was in was the most eventful and meaningful thing i got to do in my life. as a veteran, those 6 years i wish i could have done 60 years. to serve my country and the friends and people i got to work with and meet will be something i brag about and will never forget. like i said earlier, mwc police and chief calebs better had dropped the charges, make a open public apology and do some better training on their officers on common sense and discretion and the words "PROTECT AND SERVE". HOORAAH for the ARMED FORCES AND THE MANY VETERANS!!!!!!

Robert, I appreciate more than you can know the sacrifice you have made for your country. My father was a Navy veteran of WWII. You more than anyone knows how hard it is to be a policeman when you feel you are walking a tightrope, trying to do the right thing according to the law. Sometimes you have to put your personal feelings aside. Until I hear the full story I refuse to criticize these policemen. If they acted irrationally I'm sure it will come out. For right now, the fact that Modisette himself does not blame them has to influence the way I perceive the events to have occurred.

mrs judie, the police should have escorted him away, talked to him, got his side of the story and if there showed that all he wanted was to get the flag, they should have let him go. congrats on air force, i am a disabled veteran of the af from desert storm. all my uncles and relatives,one was a pow of in germany and they really messed him up and my dad retired from the navy, so i have been instilled and drilled on duty, honor, and country and freedom and what our flag stands for. i received a medical discharge and i go to va to be treated and taken care of, plus i have had several surgeries to correct the problem i had incurred. i was on the honor guard and i did over 150 details, 70% of those were funerals and it was a extreme honor of being in the honor guard and the 6 years i was in was the most eventful and meaningful thing i got to do in my life. as a veteran, those 6 years i wish i could have done 60 years. to serve my country and the friends and people i got to work with and meet will be something i brag about and will never forget. like i said earlier, mwc police and chief calebs better had dropped the charges, make a open public apology and do some better training on their officers on common sense and discretion and the words "PROTECT AND SERVE". HOORAAH for the ARMED FORCES AND THE MANY VETERANS!!!!!!

oh yes mrs. judie, jimmy is right in saying what he said and he in my opinion wasnt trying to belittle you. you are also right and everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as it is not racial, anti-american or anti religious. then i feel they cannot give their opinion. freedom of speech has been interperate so many ways it does make you wonder who is right or wrong. i believe(not to get off the subject) but book of revelations is interpreted also many ways. however i believe that majority of the people that knows about the marine is in his favor and the mwc police and calebs are WRONG. HOORAH FOR THE ARMED FORCES VETERANS!!!!!

mrs judie, the police should have escorted him away, talked to him, got his side of the story and if there showed that all he wanted was to get the flag, they should have let him go. congrats on air force, i am a disabled veteran of the af from desert storm. all my uncles and relatives,one was a pow of in germany and they really messed him up and my dad retired from the navy, so i have been instilled and drilled on duty, honor, and country and freedom and what our flag stands for. i received a medical discharge and i go to va to be treated and taken care of, plus i have had several surgeries to correct the problem i had incurred. i was on the honor guard and i did over 150 details, 70% of those were funerals and it was a extreme honor of being in the honor guard and the 6 years i was in was the most eventful and meaningful thing i got to do in my life. as a veteran, those 6 years i wish i could have done 60 years. to serve my country and the friends and people i got to work with and meet will be something i brag about and will never forget. like i said earlier, mwc police and chief calebs better had dropped the charges, make a open public apology and do some better training on their officers on common sense and discretion and the words "PROTECT AND SERVE". HOORAAH for the ARMED FORCES AND THE MANY VETERANS!!!!!!

Jimmy, I never said that he should have been arrested. I said I believed in the due process of law and it appeared from what I read that Modisette himself did not blame the police for their actions. I resent your inference that I am as bad as the demonstrators. I am a widow of an AF officer and I love our flag as much as the next guy. Unless I have an apology from you, it will be the last time I address you directly. Of course, you have the right to post just as I do and I have the right to skim over your postings just as you have the right to skim over mine. I hope someday the police don't look the other way when someone violates your rights.

Maybe I'm missing the point on the question of whether we should pass a law to protect our flag from burning, desecration, etc, at the expense of the 1st Amendment. Heck, China, Iran, North Korea, and many other countries already have such laws in place. Even though those are not free and democratic societies, perhaps it wouldn't hurt us to emulate them on at least this one issue. But why stop with the Free Speech Clause? We can always strike down the Establishment Clause as well and let Congress force all 300 million Americans to be Baptist. Or Lutherans. Or Muslims. Or Hindus. Of course we as individuals wouldn't have the right to choose our own walk of faith because the Free Exercise Clause would have been struck down at the same time as the Establishment Clause. But hey, who cares? It's just the 1st Amendment. You know, the place where all of those "cowards & traitors" hide behind. You know, come to think of it, if we just strike down the entire 1st Amendment, we would then end our rights to assemble. That would take care of those idiots from Westboro Baptist Church. No more picket lines. No more protest. What a perfect world we could have then. Hey, it's all got to start somewhere. So it might as well be with passing such a law.

I do not have the Marine's personal e-mail address. If you donate there is a place for comments to LCpl Modisette.

To the soldier serving in Iraq...God Bless you and come home safe. WE thank you for your service.

Brad

double kudos to dennis and jimmey. the statement from police chief clabes stated they had no choice, bulls###t. i have been a chief of police and an officer of the law for over 25 years and we are taught discretion. yes all they had to do is stop him and escort him away and talked to the subject that was desecrating the flag. it seems that the officers dont have common sense or anti-military or against what our flag stands for. chief clabes you better wake up and take control of your officers. believe me you will receive a lot of flack over this and i hope the citizens of midwest city and the state of oklahoma makes it rough on you and the officers involved. personally to save a red face, drop all charges and give a public apology to this marine and the people would probably and slightly forgive you for your mistake you done. yes i hope this will wake up our so called legislators and get that amendment passed. god bless our military and our country and a great big hoorah to our veterans!!!!

Judie, Let me just set you straight dear . I have never told anyone that I wasn't rude. As far as I am concerned those of you that think this guy should have been arrested belong on the same protest line with the wetsboro baptist church. It's black or white there is no gray area, he did the right thing & I personally do not care who thinks I am rude, agrees or disagrees with me, you see it's guys like Modisette that gave me the right to say what I do & I recognize it.

judi...I come from a long line of family members that have served our Country in uniform. My Father was killed while in uniform, only 20 days from retirement. I have never fired a shot at the enemy, yet I have stood only inches away from them (Korea). I have never seen a dead enemy combatant, yet, I have picked up the remains of an A-10 pilot whose body was strewn about the landscape in pieces of flesh. I have never cried over the body of an enemy soldier laid to rest, yet my uniform bears my own tears in remeberance of those inside the coffins I have carried to their final resting place. I have seen the looks on the faces of many Fathers, Mothers, Wives and Children...as they touched the Flag drapped coffins of their loved ones for the last time. For me, Ray Modisette was standing up for each and everyone of them. May they all rest in peace.

I wasn't actually at the scene so I don't know what the police saw. I don't know if Modisette was in uniform or if they knew that he wasn't part of the demonstration. My guess is that if he had stopped when he was first asked the police would have let him go with a warning, but by not heeding the police warning it was the same thing as a driver speeding away when they see a police car behind them. Does it not make a difference to any of you that Modisette himself does not hold the police responsible? Again, if he could become another Rosa Parks, I would stand behind him whole-heartedly. I can imagine the soldier in Iraq who posted here could not have been more injured by the young lady desecrating the flag than if he had been hit by a bullet. Emotional and mental injuries lead to the numerous cases of suicide among our military both active and retired. You may wish that this hadn't happened to him, Jimmy, but to call remarks rude that you don't agree with IS rude.

Brad , Is it possible to actually e-mail Mr. Modisette at this e-mail address ? I would like to personally thank him & apologize to him for the rude comments made on here. I will be donating as well. People this is what a fine young man looks like. I don't know him but I am very proud of him!!!

IF law enforcement personnel WERE to arrest every single person that violated a law, the state of Oklahoma would have to build ten times as many jails as we now have. IF there were to even issue a traffic ticket for EVERY traffic violation they observe? Police officer's exercise a certain degree of discretion each time they confront a criminal, or a driver that has violated traffic law. With respect to Ray Modisette, the MWC Police Department could have simply escorted him away from the scene.

So Bill, demanding that the rights guaranteed by our system of government are shared by all will somehow destroy our country? I fail to follow your reasoning. The flag is a symbol but to many it is a god. While you may disagree with the way others treat your god, they have the legal right to not follow your religion, which seems to be super patriotism.
I fail to understand how so many can be willing to let illegal actions be overlooked simply because they agree with the illegal actions. If the law (disobeying a police officer) is bad, get rid of the law. If it is NOT a bad law, the marine was performing an illegal act and by law must suffer the penalties. Are all super patriots such hypocrites? Are “rights” to be removed when others exercising them become uncomfortable?
The flag is a piece of cloth and no more or less important than emblem on a football team’s jersey. All I know is that by law and constitution, the protesters have a legal right to protest. Removing the rights of those who disagree with us makes us worse than those who disagree. While I very much disagree with protesting at funerals and believe it to be shameful and apparently has come about because the whole country has lost its values, which is indicated by the anger caused by Kern’s statement about homosexuality, I also believe that peaceful protest is one of the very founding stones of this country. Without it, there would not BE a USA. If one wants to venerate and worship the flag, demand laws be passed to do so. This same hypocritical thinking must be the reason men and women are treated differently according to their sex. ______
I keep asking myself, who was breaking the law? Who should be allowed to disobey the law and why? _____
This whole country is failing, not because of protesters but because it has become one big hypocrisy. The super patriots demand rights but only when they agree with their exact stance, even to the point of calling those who exercise the same rights the super patriots demand “cowards and traitors”. The cowards and traitors are those who withhold rights from others simply because they disagree with their political stance. The only question I have is whether I should be brushing up on my Spanish or learning Chinese.

I applaud him for what he did. I am currently in Iraq and have to say this. He should of kicked their @ss! Job well done Marine. Let me know Ill chip in on your bail.

Don't get me wrong, I also applaud what Modisette did, but I also believe in the due process of law, and I hope, like Rosa Parks, he may become the catalyst we need to pass an amendment protecting the flag. "I have a dream" and it is seeing Modisette sitting in front of Congress someday telling them how sick it made him to see the symbol of all his sacrifice being treated so callously. Then maybe a law CAN be passed so we'll never have anything like this again.

But the law is the law! Isn't that what I heard everybody saying? It should apply to apples as well as oranges.

Judie and JL, it seems you are comparing apples and oranges. Modisette did what he felt was morally right, and what he was trained to do, and here in Okie Land, we applaud him. On the other hand, illegals, are, well, illegal. I rather believe the legal immigrants also resent the illegals here. I understand the Hispanic people in South Texas are not exactly 'brotherly' with the Mexican Nationals here illegally. Perhaps thats why so many ended up in Oklahoma.

oops...idiotic

As I said earlier, according to their website, they are planning to picket the funerals of the two coeds that were recently murdered. One at Auburn and the other at UNC. Not sure why. Just because they think they can. Kevin is also right that it is 2 families and they have been breeding in the family lines...hmmmm that could explain some of their idiotci ideas. Whatever they are they are not Christians. Show me another Baptist church that supports these ideals.

Nobody denies that he probably was justified in doing what he did in view of his personal experiences. But for the law to work, the police had to do what they did and the courts will do what they have to do, hear the circumstances, hopefully concluding that they were extinuating (I'm not sure if I spelled it right) enough to drop the case. I really feel for Modisette and I hope this gets resolved to the benefit of all. I don't normally like to invoke God's name in what I believe should be a secular discussion, but just maybe He meant this to happen and someday we will see Modisette in the same way we saw Rosa Parks, who also broke the law.

I am not blinded by anything. Yes, he disobeyed a lawful order of a police officer. As a 16 year veteran of a police force, he isn't the first that has done that. The fact that this young man just returned from a tour in Iraq fighting for the flag he is sworn to protect, risking his life in the process...and then seeing it desecrated right before his eyes was more than he could stand.

Since there are those of us that have been exposed to the vicious hate spewed by the WBC, I don't think saying we are blinded by our emotions. If it had been the KKK postesting the liberals would be all over that. But since it was a small group taking liberties they gained through the blood of most of our forefathers, I do take issue with it. Within a day we will have the cash to reimburse LCpl. Modisette for his bail and I am very proud of that fact. Welcome to Oklahoma were we still use the word God in our pledge, pull over for funerals, wave at our neighbors and love our troops.

For those wishing to support LCpl. Modisette...
www.paypal.com
Modisette_USMC@yahoo.com

Thank you...God Bless America

Judie from below is right. Modisette did break the law and deserved to be arrested and made accountable for the subsequent fines. All are a result of his disobedient actions. The point of the story is that he ignored the police warning and has NOTHING to do with his quasi-patriotic response to seeing American idolism being shoved into someone pants. The vast majority of the people in this state who commented are clearly blinded by their emotions.

But he broke the law. Aren't you the same people that used that argument against illegal aliens? All I heard then was they broke the law and they should be punished. Do our laws only apply to some and not others? You know where I stand in my esteem for the flag. Where we differ is in our esteem for the law.

I respect and honor our citizens that have chosen to be policemen/women and firemen/women, and I am most thankful that as they are out on patrol or responding to calls they do not have to worry about IED's, suicide bombers, or snipers. Ray Modisette, a citizen soldier, was the only one that took action to stop the desecration of our Flag. Thank YOU Ray Modisette!

I support the United States Armed Forces mission, methods and tactics. I also support 100% this brave Marine who stood up for his flag and country. Mr Ray Adam Modisette is a true patriot and I am so proud of him.

God Bless America and Mr Modisette

Thanks, Kevin, that's all I asked for. I'll check it out.

I might add that the soldiers in this war know that the American public is slowly turning against it like they did Viet Nam, and many are taking it personally. An amendment at this time would show them that those who fulfill their military duty ARE appreciated whether we approve of our leaders foreign policies or not. We need to separate the two. One may not approve of the war, but we need to appreciate those who are willing to risk their lives for a country they love, right or wrong. Citizenship is like a marriage: it's not always perfect, but if one is determined enough weather the bad times, it can pay off down the road. I love all our soldiers. I love all our firemen and policemen and any others who put their lives on the line for us common folk. Thanks.

Judie, check their website at godhatesamerica.com and decide for yourself. If I remember right,many states have prohibited their actions at the funerals, so it looks like they are trying for a different angle to have reason to file lawsuits.

Kevin is right as this is the group that protests at military funerals and other gatherings. They fund much of their trips through lawsuits. That claim to be a church but in essence they are a combining of two families that have intermarried and allow no one inside their circle of hate. Anyone who has seen them in action can understand how some people can't hold back their emotions. I have seen them on several instances and they turn your stomach. The best action against them is to simply ignore them.

Do you know this for an absolute fact, Kevin. Be prepared to back this up with proof or else don't spread rumors that may or may not be true. Dennis, I knew about this and I would like to see this come to light again. That's why I suggested that emotional injury can be just a damaging as physical injury and would make a strong case for a 28th amendment. Now more than ever we need to protect the mental health of our returning warriors.

judi...FYI: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."
-----a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution-----In 1989 the Supreme Court, in response to a flag burning by a communist, amended the Constitution by inserting flag burning into the Bill of Rights. Their decision took away a fundamental right of the American people, a right we possessed since our birth as a nation, the right to protect our flag. We believe that decision was an egregious error and distorted our Constitution. We do not believe the freedom to burn the American flag is a legacy of the freedoms bestowed on us by Madison and Jefferson and Washington and the other architects of our Constitution. To distort the work of these great men, to put flag burning side by side with pornography as protected speech, is outrageous-----Since 1994 the Citizens Flag Alliance has petitioned the Congress for the proposed amendment. With the help of millions of people and an overwhelming majority of U.S. lawmakers, it has come within one vote of congressional approval. With full determination to meet its objective of returning to the people their right to protect the flag of the United States, the Citizens Flag Alliance will continue its pursuit of the amendment in the 110th Congress. We encourage those who support this objective to take their concerns to all federally elected officials, urging them to adopt the amendment and let the people decide, through the process of ratification, the fate of their flag.....From "Citizens Flag Alliance," www.legion.org/cfa/

Give the guy a medal, as no one else seems to have the cahoneys to confront those wackos from Topeka. If I remember correctly, this is a family of lawyers under religious pretenses who regularly disrespect funerals for Amercan service men and women, and then dare anyone to challenge their 'rights,' hoping for a court battle to win 'damages.'

John Wayne once said, "Sure I wave the American Flag. Do you know a better flag to wave?"

I have made contact with this Marine's mother and once he makes contact with me he will be given control over the account.

He never made contact with the protesters. All he wanted was to get the flag but was stopped before he could.

For those interested I have set up a Paypal Account for this Marine.

Modisette_USMC@yahoo.com

I will make contact with him and give him total access to the account.

My $20 has been sent.

Brad, thank you. Your comments are heartfelt I'm sure and if I had the money I would do it also. I wish there was a law to protect the flag, but until there is laws must be followed. Maybe Modisette will be the catalyst needed to spark action. To me, the laws of our country are basically designed to support the constitution and each individuals right to free speech and assembly as long as they hurt no one else. So far nothing has been written saying that disrespect to the flag is against the law. It is certainly in bad taste and should be publicized and the person who did it should be identified as well as the soldier who tried to prevent it. The people who are doing this as well as our lawmakers should be made to realize, a person can be hurt in other ways than physically. Just as we now consider the emotional abuse of a child against the law, we should also consider it in our veterans. It would make a good argument for an amendment to constitution to protect the integrity of the flag.

And I support his honesty and his dedication to our country. After serving a tour overseas I can easily see where his emotions overtook his common sense of disobeying a law officers direction.

Regardless, I reserve my right to do what I wish to reduce the burden for his actions. That is my rights.

Judie, I respect your opinion and I offer my thanks for your loved ones service to our country. My comments are no way an arguement for your response.

Unless you were actually a witness to the incident you really have no justification for making an assumption one way or the other. Now, who determines what laws should be followed and which laws should be ignored? I'm against the seat belt law but I buckle up because I am teaching my grandchildren to obey ALL of our laws, even the ones we think are wrong. I do not consider Modisette a hero for his actions. I am the widow of an AF veteran and he would not have condoned ignoring the law either. He would have said you can do it if you feel strongly about it, but be prepared to pay the consequences. I think from what I understand now, Modisette agrees that he should have been arrested and was glad to pay the price for his belief.

I am in the process of setting up a paypal account for this American Hero. If anyone can put me into contact with him so he can set up a password I would appreciate it.

yo percy in ardmore, love what you wrote. i was in the air force and a member of the honor guard and disabled veteran of desert storm. thank god we have a military that believes in duty, honor and country. my whole family has served in the military from ww1 all the way to desert storm and i was taught that you respect the flag at all times and what it stands for and represents. i am also a police officer and yes he should not ignore the orders to stop but he should have been warned and let go. it would seem that the mwc police are anti-military or have not been in the military but either way they should have used discretion in the actions. if i was chief, which i was at one time, i would suspend the officers for what they done and try to get the charges erased. but it seems we always have some a$$$$$holes in the law enforcement. also the jerks from kansas should have been arrested for disturbing the peace, trespassing and being a illegal alien from another country and if there was a law for stupidity and ugliness. my personal feelings is that any one that desecrates or disrespects the flag is not an american and should be severly punished. to me that is treason and the person should be treated wsith no holds barred. mwc and all law enforcement officers better wake up and do the right thing and do what you supposed to do "PROTECT & SERVE" your taxpayers go armed forces and the USA

Cowards and traitors hide behind the First Amendment which should not include disgracing the Flag of our country. Protest all you want, but there is a line that is crossed when you yell "Fire" in a crowded theatre or stomp on The Stars And Stripes. Our nation is under attack from within, and people such as this group from another state that comes here to spread their vile hate. When we decide to toss these people out and say "Not Here", then we will express our own rights to be free - free of morons that stomp and burn the flag. Where do I send my money to support this Brave Marine?

I served in Iraq with Lcpl Modisette and we nick named "Moto", because he is extremely gung ho about the Marine Corps and everything we stand for. I applaude his self control because I know there are a few of us who would've taken it a few steps further regardless of the consequences.

The Marines sure do ensure our rights. And so does the 1st Amendment. But what has Sally Kern and the Rev. Phelps done for me lately? Nothin. Their antics only misuse the 1st Amendment. It, the Marines, and the Constitution push on and survive despite those losers.

I have just as much right to respect and protect our Flag as you may have to disrespect or desecrate it.

Dave,
You should thank God for Marines...or you would have no rights. Rights didn't come free my friend.

This guy wasn't trying to protect the flag he was trying to stop a lawful protest. Somebody should give him and others a class on the constitution. To Brad, Davis: I hope the constitution isn't for sale for any amount, certainly not for $20.

I am out of work but I can spare $20 to a fund for this American Hero that has served in the sand box. There is no way we should allow this young hero to have to use the funds he earned fighting in a war to pay a bail to protect the flag and country he has sworn to protect...even if it means giving his life.

Unfortunately the idiots from Kansas live for this. It is the fuel that feeds their fire. They provoke until they get a reaction and press. That is all they have going for them.

Oklahoma...let's step up. My $20 is right here. Anyone care to match it?

Steve, the passion of your statement is echoed by millions of patriotic Americans including my own. Which is exactly why we don't need any laws banning flag burning, etc, or anything else that tampers with the 1st Amendment that our flag represents. If one wants to torch or desecrate the flag in public, one needs to be prepared to face the consequences. Which again is why no law or ban is needed.

If I see you disrepecting the Flag of my Country, I will use my right to "Freedom of Expression" to take care of it and you.

How many people who supported Sally Kern's fear and hate speech are prepared to do the same for Rev. Phelps and his followers in the name of Free Speech? The central core values and points of both are exactly the same. Both are homophobic. One writes legislation to get her point across while the others picket the funerals of dead soldiers. I find both highly offensive and I'm not even gay. I admire Mr. Modisette's passion and I think the fine was excessive. But on the other hand, breaking the law is breaking the law. Maybe since the Westboro bunch is in town, they can give Sally a campaign contribution for her re-election since they both are obviously on the same page.

Thanks to Chris of Jenks comment, "Do you all remember the US Supreme court ruling in the late 80's that flag burning, etc, is "free speech" protected by the constitution?" I have a suggestion on how Ray could have solved his problem and how anyone in the future could solve a similar problem. When you see her put it in her crotch, light it! "Freedom of Speech" is not "interfering with police action." Supreme Court didn't say who had to be holding it when it burns, right?

Drop the charges and give this man a medal for being a true American!

I could also respect if Modisette if he had done so intending to make a statement and become a martyr, but to only lash out in anger and then disobey our police who are just doing their job, I cannot respect. Neither did he respect himself, because he showed no hard feelings toward them. I am also sick of our military being so idealized. My husband and all like him are just doing a job. It may be a dangerous job, but so are hundreds of others. Most don't go with totally selfless motives that you ascribe to them. I agree that they are brave, but no more so than the average Joe that gets up every day and goes to work and obeys the law and votes and helps keep America strong here.

Way to go Ray! Good for you!

J. Our military may not be chock full of MIT or Princeton graduates like the former Governor of New York, but their brave men who (unlike you) make sacrifices every day to support YOUR country, and defend your right to stop by Starbucks and grab a latte or park your butt in front of the TV to watch Desparate Housewives while their in 120 degree heat, looking over their shoulder for the next bullet. Lets see, young soldier who loves his country enough to go to jail..I can respect that.

William, it's un-American not to capitalize "american."

I am the wife of a 28 year career military soldier, but to me the flag is a symbol of the right to protest, and to break the law for it desecrates its very spirit. He should have been arrested. My husband was demoted in 1963 because he could not "contol his wife" when I was arrested for taking part in a freedom march in Mississippi. I broke the local law as well as the military law at that time, so I deserved what I got. How can we tell our children that it's okay to obey some laws and not others. Perhaps some laws need to be changed and those willing to sacrifice themselves in that pursuit like Gandhi, King, and Mandela (who all got what they expected), should be applauded. If Modisette is wanting to become a martyr for a cause, then he acted appropriately and was appropriately admonished.

Mister = IDIOT

Jack, we are electing people that represent what we believe. 83% of Americans were for the Iraq war. Just because sentiment changes doesn't mean you can then blame someone else for our mistakes (I vote Democrat generally). The first amendment is more important than some idiot marine that thinks he's defending a piece of cloth instead of the freedom it represents. Unfortunately people are stupid and brainwashed. The military is generally not stocked full of the best and brightest. For that you need to go to CIT, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, etc. Intelligent people wouldn't think we need to spend more than the rest of the world on defense. The major failing of America is ignorant Americans. Oklahomans are a big part of that. Along with those from Mississippi, Alabama, etc [insert red state here].

"We're not teaching facts and knowledge any more, "It spreads, OK, and this stuff is deadly and it's spreading and it will destroy our young people," she said. "It will destroy this nation_________ Rep Sally Kern

I just went to their website to see what crap they put out. They are picketing both services of the Auburn student and the UNC student that were killed last week. For what purpose? I saw a documentary in this church on Datleine or something once. They live in a enclosed compound ala Branch Davidian. Not only that they are all members of the same family, so maybe there is some imbreding going on there. At least that would explain their STUPIDITY!!

This is just a reflection of our governmental leadership at both the local, state and federal levels. No one has the guts to stand up for what is truly right anymore in this society. It's all about political correctness. I'm not really sure what that term means anymore. Until the people start electing leadership that can truly represent the people, we will continue the get the same misrepresentation we've been getting. It's not rocket science.

I will NEVER spend another cent of my money in Midwest City again. That arrest was un-american.

While it sickens most of us to see people desecrate the flag, this young, hot-head deserved to go to jail. And I don't believe Justin when he says rocks were thrown at his car because the police would have LOVED to throw a protester chunking rocks in jail.

I also salute Ray Modisette. I was brought to tears last night as I watched the news and saw him arrested. My father fought for this country in WWII and Korea. I am saddened but also glad he is not here to see the travesty that these hate groups have made our country. I would rather have the illegals than these people. Why can't these animals stay in their own state?

REPOST: Here is the local address and telephone number if you would like to send a message of thanks and/or support to Ray Modisette: US Marine Corps Reserve Trng, 5316 S. Douglas Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73150, Tel: 737-7883.

Thank you Ray for your service.

Thank you for defending our flag when the Midwest City police would not.

As a mother of two marines who have both served in Iraq I am appalled, I would have done the same thing and I know my kids would have also. I say bravo to this young man and I am sickened by the "authorities" course of action. I wish I personally had the money to give to him. My son is being recalled and has to go back to Iraq, anyone who has been there deserves this countrys thanks and prayers. God Bless Ray Modisette

Thanks for the kind thoughts James , here is what the rest of the world is reading about Oklahoma City oxoxoxox_____Mister _________Okla. Pol's Screed Vs. Gays Sparks Furor
By RON JENKINS
Associated Press Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY — A YouTube audio clip of a state lawmaker's screed against homosexuality, which she called a bigger threat than terrorism, has outraged gay activists and brought death threats rolling in.

"The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation, OK, it's just a fact," Rep. Sally Kern said recently to a gathering of fellow Republicans outside the Capitol.
(enlarge photo)
Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, is pictured at her desk on the floor of the House chamber in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 13, 2008.'The homosexual agenda is destroying this nation, OK, it's just a fact,' Rep. Sally Kern said recently to a gathering of fellow Republicans outside the Capitol. (AP Photo)

"Studies show no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted, you know, more than a few decades. So it's the death knell in this country.

"I honestly think it's the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat," she said.

The former school teacher has been a magnet for coast-to-coast condemnation, including a jab from comedian Ellen Degeneres, ever since someone posted her comments on the Internet last week. State police said they are investigating death threats against her.

Back home in the Bible Belt, though, the response has been mixed. Kern has gotten support from her fellow Republicans.

"I would submit to you that the vast majority of the folks in our caucus, particularly those who consider themselves conservative, stand with and support Sally," said state Rep. Randy Terrill.

Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, however, said Kern's views are not representative of most Oklahomans. He said politicians should "think before you speak."

"To have equated the gay community with terrorism ... and to have called us the biggest threat to America is to dehumanize gay people in the worst possible way," Denis Dison, spokesman for the Washington-based Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Friday.

That group's leaders fear remarks such as Kern's coming from an elected official could lead to violence against gays.

Kern, who is finishing her second term, has tried unsuccessfully to pass bills to rid libraries' children's sections of books that have homosexual themes. She told the group that school children are being indoctrinated by gay activists.

"We're not teaching facts and knowledge any more, folks," she said. "We're teaching indoctrination, OK, and they are going after our young children, as young as 2 years of age, to try to teach them a homosexual lifestyle is an acceptable lifestyle."

In the same speech, she said gays are "infiltrating city councils" across the country.

"It spreads, OK, and this stuff is deadly and it's spreading and it will destroy our young people," she said. "It will destroy this nation."

Kern said she made these comments on about four different occasions to small groups of Republicans, and she thinks the recording was made at one of these meetings in January. Various recordings of it have generated more than a million hits on YouTube.

Kern's office received more than 23,000 e-mails in less than a week, mostly condemning her views, and thousands more to her home computer, many of them "vulgar, vile and profane," she said.

Kern said she has no regrets for her statements and denies she was gay-bashing. Her Christian faith teachers her to be loving to individuals, but not their lifestyle, she said.

Some people, including Degeneres, did not take her remarks that way.

"Hi, it's Ellen Degeneres, the gay one," the comedian said when she left a message in a call to Kern's office during her TV show this week.

Degeneres said she wanted to talk to Kern about some "misinformation."

"I'm trying to figure out which society has disappeared that I didn't know o