As an extremely patriotic American I must express my opinion about the idea of not putting American flags or colors on our shirts and maybe even switching to United Nations colors or flags. I think that it is absurd to not wear American flags or colors just because not everyone is from America. We are not forcing teams to comply with this, it is only an idea. In fact, I encourage any teams from other countries to wear their flags or colors on their shirts. I am proud to be an American, and I am sure they are proud to be citizens of their respective nations. We cannot tippie-toe around and be affraid to show our unity and pride on the basis that it might be offensive. Patriotism is not a crime.

As far as switching to United Nations flags or colors goes, I am totally against it. The United Nations is not a country or government, it is an organization of member states...individual member states. On top of that, countries such as Afghanistan (the country harboring Bin Ladin and his terrorist network), Sudan, Iran, and Iraq--countries on America's list of countries that support terrorism--are members of the United Nations. To wear a UN flag on our shirts would not achieve the goal of the entire idea, the idea that we are united behind OUR country.

As of today, the United States of America is involved in a military conflict with some of those who support terrorism. American men and women are putting their lives on the line half way around the world to protect all of us from the dangers that became so brutally apparent on September 11. We should not be ashamed to show them that we appreciate what they are doing or at least that we sympathise with those directly affected by the attacks. We must stand proud and united behind our country and the liberty and justice it represents.

Eric

As far as Afghanistan being a member of the UN, it is. However, the seat at the UN belongs to the Northern Alliance. The only country to still recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan is Pakistan. The UN, along with all other countries, does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government and therefore they cannot hold the seat at the UN (not that that says much, Taiwan held the Chinese seat for many year before the mainland was able to become recognized and regain the seat).

Matt

Thank you for clearifying the Afghanistan situation in the UN.

Also, I think I need to clearify what I was trying to say above. I have no problem with the United Nations or its enclusion in its membership countries with views often contrary with those of the United States, for this is the entire point of the organization. However, at a time of national crisis like this, it is important that we come together as a nation, not as a member of the UN. By wearing the flag of an organization that contains in its membership opposed to the United States stance in response to the tragedy, we do not achieve this goal.

I am sorry if this was not clear above.

Eric

Maybe someone could create a patch that incorporated all the nations flags that participate in FIRST along with the FIRST logo. (Kinda a united in FIRST thing). Just a thought.

Team colors
 

We are going to be red this year.
We had patches made last year for all the Oklahoma robotics teams and wore them on our shirts.
Wouldn't it be cool if everyone had a FIRST patch with the flag on it with a short patriotic quote or message.

patriotic FIRST patches
 

The person that ordered our patches last year can get a large supply of patches-enough for all the teams--given plenty of time. (like starting now)
I would be willing to help start this process. 1. post designs that are submitted 2. gather votes on design 3. gather orders from all teams interested 4. get each team an account to purchase patches 5. place orders

Is anyone interested? This also might be something that should be handled thru FIRST.

Any suggestions?

I really think it appropriate to do something though. It seems everyone wants to show their pride and respect.

It would be a loss though, if teams weren't as colorful as usual (face it--I would miss MOE lime green)

Idea.....
 

Here is the 'CHEAP' picture......it give an idea about what i'm thinking of.....although the shapes are not linked together someone who is really good could make a really cool design with this idea......




:)

Robby O comes to my mind first when thinking about quality FIRST-related graphics...

Check out this quality graphic I made. Idea for a FIRST shirt patch, perhaps? Let me know what you think.

flags
 

perhaps instead of changing our team colors, we could add little american flags or red, white, and blue stripes on our robots and/or team shirts

I'm brainstorming now . . . if I come up with anything nice, I'll share it.

But, everyone, please remember, if you're going to play with the FIRST logo, we need to be sure to get permission to do that before we make anything from it.

I'm sure FIRST wouldn't mind in the least, but it's still courteous to respect their property and ask permission.

Yeah, I know. The design I made was just an idea. If I were to decide to make something with it, I would be sure to consult FIRST before using their logo.

before you start putting flags everywhere. Read on how to display a flag.

Do what hockey has done. they have used the ribbon look.


just my two cents:)