Dear Fellow Americans,
   Before I explain myself, I want to apologize to anyone who was offended by the image of a burning American Flag.  It
WAS NOT intended to be used in the way it was.  It was supposed to have been taken off the web years ago and certainly
was not intended to be accompanied with the derogatory, Anti-American, and offensive language with which it was
accompanied!
   First, I am a fiercely proud American.  I believe in the First Amendment which allows forums such as the one on
which this image appeared.  You have the right to say what you believe and I strongly agree with that right, that's what
makes this the greatest country in the world.
   Second, I NEVER teach the sentiments which accompanied the offensive image.
   Third, I want to make sure that all readers understand that I never would have used that image in any way, shape, or
form after September 11, 2001.  I do not agree with the statements which would in any way link myself to sentiments
which would condone the horrendous attacks of that very sad and dark day.  I have nothing but utter disrespect for
Osama Bin Laden, his cohorts, and their aims.
   Fourth, the kind of derogatory statements which accompanied that image are the antithesis of what I teach to my
students.  My students are taught to keep their arguments formal, civil and completely respectful of the reader.
   Fifth, let me state that the image which has been traced back to my old, out of date web site was supposed to have been
taken down years ago.  It was never intended to offend or be disrespectful, but merely to stir debate.  I wanted to
illustrate the far extreme of the First Amendment.  In retrospect, I can very clearly see how it can be seen in a harsh
political light.  It was never intended to be seen out of that context and never intended to offend anyone.
   Finally, to the person who expropriated the image and dragged me into this conflict.  Please identify yourself to me and
let me know what your intentions were.  I had no intention of becoming embroiled in this in any way.

Again to the readers of the forum, I sincerely apologize for any offense.  I personally was offended by the sentiments that
accompanied the image.  They made me so infuriated that my hands are shaking as I write this.

Sincerely,

Robert Kelly

Dear Mr Acheson,
   I had intended to respond to the forum through a member of the forum as I had tried to register, but I could not make it work.  That member seems to have left for the weekend.  If possible, would you please post my response below?
Thank you for your help.

Robert Kelly
 

Dear Mr Mineo,
   Thank you for the reply.  I would very much like to reply through you, I have put together a response.  Please find it
below.  It's made for a great discussion with my US History students as we're discussing the Bill of Rights right now.  It
has however made for a much more tiring Friday than I had intended.  Thank you for your help.

Robert Kelly
 

Acheson wrote:

The group is called http://www.ar15.com/ . The person posting pictures from your school / history / psychology website was calling himself "soccerfan". He also posted a picture of the U.S. Army pilot who was killed, mutilated, and dragged through the Market area of Mogadishu, Somalia.  He coupled his anti-American praise with that posted picture as well. The AR15.com staff and moderators noticed his distasteful post and deleted it from the forum.  I, therefore, do not have this person's contact / ID information any longer. Why would you have a picture of a burning U.S. Flag on your web site? Thank you for responding, Mr. Kelly. Regards, Charles Acheson
----- Original Message -----
From: rkelly
To: Acheson
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2002 7:38 AM
Subject: Re: Anti-Americanism
Dear Mr Acheson,
   Who was the student and of which web site are you speaking?  This is the first I have heard of this incident.  Please explain further.  Thank you.
Robert Kelly

Acheson wrote:

Mr. Robert Kelly, I am a member of a pro 2nd Amendment group and advocate of the Bill of Rights. I am uncertain why one of your students would have the motivation to seek out my group and post a burning U.S. Flag picture from your website. The entire forum (approximately 27,000 people) saw this post AND your contact information. I'm guessing either the student has something against you or you are encouraging this radical behavior.  What ever the case may be, I feel you should have the chance to respond / address this matter. Thank you for your time. Charles Acheson

Quoted:
That was pretty quick. Has our little troll be banned yet?