What does it stand for?

The Companion Flag stands for everything that is done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences. It is the first such symbol of its kind: an open and perpetual acknowledgment of the sameness and shared experiences of people the world over, regardless of their differences.

Flags are remarkable symbols -- a unique marriage of elegance, power, and simplicity. They are displayed in virtually every population center, large or small, throughout the world. In addition to over 200 national flags, there are hundreds of provincial, state, municipal, corporate, fraternal, religious, scholastic, athletic and familial flags. Generally speaking, no two are alike. However, all have one thing in common: they symbolize our diversity and separation. They divide us. Every flag in use today draws a line of division over the world’s population: under each, there is a group of people embraced and included, while the rest of the world, by definition, is excluded.

There are many important human differences manifest in our world, to be sure. There are differences of culture, nationality, race, history, language, and religion. There are political and economic differences, distinct philosophies, traditions, values, mores, etc. It is understandable and appropriate that people sharing these differences and other special qualities take pride in them, and cherish the emblems which they, or their predecessors, have chosen to represent them. Certainly, such symbols are not bad.

But just as there are differences, there are identities in the human experience which are remarkable and far-reaching. The love of children, for example; the instinct and desire to live; the desire for health, knowledge, and happiness; the concern for the safety and happiness of loved ones. These are the same the world over.

We humans share the same biology. We are vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. We feel sensations of pain and pleasure. We come into the world helpless, and require love, protection, and nourishment to survive and grow. Although there are differences, we dress and protect ourselves from the elements. We communicate in symbols. We have the same range of emotions. We are imperfect, and conscious of our imperfection. To a large extent, we accept and build upon the same body of

Questions What is it? What does it stand for? Why would we want it? What are some examples? Is it a call to action? How is it displayed? Why is it white?	What does it stand for?
	The Companion Flag stands for everything that is done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences. It is the first such symbol of its kind: an open and perpetual acknowledgment of the sameness and shared experiences of people the world over, regardless of their differences. Flags are remarkable symbols -- a unique marriage of elegance, power, and simplicity. They are displayed in virtually every population center, large or small, throughout the world. In addition to over 200 national flags, there are hundreds of provincial, state, municipal, corporate, fraternal, religious, scholastic, athletic and familial flags. Generally speaking, no two are alike. However, all have one thing in common: they symbolize our diversity and separation. They divide us. Every flag in use today draws a line of division over the world’s population: under each, there is a group of people embraced and included, while the rest of the world, by definition, is excluded. There are many important human differences manifest in our world, to be sure. There are differences of culture, nationality, race, history, language, and religion. There are political and economic differences, distinct philosophies, traditions, values, mores, etc. It is understandable and appropriate that people sharing these differences and other special qualities take pride in them, and cherish the emblems which they, or their predecessors, have chosen to represent them. Certainly, such symbols are not bad. But just as there are differences, there are identities in the human experience which are remarkable and far-reaching. The love of children, for example; the instinct and desire to live; the desire for health, knowledge, and happiness; the concern for the safety and happiness of loved ones. These are the same the world over. We humans share the same biology. We are vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. We feel sensations of pain and pleasure. We come into the world helpless, and require love, protection, and nourishment to survive and grow. Although there are differences, we dress and protect ourselves from the elements. We communicate in symbols. We have the same range of emotions. We are imperfect, and conscious of our imperfection. To a large extent, we accept and build upon the same body of	knowledge. We build buildings, bridges, hospitals; embrace rules and customs; desire many of the same foods and products. We laugh and cry at many of the same things. We create and take pleasure in art, music, poetry, and storytelling. We value and keep alive the memories of our forebears. The list, it seems, is endless. As one writer put it, human beings are like pyramids whose differences can be found only in the top few layers of stone. This may be true; but, how do we explain the fact that, in looking around us, we tend to see a threatening array of human differences? Could it be that our essential sameness is that part of the human pyramid hidden below the horizon, out of view? The flags of the world are universally accepted symbols marking and celebrating the division and separation of the world’s people. Beautiful and enduring, they are worthy of the place they hold in our hearts, to be sure; but, at the same time, it is no longer enough to just symbolize, or to just speak of, our differences. To do this is to paint only half a picture -- to describe a pyramid with reference only to its top few layers of stone. If the flags of the world are meant to represent us (and they are) -- and if we are to live under them (which we do) -- then the time has come to complete their symbolic mission. The time has come to insure that both our differences and our essential sameness -- two distinct factors which are, after all, "at work" simultaneously in our daily lives -- are depicted and honored simultaneously, as well. The Companion Flag, flown with the other flags of the world, will accomplish this goal. The Companion Flag is a reminder -- gentle, ever-present, and conspicuous -- that our lives, and the lives of people everywhere, are informed and influenced as much by our essential humanity as by circumstances, conditions, and perspectives that are distinct and idiosyncratic. Both influences are valid; neither can be denied. But the former is special. Humanity is our common bond. It is a part of each of us, yet the same for all, no matter where we live or how pronounced our differences. The Companion Flag is a symbol of our shared humanity. Its adoption will mark an historic moment of global self-recognition, mutual understanding, and respect.
		Why would we want it?