Since England is purportedly our ally and the U.S. has come to its aid on countless historical occasions, it seems fitting that respect be shown England, even if it is not what it once was--neither is America.

We earned our independence from Great Britain.  If there was ever a year NOT to dip our flag it would be this year!  I realize that the British are now one of our most loyal allies, but it would seem to dishonor all those who sacrificed in the American Revolution to dip our flag... even now.

I, like the others, had no clue about the tradition. I would hope that the US would uphold the tradition so as to show their support of unity and acceptance.

Given that the US has its own strong traditions with flags, I would hope that they would dip the flag.

I, too, was unaware of this traditon. It seems to me that the USA has a reputation among other countries for arrogance. Now, some people think that we have a right to be arrogant or proud, and I won't express my opinion on that, but if we continue to refuse to dip the flag, I think our image of arrogance would be upheld.

I hadn't heard about it either, except the famous 1936 incident in Berlin. Ultimately, I don't think it's all that important either, though I'm sure that if we did dip the flag, it would become a very big deal among some Americans. Flag etiquette and symbolism are still important to a lot of people in the United States. It strikes me as a non-issue, though. 

I have never heard of this tradition. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't have much of an opinion either way. If we did dip the flag because it was considered a courtesy I don't think it would reflect badly on us. If we did not, well, we just shouldn't expect anybody to dip to us when the games are held in the US.

I don't really think it matters.  To me, the idea that the Olympic Games are about peace and international friendship is not really that valid anymore (if it ever was). Today, the games seem to be about nationalism (who wins the most medals) and about making money for sponsors.  I don't see much idealism going on and so I don't really think the flag etiquette matters a lot.

I am unfamiliar with this courtesy, but I would argue that the US should follow it.  One idea behind the Olympics is to inspire unity and to allow nations to gather in peace.  I would suggest that we should honor such an ideal by participating in this simple gesture.  While I can understand the past protests, there is certainly nothing to protest between the US and UK.  If this is a practice the US has never followed, I wonder why.  What purpose does it serve to refuse participation?