Been here eight years and I have now seen it all.

[TimeForChange]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

[thelegges]

Please tell me you had cameras outside. If not check with neighbors. Such disrespect

[Stu from NYC]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

So sorry that this happened to you.

[JGVillages]

Agree 100%. Too bad this disturbed person has to hide in the dark and do damage to boost his sick agenda.

[brianherlihy]

I am sorry/ to bad I worked for the highway dp and I had found over 50 flags in the trash and took them home/ I am so sorry for you

[CWGUY]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

:) I feel sorry for that person ...... so sick. If I can do anything to help you please let me know. It would be my honor.

[Velvet]

To the vandal: “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” (I know, Lincoln was not referring to a pandemic, but it applies to our situation now.)

[manaboutown]

I hope and pray the disrespectful and unpatriotic vandal who did this is found, arrested and imprisoned.

[patfla06]

That is totally outrageous.
Some people need mental health help.

[TimeForChange]

No cameras but I have considered getting them. I have an idea who did this because I saw them early this morning in front of their house as I was adjusting the flags. The pole is telescoping and I sometimes put it down low at night in case there is wind or rain. This person.....well I don't want to say anymore. Pure hate is evil.

[Stu from NYC]

I hope and pray the disrespectful and unpatriotic vandal who did this is found, arrested and imprisoned.

Lock him up and throw away the key, or can we draw and quarter him.

[ladygolfer123]

First of all Thank You for your service!! You are the brave and honored one! The other person is jealous hateful and evil and should be punished. I am sorry that you have to endured him as a neighbor.

[champion6]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.This is outrageous! Are you in The Villages?

[Gerald]

Personally I do not like trump. However you have the right to have a flag that says trump. As for the American flag You should have a American flag flying. The worst part is that the person who did it. Went on to private property, damage private property . I agree that person should be found and the police notified.

[davem4616]

Wow, that guy had no right to do that...what a sicko

this is what scares me....that people are getting so 'jacked up' by the media hype that they are loosing it completely

I know how I would have reacted if someone tried to do that to something on my property and I saw it happening

[Jayhawk]

I hope and pray the disrespectful and unpatriotic vandal who did this is found, arrested and imprisoned.

He needs a good, patriotic ass-kicking.

:boom:

[anothersteve]

I know how I would have reacted if someone tried to do that to something on my property and I saw it happening

Yep
Get off my lawn - YouTube (https://youtu.be/z7X2_V60YK8)

Steve

[600th Photo Sq]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

Whoever did this is a coward , and yellow. Plus a lot of other unflattering comments that I cannot post here. You should be ashamed to be an American, honestly.

It is really illustrates my comments what I have pointed out here in previous post.

The sheer lack of Patriotism by some is troubling, in particular the person who did this alone is a criminal act. I hope somehow get caught.

The homeowner especially being a Veteran his whole family, friends, neighbors, and others like myself are saddened by this.

It is really, really sad.

[Taltarzac725]

Sorry that happened to you. There are a lot of people way too worked up about things way beyond their control.

The media on all sides is to blame for the most part and, of course, people who cannot control their impulses who act on these mob like responses. "Mob" as in a crowd that acts like through the worst people in it.

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

[HarleyDoc]

We hear over and over we should respect and tolerate other individuals viewpoint. That seems one sided. I have repeatedly had Trump stickers scratched off my mailbox door. Of course my mailbox is on the backside of the station so the vandals cant be caught.

[Northwoods]

That is SO wrong. I might not agree with some people politically, but I understand they have a reason for what they believe. Our priorities are different.

[Bogie Shooter]

Are the mailboxes billboards.

[anothersteve]

I have repeatedly had Trump stickers scratched off my mailbox door. Of course my mailbox is on the backside of the station so the vandals cant be caught.

Mailboxes are private property, so don't bitch.
Steve

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We hear over and over we should respect and tolerate other individuals viewpoint. That seems one sided. I have repeatedly had Trump stickers scratched off my mailbox door. Of course my mailbox is on the backside of the station so the vandals cant be caught.

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

[John41]

Wow, that guy had no right to do that...what a sicko

this is what scares me....that people are getting so 'jacked up' by the media hype that they are loosing it completely

I know how I would have reacted if someone tried to do that to something on my property and I saw it happening
the NY Times editorial stated Military Celebrates White Supremacy because of Ft Benning Georgia. This on the day that honors soldiers black and white who gave up their lives for the First Amendment that protects the press. What a disgraceful paper that encourages vandalism like you experienced.

[Stu from NYC]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

Wow are you wrong

[Stu from NYC]

the NY Times editorial stated Military Celebrates White Supremacy because of Ft Benning Georgia. This on the day that honors soldiers black and white who gave up their lives for the First Amendment that protects the press. What a disgraceful paper that encourages vandalism like you experienced.

The NY Times has become a rag

[Northwoods]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

So... No bumper stickers. No signs or stickers on cars or golf carts. OrangeBlossomBaby - Please go and talk to those people who park their anti-Trump carts with signs on the corner of 466A and Morse and tell them to stop shoving their opinion down everyone's throats. (Post when you're going to do this. I'd like to watch).

People have a right to their opinion. I might not agree with it. But I respect that they have a right to voice their opinion. I sort of think that's what this country was founded on.

[CWGUY]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

:ohdear: This boys and girls is what is wrong with this country! The OP is a disabled veteran and this happened to him on Memorial Day and the perpetrator is defended. :ohdear:

[anothersteve]

So... No bumper stickers. No signs or stickers on cars or golf carts. OrangeBlossomBaby - Please go and talk to those people who park their anti-Trump carts with signs on the corner of 466A and Morse and tell them to stop shoving their opinion down everyone's throats. (Post when you're going to do this. I'd like to watch).

People have a right to their opinion. I might not agree with it. But I respect that they have a right to voice their opinion. I sort of thing that's what this country was founded on.

What can I say but thanks
Steve

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So... No bumper stickers. No signs or stickers on cars or golf carts. OrangeBlossomBaby - Please go and talk to those people who park their anti-Trump carts with signs on the corner of 466A and Morse and tell them to stop shoving their opinion down everyone's throats. (Post when you're going to do this. I'd like to watch).

People have a right to their opinion. I might not agree with it. But I respect that they have a right to voice their opinion. I sort of thing that's what this country was founded on.

I don't care who's doing it. If you thrust it in other peoples' faces, expect pushback.

A bumper sticker can only be seen if you're fairly close to the back of a car. A flag (of ANY kind) is prominently displayed and visible up and down the street. The placards on the FRONT of the golf carts (again - no matter who they're supporting) are inane, because people are driving with those things, which means they are limiting their visibility, and that is stupid, careless, dangerous, and disrespectful.

People can play these stupid games with their flag wars. This guy is waving THIS flag, so their neighbor will wave THAT flag, and that offends the other guy who waves THOSE flags, which is offensive to the other neighbor, and so on and so forth, until the entire neighborhood is peeved at each other.

No one is going to change their minds about which party they're voting for in November. Raising a flag depicting your candidate on your flagpole is just making up for the lack of ability to raise something on a different flagpole, as far as I'm concerned.

[anothersteve]

I don't care who's doing it. If you thrust it in other peoples' faces, expect pushback.

A bumper sticker can only be seen if you're fairly close to the back of a car. A flag (of ANY kind) is prominently displayed and visible up and down the street. The placards on the FRONT of the golf carts (again - no matter who they're supporting) are inane, because people are driving with those things, which means they are limiting their visibility, and that is stupid, careless, dangerous, and disrespectful.

People can play these stupid games with their flag wars. This guy is waving THIS flag, so their neighbor will wave THAT flag, and that offends the other guy who waves THOSE flags, which is offensive to the other neighbor, and so on and so forth, until the entire neighborhood is peeved at each other.

No one is going to change their minds about which party they're voting for in November. Raising a flag depicting your candidate on your flagpole is just making up for the lack of ability to raise something on a different flagpole, as far as I'm concerned.

So.....no one should have an opinion or .....God forbid..express their opinion?
Steve

[Kenswing]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.
In no way, shape or form is it okay to go on to someone's property and destroy something you disagree with. And to expect this type of behavior is even more troublesome.

[DanBrew]

I'm so sorry this happened to you and thank you for your service. Know that this anal oraface is already being punished by being who he/she is. Hate filled, evil people live a very tortured life.

[Pamelah]

Expressing an opinion verbally is one thing, flying a flag is beyond that!

[Aqtlow]

Thank you for your service on this memorial Day,
Trespassing is a crime, letting the flag touch the ground is a sin and if you don’t believe it ask my 4th grade teacher.
This person that did such a thing first is not a AMERICAN. Karma is a bitch, and the law is the law.
I am so sorry you have to live near such a SICK S O B.
He is just very mad that the only flag he can fly is a WHITE one. LOL.

[Ele201]

I thought The Villages was a protected retirement place, with “classy” neighbors. Guess I was wrong. NO One has a right to trespass on your lawn, and vandalize your flags. Period. What ever happened to live and let live?

[camaguey48]

The hate that is displayed daily is unbelievable. This is another example. This is the greatest country in the world in spite of those who want to bring her down for their own nefarious agenda.
Avoiding people who wish to harm your emotional health is not weakness, it's wisdom.
God Bless America and honor those who fought to protect her on this Memorial Day.

[Lsepanske@aol.com]

This is pathetic to have happen...sorry..... encourage you to fly our flag and endorse the President of your choice. It's called America and Freedom what we fought for.
Being a Veteran, I will be pleased to pay, donate to replace your loss as we stand together against these unbalanced individuals.
Install cameras, if you have not already done so.
Thank you for your service!!

[Aqtlow]

No I don’t think so, as long as it is under the America flag you may fly any flag you wish, sport team, state, service, collage, as long as it is not vulgar or Obscene . This is America and if you don’t stand for something y’all fall for anything, you don’t invite any body to do anything. , they who react in such law breaking actions SHOULD be punished. There is not a right way to do the wrong thing. Tks.

[GSDodge]

I am sorry to hear that I hope you have them on video. These people do not think rationally, they are emotional midgets and have been carried away to the point of attacking Americans. Very sad.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

https://i.imgur.com/2O0X7xW.png

[Aqtlow]

People with such thin skin need to grow up.
Learn to laugh, smile, enjoy life, agree to disagree NOT limit what they wish to display or not display, this is America.

[alfredpopcorn@gmail.com]

I think it could be a outside people . My friends Flagpole damages took a lot of physical ability to accomplished the crime . Time to have stricter entry - probably need for the Villages to somehow go private with internal roadways. Probably not due to the expense.

[Chloe Girl]

It's an election year and all this garbage starts again. What happened to respect for each other's views? The 2016 election was the worst I have ever seen and the scariest. Whoever did this was probably thinking what a great American he/she was to disrespect Trump. If we can't have free speech in this country without the fear of retaliation, where will it all end?

[Craig Vernon]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

Sorry to hear that some moron would stoop to this level.

[natjos]

It is called freedom of speech.

[jrm4081@juno.com]

I am so sorry that this has happened to anyone. I also feel really sorry for someone who is so miserable that their daily deeds seem to be to try to make everyone else miserable. If this person lives in our beautiful Villages, then doubly sorry.

[DrBrutyle109]

Totally agree AND thank you for your service. It bothers me that people can’t just support their choice for president and let others have theirs. Why does a person have to say a candidate is a liar or be demeaning

[DrBrutyle109]

I respect you for your service, but why demean another.

[DrBrutyle109]

Freedom of speech is not destruction of property

[gdharbek@gmail.com]

Some people are just brain dead, others are taught.

[skip0358]

The trolls were bad enough now this Crap. Disrespect personal property is really pushing the package. Sure hope this is not a sign of things to come. I to am a VET and this really ticks me off. Hope this person is caught!

[Eclas]

I can't believe some people think like you do.

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

[HimandMe]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

My friend in S Florida says this is occurring in her neighborhood but only Trump flags disappear. She previously had signs go missing and buys them in threes now and installed cameras. The trouble with going beyond polite speaking out is now sometimes rabid activism. Is that how we want to live and treat our neighbors? Install cameras. Thanks for posting.

[rjackson1759]

You think that it was the U.S. flag they were after?

[Bay Kid]

Such a shame people hate the flag so much.

[Vikingmickey]

Does anyone in your area have cameras. Maybe they caught it and you can have the person prosecuted for trespassing and destruction of private property as they deserve!

[HimandMe]

I am a disabled vet also. In my opinion putting a draft dodgers flag under the American flag no matter Clinton or Trump is not only disrespecting the flag but totally disrespecting the men and women that died for this country. If you don't see that then they all died in vain.

This goes to prove it is not the flag... but often the imagination or interpretation not of the person who hangs a flag but the one passing by adding their own thoughts to it.

[stan the man]

report to PD....hate crime

[rlcooper70]

It's disrespectful to the flag and to you as well ... sorry. Feels bad.

We have two parallel Americas today ... and I think we should all refrain from deliberately annoying the "others". Maybe we should put out our Patriotic symbols only ... and eliminate the political symbols that can annoy our neighbors.

[vison34]

I totally agree that what was done was cowardly and wrong. What I wonder, is it then OK to use this flagpole as a political campaign advertisement? Think about it. Is not that what Trump 2020 is. Forget billboards and signs and just get a flag?

[kenoc7]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

Well said, Orange Blossom Baby.

[soniak4@gmail.com]

I also am not a Trump fan at all however, what happened to your property is not right. You have a right to support whoever you want because this is America. You also have the right to your property and that must be respected. Please report this incident to the police and have them investigate.

[big guy]

I am sorry that someone pulled down your flag. And thank you for your service to our country but I am surprised that no one has mentioned that we are not allowed to put up political signs around our houses, no matter who it is. Move on beyond the "disrespect" and "trespassing" and don't put your own imagination into it; i.e. "they hate the flag" (add your own word here). Just because the Trump flag is under the American flag and he is a USA president doesn't mean that it's not a political sign. We've been wondering when The Villages would make people remove the flags.

[Gobragh]

Sorry to hear about your flag destruction. No one should do that to another persons property.

Here are two flag etiquette that not everyone knows ....
1. According to the Flag Code, it is never acceptable to fly a company flag, corporate banners or other form of branding/advertising on the same pole as the US Flag; you will need to have a separate flagpole to display both flags at one time.

2. For Memorial Day According to the US Flag Code:
Flags are at half staff until noon only, at which point they are raised to full staff.
The half-staff position remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country.
At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

God Bless America!

[Bethwill]

People are sick!! Thank you for your service!!

[fdpaq0580]

I can't believe some people think like you do.

You were responding to OBB, I believe. Sadly, I can understand and imagine people thinking all types of things. That is why there are so many different points of view and so many ideologies. There will be lots of different posts on this thread and I expect opinions to run from one extreme to the other.
From one veteran to another, a most sincere THANK YOU for your service. Take heart knowing that there are many of us who are outraged at this terrible act of vandalism. To those who would hijack this thread to turn it into a discussion or debate on what they think is appropriate to fly with the American Flag, might I suggest starting another to address that subject. This is about a neighbor and veteran who has suffered trespass and vandalism and, regardless of whether I or anyone thinks of his political preference, deserves a little compassion on this day set aside to remember those who served and, especially, those who paid the ultimate price for our Freedom.

[J1ceasar]

Can anyone explain the irrational behavior some have towards others opinions? In particular I'm talking about our support for one political party or another.

You know what I'm talkin about the violence and hate speech toward Trump or Pelosi and Schiff that is shown by violence and Petty destruction of property.

Would any of you stand up in church and loudly declare someone's religion is not correct in the right way.

would you in today's age complain that a person of a different color or race is being served the water in a restaurant or that you're coming in even. Truly this is a case what would Jesus do.

Please stop viewing those videos that incite you and reading those news outlets that are just saying bad things every single day about the other .

it's simply not a case a black and white both sides do the best they want to there are demagogues everywhere but you have to actually use your brain and realize and no one is trying to hurt you and go against you simply just remember to vote this year for whoever you want

Especially on this day of all days remembering those who gave the ultimate for their country you don't have a right to be violent but you do have a right to vote

[JanetMM]

Sorry to hear about your flag destruction. No one should do that to another persons property.

Here are two flag etiquette that not everyone knows ....
1. According to the Flag Code, it is never acceptable to fly a company flag, corporate banners or other form of branding/advertising on the same pole as the US Flag; you will need to have a separate flagpole to display both flags at one time.

2. For Memorial Day According to the US Flag Code:
Flags are at half staff until noon only, at which point they are raised to full staff.
The half-staff position remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country.
At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

God Bless America!

Did not know that info. Thanx for posting it. I like learning new things. And to all those irritated by support shown to a challenger of your candidate, keep your hands to yourself. Shoulda learned that in kindiegarden. Shame

[stevekennedy3]

This goes beyond the pale. He is obviously a Trump hater. He darn sure never served this nation. Do you have any way of finding out who it is? Like a Ring doorbell pointing at the flag? If we could find out who did it, I would take great joy in having just five minutes with him alone to teach him that this kind of hate has real consequences. Some people can only learn after a few bruises, a busted lip and a black eye. I would make him take the first swing, tape it then easily be able to defend myself. These idiots understand nothing else. Just remember my friend, there are a lot more of us than there are them. Thank you for serving our country! May God bless you on this special day of remembrance for those who never returned.

[MandoMan]

the NY Times editorial stated Military Celebrates White Supremacy because of Ft Benning Georgia. This on the day that honors soldiers black and white who gave up their lives for the First Amendment that protects the press. What a disgraceful paper that encourages vandalism like you experienced.

I read that editorial yesterday, the original one, and that is NOT what it said. The editorial pointed out that a number of military bases opened in the South during World War I were named after Confederate generals who earlier served in the U.S. Army as a salve to Southerners who were upset that African-Americans would be on those bases training. The Army also deliberately choose Southerners with a record of favoring discrimination to train the African-American troops. That was a different time, and we wouldn’t do that now. At least, that’s what Colin Powell says. One of these bases was named after a Confederate general who was at one point after the Civil War the national head of the Klan. That’s not right.

Well, that was a different time, as I’ve said. What I found convincing about the editorial was this: every one of those Confederate generals honored with his name on a military base swore an oath of allegiance to the United States of America, but turned traitor against his country and took up arms against it. I know people who have never forgiven Jane Fonda for visiting Hanoi during the Vietnam war. How can a true American forgive these traitorous generals?

And let me qualify this by saying that not only was I born in Virginia, but Robert E. Lee is a blood relative of mine. In many ways he was a deeply honorable man, but he made a huge mistake by fighting for a state to which he had taken no oath of allegiance against the government he’d sworn to protect. I had ancestors who fought for the confederacy and for the Union, and some of them died. They enlisted, and they hadn’t taken the oath taken at West Point or Annapolis, so that’s different, maybe. When I was in grade school in California I enjoyed reading biographies of Lee, Pickett, Bedford Forrest, Beauregard, and more. But is it appropriate to honor people who took up arms against our country?

(I should add that while I think hanging a Trump flag goes against The Villages’ protocol on flags and showed a lack of sensitivity, I am even more against people doing damage to the property of others. You are right to be incensed about that. Having our properties treated with respect is part of why we live in The Villages, right? And we shouldn’t do to others what we would not want done to us.)

[thevillager1988]

Expressing an opinion verbally is one thing, flying a flag is beyond that!

It's important to educate yourself. And to the veterans ... thank you for your service!

[croughwell]

A couple of weeks ago my neighbor had his Trump flag completely ripped down. These id also reportedly a troll in Buttonwood who looks for Trump flags and the reports you for landscaping violations!

[meridian5850]

Did it ever occur to you that your insistence on shoving your opinion into everyone else's face by putting a trump sticker on your mailbox door was disrespectful and intolerable?

The same question about the trump flag. If you impose your political opinion on everyone else, and demand that they respect it - then you're being intolerant, and intolerable.

Take that particular flag down, and that particular sticker off, and I'm sure all your troubles will end. Just like if I put a JoeBiden flag on my flagpole, I'd expect some idiot to do something stupid as a result. You kind of have to be asking for trouble when you pull stunts like that.

tl;dr: don't force your opinion on your neighbors, and your neighbors will stop forcing theirs on you.

Wow, you justified the vandalism. Fortunately, the OP served to defend your 1st amendment right to free speech, something you don't believe others have.

[Bernie1]

At a time when we pause to honor all those who gave their lives that we can live with the freedoms we enjoy I can find no greater disrespect then for someone to desecrate our flag and liberties.
Install your camera, fly your flags, this person is ignorant and will return because they are ignorant, they try to intimidate and bully through force to get their way. But this person is the worst of bully’s because they come in the night and sneak like a rat. They have no honor and give no respect. I would gladly stand by your side to defend our rights provided by our forefathers.[

[meridian5850]

I totally agree that what was done was cowardly and wrong. What I wonder, is it then OK to use this flagpole as a political campaign advertisement? Think about it. Is not that what Trump 2020 is. Forget billboards and signs and just get a flag?

Political speech is protected speech and his Trump flag was flying below the American flag.

His first sentence. "I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden."

[Nell57]

It was so wrong that this happened to you, and that you have to incur the cost of a new flagpole.
There are a thousand American flags being proudly displayed today that were NOT vandalized. So an American flag on a flagpole seems safe, and I would replace it.
I would display my Trump flag inside my window, also keeping it safe.
Thank you for your service, and God Bless America on this day honoring Patriots.

[haysus7]

I’m no Trumper but I am sorry that happened to you.

[LeeM]

I totally agree that what was done was cowardly and wrong. What I wonder, is it then OK to use this flagpole as a political campaign advertisement? Think about it. Is not that what Trump 2020 is. Forget billboards and signs and just get a flag?

I also feel it's a campaign advertisement. But if you have an approved pole apparently you can wave a HOUSE FOR SALE sign under your American flag if you wanted to. Is that right? Not in my opinion but it's allowed here.

[Doug_from_Hershey]

I hope they catch him and his punishment is 90 days working in the Veteran's Hospital.

[EviesGP]

All I can say is, I moved here, because it was advertised as "Florida's Friendliest Hometown". And I/we were overwhelmed by the people who greeted us and welcomed us, in both the squares and the neighborhood(s). We were sold. Then...this stuff. Between the trolls going around reporting on petty things, and this destruction. Well, suffice it to say, if you do that to my property, and I catch you(which I will), I won't be calling the police. Enough said! Happy Memorial Day to all others.

[catlady1955@aol.com]

I am upset every time I see one of those Trump flags because before I moved here I asked about putting political signs on my property. The Villages sales agent said it was against district guidelines for anything displayed past the front of my home. Window signs OK but not lawn.
So every person who gets away with flying aTrump flag tells me that there are 2 standards here. That is wrong!

I also believe that destruction of another person’s personal property is terrible. That is very wrong.

[Love2Swim]

So.....no one should have an opinion or .....God forbid..express their opinion?
Steve

Why would you want to flaunt your opinion when you know that kind of talk divides people? You realize that just because you might have a Trump or Biden flag in your window it won't change anyone's mind about who they will vote for? So what purpose does it serve? All it does is intentionally rile people up.

[LeeM]

Sorry to hear about your flag destruction. No one should do that to another persons property.

Here are two flag etiquette that not everyone knows ....
1. According to the Flag Code, it is never acceptable to fly a company flag, corporate banners or other form of branding/advertising on the same pole as the US Flag; you will need to have a separate flagpole to display both flags at one time.

2. For Memorial Day According to the US Flag Code:
Flags are at half staff until noon only, at which point they are raised to full staff.
The half-staff position remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country.
At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

God Bless America!

That is interesting to read on the flag code. Thanks for sharing that.

[drstevens]

Sad! Maybe what happened to your pole will happen to this sick person.

[robertj1954]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

I am sorry to hear this happened to you and on Memorial Day. There is a very small percentage of people who have no respect for themselves. That is why they are disrespectful to others.

People have a right to voice an opinion. They have a right to dislike President Trump. They do not have a right to destroy other people’s property. Thankfully, it’s a very small number of people living in The Villages. Memorial Day is about fallen Americans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Sad that small percentage of people cannot understand what that means. God Bless

[remarks006]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:
Sorry to hear about your pole etc. being vandalized, I’m ashamed of Americans too, seems both sides have idiots .
I’m too old and settled to move to another country , and the USA , is still better than some , but we are not even Close to being the GREATEST 😡

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I can't believe some people think like you do.

I'd say MOST people think as I do, which is why you don't see pictures of candidates waved prominently on flagpoles throughout the Villages.

In some countries, that sort of thing is required. But those are the dictatorships. No one wants to be reminded of dictatorships - especially in a country that is, allegedly, not a dictatorship.

I do not want to see "fearless leader" flying around on my neighbor's lawn every time I come and go from my own house. It is inappropriate in THIS country, and I don't care who the leader is.

[Cranford61]

I also am not a Trump fan at all however, what happened to your property is not right. You have a right to support whoever you want because this is America. You also have the right to your property and that must be respected. Please report this incident to the police and have them investigate.
Just don’t put the wrong color paint on your house nor a little white cross in your friend yard garden.

[wmcgowan]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

some people are compelled by their feelings to let emotions guide actions. next time you witness this nefarious activity - make sure you have video proof that clearly shows the perpetrators damaging your property. then - take them to criminal and civil court

[rphil11ort]

For this being the happiest place on earth there are some people who just do not belong

[johnny35640]

I too thank you for your service. I only served in the Tennessee Air Ntional Guard. I agree, the person who disrespectived the Flag os the scum of the earth

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You were responding to OBB, I believe. Sadly, I can understand and imagine people thinking all types of things. That is why there are so many different points of view and so many ideologies. There will be lots of different posts on this thread and I expect opinions to run from one extreme to the other.
From one veteran to another, a most sincere THANK YOU for your service. Take heart knowing that there are many of us who are outraged at this terrible act of vandalism. To those who would hijack this thread to turn it into a discussion or debate on what they think is appropriate to fly with the American Flag, might I suggest starting another to address that subject. This is about a neighbor and veteran who has suffered trespass and vandalism and, regardless of whether I or anyone thinks of his political preference, deserves a little compassion on this day set aside to remember those who served and, especially, those who paid the ultimate price for our Freedom.

It was an act of vandalism. It was not a hate crime, it was not a this or that or the other thing. The fact that the owner is a veteran means nothing in regards to the topic: an act of trespassing and vandalism to personal property.

You are all turning it INTO a rant and tirade against disrespect for veterans...

when it was nothing more or less than an act of trespassing and vandalism on private property. Willful destruction, if such a thing is a law down here.

The only way it would be a matter of disrespect for veterans is if whoever did it knew that this person was a veteran, and was doing this intentionally BECAUSE they knew this person was a veteran. Somehow - I doubt that's what's happening.

Vandalism is wrong. When it happens you should call the police.

If you come to a forum posting about it, you have to expect people will nitpick the post.

If someone came to your front door and painted a smiley face on it...

would you include the fact that the door had a brass handle? Would you include the fact that your door was painted white, before the vandalism occured? Would you include the fact that the doorframe was cheap metal? Would you include the fact that the step leading to the door was made of brick? No? Why not? Because it doesn't matter. What matters is that someone painted a smiley face on your door.

Why then include the exact specific flag, when your intention is to inform people that someone broke the flagpole and trashed the flags? Here's why: because you are INVITING criticism. You're daring people to come out and say "stop putting those particular flags on your flagpole."

Again - if you don't want people to have a problem with your opinion, don't advertise it in a way that people can't just avoid it if they don't want to hear it.

I wear a shirt with a political message on it. You're only stuck seeing it on me for a day. And then it's gone for at least the next week. I have a bumper sticker on the inside of my golf cart. You're only stuck seeing it if you happen to be looking into my golf cart - and then I ask you - why are you looking into MY golf cart?

I don't fly MY candidate's flag on a flagpole - no one in my neighborhood does. We have more respect for each others' opinions than that. None of us want to force our neighbors to see someone we don't want to see, flying proudly under the flag of our country. No matter which candidate it is. The flagpole is not for advertising. If you want to advertise, put the ad on a different flagpole. It doesn't belong under the USA flag.

Sorry about the vandalism. Whoever did it was meshuggenah and should be tarred feathered and dragged around the town fair by a horse without a plug or bag hanging from its backside.

Also - don't create political threads if you don't want people to get political about it.

[Holpat39]

For all the posts entered here, remember the old saying, "live and let live". What a person flies on their flagpole in their own yard and is allowed by law should be able to do so with out vandalism or intimidation.

[Lottoguy]

I'm still surprised nobody has done the same to those who choose to fly the Confederate flag on their pole. Still wondering how this is allowed in The Villages. A Trump flag is one thing but the old "stars and bars" flying in this day and age is just not right.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For all the posts entered here, remember the old saying, "live and let live". What a person flies on their flagpole in their own yard and is allowed by law should be able to do so with out vandalism or intimidation.

Even if it is NOT allowed by law it should not result in vandalism.

Advertising is not allowed to be waved on the same flagpole as the American Flag.

This is an election year. Unless this person has had this flag waving since 2015 (the last election season) then he is advertising his chosen candidate, which is against the flag code.

He doesn't deserve to have his property vandalized, but he also shouldn't have that flag on the same pole as the American flag.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm still surprised nobody has done the same to those who choose to fly the Confederate flag on their pole. Still wondering how this is allowed in The Villages. A Trump flag is one thing but the old "stars and bars" flying in this day and age is just not right.

I haven't ever seen the Battle Flag of the Army of North Virginia on anyone's flag pole, though I hear they are waving somewhere in the Villages. But when I do see one, I just chalk it up to stupid people being stupid, because they don't even realize the flag they're waving is NOT "the Confederate flag" as they think it is.

It's just reinforcement and confirmation that stupid is what stupid does, and a red flag (pun intended) for thinking sentient beings to find a different neighborhood to move into.

[17362]

Yes, I totally agree. One person has the right to put their opinion in their property. It’s not anyone else’s Right to do harm to their property including the mailbox that you pay for. Plain and simple and yes disrespectful of another persons rights. I looked the other way and didn’t become disrespectful in any form including, name calling, With that previous president for example and I would expect the same.
And that is exactly what’s wrong with 50% people today, no respect for others. Honestly I think it’s mental issues.

So... No bumper stickers. No signs or stickers on cars or golf carts. OrangeBlossomBaby - Please go and talk to those people who park their anti-Trump carts with signs on the corner of 466A and Morse and tell them to stop shoving their opinion down everyone's throats. (Post when you're going to do this. I'd like to watch).

People have a right to their opinion. I might not agree with it. But I respect that they have a right to voice their opinion. I sort of think that's what this country was founded on.

[Jacob85]

I can certainly understand the anger that person had but you are right that it wasn’t right about doing that to the American flag. I don’t thing it’s really appropriate to have a flag for any president up there with the American flag but then I don’t recall any other president having their own flag but I could be wrong.

[ColdNoMore]

I'm still surprised nobody has done the same to those who choose to fly the Confederate flag on their pole. Still wondering how this is allowed in The Villages. A Trump flag is one thing but the old "stars and bars" flying in this day and age is just not right.

:agree:

Flying that traitorous flag, is no different than flying a Nazi flag (of which they share a lot of things)...but the 1st A still prevails and allows both.

Regardless of how racist/ignorant someone may be however, there is still never a reason to trespass...or especially to vandalize their property.

And yes, that goes for the golfer's who think nothing of entering someone's yard...to retrieve their $.15 golf ball. :oops:

[Lottoguy]

BTW only the American flag should fly on a pole. Nothing else is supposed to fly on that pole. A separate pole is needed to fly another flag, like a state or corporate flag. And then that pole MUST be shorter then the pole which is flying the American flag. So in a nutshell anyone who is flying a TRUMP flag below the American flag is going against the rules.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

BTW only the American flag should fly on a pole. Nothing else is supposed to fly on that pole. A separate pole is needed to fly another flag, like a state or corporate flag. And then that pole MUST be shorter then the pole which is flying the American flag. So in a nutshell anyone who is flying a TRUMP flag below the American flag is going against the rules.

Not exactly. You can fly a state flag, or a Veterans flag, under the American flag on the same flagpole. Or a POW flag, for instance.

But a sports team, presidential candidate, political or advertising message - those belong on different poles.

And they have to be flown lower than the American Flag, no matter which pole that American flag is flying from. So the poles can be the same height - but the other flags have to be lowered.

[Marylynn]

Their hate drains the love out of the world.

[bonnieww60]

Sorry this happened to you. Shame on the person that did this. No respect for people or their property.

[PugMom]

No cameras but I have considered getting them. I have an idea who did this because I saw them early this morning in front of their house as I was adjusting the flags. The pole is telescoping and I sometimes put it down low at night in case there is wind or rain. This person.....well I don't want to say anymore. Pure hate is evil.you know, this is so sad, that in this day & age, that some people are driven to senseless acts. idk what motivates them, but it can't be maturity or the idea of accepting opposing views. they will prob do it again, either to you or someone else.

[Golfgrammie02]

First thank you so much for your service. I drive by with my dogs almost every day and see your two flags flying and have enjoyed the fact that you love our country and respect the office of the president. I happen to like Trump myself but this world is so full of hate fueled by politicians and media that it is scary. You cannot help a fool. This person needs to be arrested.

[mgkw1]

Tell him you set it to the Sumpter County Sheriff for fingerprinting

[PugMom]

:clap2::clap2:I hope they catch him and his punishment is 90 days working in the Veteran's Hospital.

[sipops]

Welcome to The Villages, Florida's Friendliest Home Town. Call the Sheriff's Office make a complaint and ask them to dust for fingerprintsts.

[PugMom]

I'm still surprised nobody has done the same to those who choose to fly the Confederate flag on their pole. Still wondering how this is allowed in The Villages. A Trump flag is one thing but the old "stars and bars" flying in this day and age is just not right.to me, that flag is a warning to keep away or possibly expose myself to alternate views of sub-thinking mentalities. it saves me a lot of trouble knowing i'd rather keep wawy

[rsalisbu]

Too bad you did not have a security camera so you could put that low-life, unpatriotic rectum in jail!

[Fenster]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

I recommend getting a camera, putting the flags back up and if it recurs, press charges.

[joseppe]

I don't care who's doing it. If you thrust it in other peoples' faces, expect pushback.

A bumper sticker can only be seen if you're fairly close to the back of a car. A flag (of ANY kind) is prominently displayed and visible up and down the street. The placards on the FRONT of the golf carts (again - no matter who they're supporting) are inane, because people are driving with those things, which means they are limiting their visibility, and that is stupid, careless, dangerous, and disrespectful.

People can play these stupid games with their flag wars. This guy is waving THIS flag, so their neighbor will wave THAT flag, and that offends the other guy who waves THOSE flags, which is offensive to the other neighbor, and so on and so forth, until the entire neighborhood is peeved at each other.

No one is going to change their minds about which party they're voting for in November. Raising a flag depicting your candidate on your flagpole is just making up for the lack of ability to raise something on a different flagpole, as far as I'm concerned.

When views are expressed you open yourself up to resistance to that view. Legal, policial, religious and moralistic views are expressed often by many people. If you express any opinion within your own 'faction' you're fairly safe, but when you express openly to the public at large you open yourself up to many who will not share your view. Some of those may be hostile.

By no means does this condone any action by whomever committed the act.

Its sad to know that we have people who would take their hostility out on someone or some thing just because they don't agree with it, but that is the world we live in.

To the OP Thank you for your service and I'm sorry that you had to experience this unkind act.
To OrangeBlossom I agree with your premise although it may have been a little harsh

Now I have just expressed MY opinion / View and I've opened myself up to attack. So fire away.

[Diana T]

Thank you for your service, especially today, Memorial Day. I would be honored to contribute to a Go Fund Me account to replace your flagpole, flags, and a camera if someone would start one.

[noslices1]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

Of you go look at any political posts on here or on Villagesnews .comtou will see an assortment of people who would do that.

[donassaid]

Insane hatred for Trump knows no bounds. People like that are pathetic.

[camaguey48]

If we cannot respect other’s opinions and destroy property because of differences, we will soon be a third world country like Cuba, Venezuela, China, North Korea. These are prime examples of dictatorship.

[caljeff]

Though not a Trump supporter, I am truly sorry this display of poor behaviour occurred. This is increasingly more grievous in that it occurred Memorial Day weekend. A time when we are honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may freely express our feelings and beliefs.

[Scorpyo]

I hope and pray the disrespectful and unpatriotic vandal who did this is found, arrested and imprisoned.
I agree, however, given today’s judicial system it is highly unlikely he’d even get arrested.

[Stu from NYC]

It would be nice that for at least just ONE simple day, especially THIS day, everyone focused on those...who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. :ohdear:

So very true

[bjzimmer3517]

He did not report it to the police. There are camera recordings that would validate his claim and help the police find the perpetrator if true.

[bilcon]

Another weirdo from the Dark Side. No respect for the American Flag. He probably moved to Canada in the 1960's and then snuck back when the war was over. This weekend is about the real fallen heroes of our Military. Semper Fi! What an A hole. Sorry for what you had to experience. Not typical of TV.

[bassfish]

Call the police on this vandal, he has done enough for the police to investigate. When he sees them, I think it might soil his pants. Make sure you tell them who you think did this. And then put everything back up as you had it.

I'm proud you and I both served our country. God bless the USA.

[Grumpyoldvillager]

Another example of age, wisdom and maturity being mutually exclusive events, Thank you for your service!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Whichever flag he wanted to take down, he trespassed and vandalized another person's property. His criminal behavior should not be excused. He should be arrested and tried for his crimes and if convicted be sent to prison, your gratuitous last sentence not withstanding.

Vandalizing someone's property between $200 and $1000 is a misdemeanor first degree in Florida. Penalty is up to $1000 fine and up to 1 year in prison.

If it's his first offense, he'd probably just have to pay the fine, no prison at all. Even if it wasn't his first offense, he'd get a commuted sentence, because this is Florida and they let wife beaters go free for more offense than ripping flags down off a flagpole.

[New Adventures]

I have an American flag with a Trump flag under it in the center of my flower garden. This morning some idiot pulled the flag pole over, broke the golden ball on top and damaged my pole that I just repaired. I guess I can see getting mad and pulling some home owners pole over but they also just disrespected a US flag on Memorial day weekend. Some are really sick. As a disabled veteran I am ashamed and hurt that we have come to this point.:shocked:

Thank you for your service.
Sorry that you had to experience such a disgusting event.

[jose1phine]

So sorry this happened to you. Whether a Democratic or a Republican - we are all Americans and should be proud of the people who service and respectful of an elected president. There is no call or need for nastiness of this type and the person who did it should be ashamed!