disrespect of the US flag

[PaulinTV]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

[perrjojo]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?
Perhaps they are telling others they feel our country is in distress.

[davefin]

May I say, talk with the neighbor. If he/she/they are OK, just leave it alone!

[dewilson58]

May I say, talk with the neighbor. If he/she/they are OK, just leave it alone!
Bingo

[Bill14564]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

It is unlikely that they are unaware; they are probably trying to make a statement and get attention.

I would shake my head and leave it alone. You're not likely to change their mind but the attempt will give them the attention they are seeking and could lead to (more) bad feelings.

[Kenswing]

Call the Sheriff and tell them you'd like them to do a welfare check because your neighbor might be in distress. That ought to get the flag straightened out.

[Joe V.]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

If one can legally burn a flag, spit on it and throw it in the mud (itself a violation of the flag laws but ruled constitutional) then one should be able to fly it any way they prefer, esp. on private property. I would not display it this way myself though.

[drcar]

Its to bad, BUT it perfect legal to , wear, burn, step on and to fly the flag upside down. It is protected by the constitution, but in my humble opinion it shows great disrespect for the country, the flag and for the people who fought and died for it.

[Moderator]

This thread is already on thin ice due to political comments. Let's keep it on topic, please.

Moderator

[dhdallas]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?


Tell him & if that doesn't work then call the police. it is a big deal to fly it upside down. He is disrespecting all veterans in doing so. My father was a decorated Combat Engineer who waded ashore under heavy enemy fire on Omaha Beach in the first wave on D-Day losing many of his friends. Flying the flag upside down is an insult to their memories!

The Flag Code states, "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

The clear intent is as a call for immediate emergency assistance and not just some antiquated no-longer-used invalid signal!

[billethkid]

Call the Sheriff and tell them you'd like them to do a welfare check because your neighbor might be in distress. That ought to get the flag straightened out.

I agree.
Report that there is a neighbor that is either in danger or distress seeking help!

[John_W]

Tell him & if that doesn't work then call the police. it is a big deal to fly it upside down. He is disrespecting all veterans in doing so...


Flying the American flag upside down is protected speech, judge says

Vito Congine Jr. of Crivitz, Wis., sued that village (population 984) after the police confiscated his upside-down, hanging American flag during a Fourth of July celebration four years ago.

Congine, a former Marine, decided to fly the flag upside down over his planned restaurant as a protest after village officials denied him a liquor license. Crivitz Police Chief Michael Frievalt claimed that members of the local American Legion had complained about the upside-down flag, but he told them that Congine had the right to fly it upside down. On July 4, 2009, Frievalt apparently had a change of heart and removed the flag, claiming he feared it could provoke acts of violence. Police returned the flag unharmed to Congine the next day.

Congine sued, claiming the village and its district attorney—who advised the chief that it was legal to seize the flag—violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights. In May, a federal judge sided with Congine, granting summary judgment claims. The village attorney was given qualified immunity.

“There must be more than the mere potential for a breach of the peace to justify censorship of expressive conduct,” wrote Chief Judge William C. Griesbach for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. He reasoned that “even if violence is imminent, temporary interference with the speaker’s exercise of his First Amendment rights is permissible only as a last resort when police are otherwise unable to protect the safety of the public and only insofar as necessary to avoid the serious harm.”

Congine’s attorney, Christopher M. Meuler of Milwaukee, says the decision reaffirmed the principle that the government may not interfere with protected speech even in emergency-type situations, except as a measure of last resort.

A trial on damages is set for October.

[TimeForChange]

If a person feels they are in distress due to higher taxes, higher gas prices, influx of more illegal aliens, loss of jobs in the oil industry then what is to stop them from flying the flag upside down. There is no law against it. The only thing the police might do is check and see it there is a real concern by calling or knocking on the door. Nothing the police can do. There are confederate flags being flown right now in TV and there is nothing anyone can legally do. FL law.

[graciegirl]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

I don't know. Sometimes people signal in subtle ways. Not all people look at things the same;...... Some people are Tennisnuts and some people are golfers.

Some people are from California and some are from Ohio. We all look at things differently. I say...forget about it and just go on with your sheltering in place and waiting for the vaccine like most of the rest of us are doing.

[Decadeofdave]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?
I hung the Browns flag upside down for the last 20 years!! I was distressed.

[EdFNJ]

I hung the Browns flag upside down for the last 20 years!! I was distressed. Hmmm, I guess you never have been a Knicks fan.

[stanley]

It's his...or her right, while I don't agree with it, I understand the sentiment.

[karostay]

Turn your head

[Arctic Fox]

A cart overtook us on Morse yesterday, flying the S&S upside down.

I can't believe he was in distress, and if no-one here knows what else it could mean then there's little point in doing it.

Maybe they just enjoy annoying other people?

He was going fast enough that he might end up in a ditch, upside down, in which case at least the flag situation would then be okay.

[Stu from NYC]

A cart overtook us on Morse yesterday, flying the S&S upside down.

I can't believe he was in distress, and if no-one here knows what else it could mean then there's little point in doing it.

Maybe they just enjoy annoying other people?

He was going fast enough that he might end up in a ditch, upside down, in which case at least the flag situation would then be okay.

Great last line:)

[jebartle]

A cart overtook us on Morse yesterday, flying the S&S upside down.

I can't believe he was in distress, and if no-one here knows what else it could mean then there's little point in doing it.

Maybe they just enjoy annoying other people?

He was going fast enough that he might end up in a ditch, upside down, in which case at least the flag situation would then be okay.

Giggle, snort!

[Alaska Butch]

Or a Cubs fan!

[am.zinger@aol.com]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?
If they have never flown it that way before, I would say they are flying it that way intentionally. In these times, they may feel that the country is in distress.

[mlmarr1]

Mind your own business...freedom of speech..

[ruralgoddess]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

It's not against the law. Leave them alone. The First Amendment protects free expression ... sometimes it's hard to just walk on by....

[RaunchyRich]

Hang in there, Our Flag will be around a lot longer than him!

[rgoosman]

The whole business of flying the flag upside down is from the British. It is pretty easy to see the US flag is inverted but it takes a Brit to see it in the union jack. I'll bet you thought it was symmetrical.

[PugMom]

Bingo

dittos, stay out of it, it's none of our business

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

If you feel something should be done I would ask the police to do a welfare check, after that leave it alone. You are creating the exact reaction that person wants, attention.

[PugMom]

I would just ignore it if you know he is not in eminent danger. It is a subtle way of making his voice heard. Go enjoy your life in The Villages

ikr, last form of free speech available, lol:icon_wink:

[surplus]

Countless number of people have died protecting our flag. The home owner should be put on a plane to Russia and not be allowed to return. Same for the people that take a knee!

[Moderator]

Please keep the replies on topic or thread will be closed; we have had to remove about half the posts.

Thanks,

Moderator

[Mohawksin]

Half of the people who fly the Japanese flag fly it upside down.

[jaye_wolfe]

Many Villages fly the flag daily, myself included. Recently an event took place that, many of us, will have long term consequences for our country. Knowing there would be this discussion, we instead decide to take our flags down for January 20th to make the same point without this diversion.

[Scott O]

I don't know. Sometimes people signal in subtle ways. Not all people look at things the same;...... Some people are Tennisnuts and some people are golfers.

Some people are from California and some are from Ohio. We all look at things differently. I say...forget about it and just go on with your sheltering in place and waiting for the vaccine like most of the rest of us are doing.
Sheltering in place? Waiting for vaccine....oh not at all....good grief...

[Bill14564]

Mind your own business...freedom of speech..

But isn't this person "speaking" in order to be heard and acknowledged by others like me?

I would choose to ignore it and not give them the attention they are looking for.

[DAVES]

Tell him & if that doesn't work then call the police. it is a big deal to fly it upside down. He is disrespecting all veterans in doing so. My father was a decorated Combat Engineer who waded ashore under heavy enemy fire on Omaha Beach in the first wave on D-Day losing many of his friends. Flying the flag upside down is an insult to their memories!

The Flag Code states, "The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

The clear intent is as a call for immediate emergency assistance and not just some antiquated no-longer-used invalid signal!

The history is interesting. Our national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the war of 1812-the second invasion by the British into the US. Typical practice at the time, Key an atty, was on the British Flag ship negotiating a prisoner exchange. It was actually a poem. Later set to music that was a British drinking song that became our national anthem. Key was welcomed as a respected guest an fed a fine meal. Far as the prisoner exchange the ships captain told key if the flag came down on Ft William Henry, it wouldn't matter as the war would be over. The flag was all shot up. At the end of the battle it was discovered that the flag was held up by the body of a dead soldier.

[CFrance]

It is unlikely that they are unaware; they are probably trying to make a statement and get attention.

I would shake my head and leave it alone. You're not likely to change their mind but the attempt will give them the attention they are seeking and could lead to (more) bad feelings.
Bingo.

[CFrance]

I hung the Browns flag upside down for the last 20 years!! I was distressed.
Our Pirates flag is under the car in case of an oil leak.

[giorgio1948]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

spoken with him? he might not know ~ :)

[Girlcopper]

Call the Sheriff and tell them you'd like them to do a welfare check because your neighbor might be in distress. That ought to get the flag straightened out.
No, you dont bother the deputies and tie up their time when you are well aware there isnt a problem there. Common sense if there was a problem, they wouldnt waste time going out and moving their flag and you know it. Since this bothers you, you can say something to them or live with it. With all the political garbage going on, you are well aware of why the flag is flying like that

[Dana1963]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?
Mind your own business.

[ptgy1]

First make sure it wasn't an error. Crazier things have happened.

[arbajeda]

They are using the flag to make a political statement. If you speak to them about it, be prepared for a blast. Just ignore it and them. If they approach you for any reason, let them know of your distaste and walk away.

[Girlcopper]

I agree.
Report that there is a neighbor that is either in danger or distress seeking help!
And the deputies will be well aware of why the flag is like that and probably not even entertain your complaint. Why would you waste a deputies time when they have real issues to deal with just because you dont like the way a flag is hung.

[bobnyce]

It really doesn't matter if they think the country is in distress it is totally inappropriate and probably illegal to fly the US Flag upside down unless you are in immediate distress!

[golfing eagles]

And the deputies will be well aware of why the flag is like that and probably not even entertain your complaint. Why would you waste a deputies time when they have real issues to deal with just because you dont like the way a flag is hung.

Maybe it was simply a mistake. And if the person is dyslexic, you are risking running afoul of ADA laws
Maybe the person is a victim of domestic abuse with no access to a cell phone

Unlike a post on TOTV, I don't think law enforcement has the right to assume that this is political. This is a universal signal for distress, and if that signal was being abused to make a political statement, I would send the sheriff EVERY DAY, to the point of becoming harassment, then I would organize EVERY NEIGHBOR to camp out in front of the house with American flags the right way. It works both ways.

Personally, as far as anyone supporting a persons "right" to fly the flag in such a disrespectful manner, I'd be happy to supply them with emigration papers and a flight to N. Korea. Try flying the North Korean flag upside down

[chuckpedrey]

You think you’re in distress — I’m a Lions fan.

[RockyGeans]

Call the Sheriff and tell them you'd like them to do a welfare check because your neighbor might be in distress. That ought to get the flag straightened out.

Bingo! Semper Fi Kenswing

[Johnsocat]

IMHO as a 24 year veteran.
1. I do not agree with flying the flag upside down, although I understand they may be feeling political distress.
2. I do not feel they are disrespecting me or my fellow veterans and active servicemembers. We protect and defend the Constitution and Americans rights to express themselves under the 1st ammendment. This includes their right (as hard as it may be to stomach) to wear, burn, deface or disrespect the flag by kneeling during its presentation or improperly displaying it.
3. If you have allayed your concerns that your neighbor is physically ok, then you need to live and let live. To try to force them to do what YOU want is tyranny at the lowest level. Calling the police to try to get them to force your wishes on your neighbor not only wastes taxpayer money and allocation of personnel resources and time, but can also be viewed as YOU not only trying to force your will upon your neighbor, but getting a authoritarian entity to force your will upon your neighbor. Neither is pretty.
4. WWJD. What would Jesus do? "Love they neighbor." "Do unto others..."

[golfing eagles]

IMHO as a 24 year veteran.
1. I do not agree with flying the flag upside down, although I understand they may be feeling political distress.
2. I do not feel they are disrespecting me or my fellow veterans and active servicemembers. We protect and defend the Constitution and Americans rights to express themselves under the 1st ammendment. This includes their right (as hard as it may be to stomach) to wear, burn, deface or disrespect the flag by kneeling during its presentation or improperly displaying it.
3. If you have allayed your concerns that your neighbor is physically ok, then you need to live and let live. To try to force them to do what YOU want is tyranny at the lowest level. Calling the police to try to get them to force your wishes on your neighbor not only wastes taxpayer money and allocation of personnel resources and time, but can also be viewed as YOU not only trying to force your will upon your neighbor, but getting a authoritarian entity to force your will upon your neighbor. Neither is pretty.
4. WWJD. What would Jesus do? "Love they neighbor." "Do unto others..."

Thank you for your service, but----
Remember, Jesus also got angry and threw the moneychangers out of the temple
I still think N. Korea is a good landing spot after these "moneychangers" get thrown out of our "temple".

[Marine1974]

Call police , don’t confront neighbor.
Let police know you know of homeland security warning of terrorist attacks . You are supposed to report all suspicious
activities. Maybe call homeland security to report to .
Semper Fi very disrespectful

[Marine1974]

Semper fi well said

[Rollie]

I couldn't agree more.

Rollie

[stanley]

Call police , don’t confront neighbor.
Let police know you know of homeland security warning of terrorist attacks . You are supposed to report all suspicious
activities. Maybe call homeland security to report to .
Semper Fi very disrespectful

This is what some people think being an American is all about? My God man...that is wrong in so many ways.

[Daddymac]

A neighbor is flying their US Flag upside down. Should I be concerned they are in distress and act, speak to them and advise that this is against US flag code in case they are unaware, or just consider they are aware and just disresrectful?

Peaceful protest :popcorn::boxing2::boom::

[Bogie Shooter]

I couldn't agree more.

Rollie

With what?

[pattytracey]

It is ok to show country is in distress and it is from a military spouse

[Moderator]

We tried.

Thread closed.

Moderator