Posted on Feb 14, 2016
Do you find it offensive when individuals fly the American flag upside down in political protest?
25.5K
562
141
20
20
0
Posted in these groups: 
Customs and Courtesies
Customs and Courtesies
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 71
1
1
0
Nah -- I've got plenty of more urgent problems than getting my big-boy panties all in a twist because somebody can't think of any better way to tell folks that we've got trouble right here in River City... Trouble, trouble, trouble, with a capital T...
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Yes, it is offensive and, for me, puts those who misuse this symbolic "state of distress" signal, for their own self-interest, into the same bin as we see exhibited by violent opposition to the US that we see on TV burning the flag. The funniest one of those I saw was the guy in center of the group who scorched his own ass trying to light the flag on fire. There is a God and he is a grunt.
When I returned to college after earning a CIB, I was walking out of a library at lunchtime and saw a younger couple spreading an American Flag to use as a picnic blanket for their lunch break. They were seated on it when I approached. I asked them to get up for a moment, and they did. I retrieved the flag and stuffed it under my arm. I brought it to campus security and said it was being misused on the lawn in front of the library, and walked out.
I do not know what came over me. I did not think I had that in me. But I could not stand the thought of these kids putting their asses on that flag.
All that said, I believe in the First Amendment and would fight for your right to say whatever you want to say.
While at Presidio of San Francisco, 6thArmy HQ, in 1969, the Summer of Love, 13 MPs were hospitalized with acid burns received from the acid thrown by one or some of the "peace marchers" trying to trespass on Federal Property.
I believe the people had a right to march in protest of the war, but they should be prosecuted for assault, battery and attempted murder for throwing the acid. It melted off their Class A uniforms and web belts right down to their boot tops. It was the only time I felt sorry for an MP.
We may have bad times, but never bad taste.
When I returned to college after earning a CIB, I was walking out of a library at lunchtime and saw a younger couple spreading an American Flag to use as a picnic blanket for their lunch break. They were seated on it when I approached. I asked them to get up for a moment, and they did. I retrieved the flag and stuffed it under my arm. I brought it to campus security and said it was being misused on the lawn in front of the library, and walked out.
I do not know what came over me. I did not think I had that in me. But I could not stand the thought of these kids putting their asses on that flag.
All that said, I believe in the First Amendment and would fight for your right to say whatever you want to say.
While at Presidio of San Francisco, 6thArmy HQ, in 1969, the Summer of Love, 13 MPs were hospitalized with acid burns received from the acid thrown by one or some of the "peace marchers" trying to trespass on Federal Property.
I believe the people had a right to march in protest of the war, but they should be prosecuted for assault, battery and attempted murder for throwing the acid. It melted off their Class A uniforms and web belts right down to their boot tops. It was the only time I felt sorry for an MP.
We may have bad times, but never bad taste.
(1)
(0)
SFC Jim Mergott
You know what Rob I truly believe that the 1960s early 70s was a more turbulent time in our countries history. I'm a big history buff. I don't think a lot of people my age ( I'm in my 40s) and of course the younger peeps realize this.
(1)
(0)
SPC Rob Robinson
Certainly it was turbulent, but we were new at getting caught up in turbulence. The turbulence-causing folks today seem to be far more removed from any codes that might make their actions at least seem civilized. Of course, it is hard to trump throwing acid on MPs. So, I'll make no judgements.
There's little I can do. I was complaining about this to a friend who J. Edgar picked from his ranks to go to Vietnam in the early 60s to set up intelligence networks that would run against the VC. The fight was so much less military then. He brought his wife with him on his first tour. Once Westmoreland turn the spigot on full force, he left.
He imparted this wisdom to me: We are just a couple of has-beens sitting on the curb, looking down at the cigarette butts and the confetti. That noise fading in the distance is the parade. We had our shot. Now it's theirs.
At first that was hard to swallow, but with time I've grown to accept it and I can relax some. There really is little I can do. I pray more.
There's little I can do. I was complaining about this to a friend who J. Edgar picked from his ranks to go to Vietnam in the early 60s to set up intelligence networks that would run against the VC. The fight was so much less military then. He brought his wife with him on his first tour. Once Westmoreland turn the spigot on full force, he left.
He imparted this wisdom to me: We are just a couple of has-beens sitting on the curb, looking down at the cigarette butts and the confetti. That noise fading in the distance is the parade. We had our shot. Now it's theirs.
At first that was hard to swallow, but with time I've grown to accept it and I can relax some. There really is little I can do. I pray more.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Folks can find all manner of ways to protest. I agree this is much better than burning or defacing the flag in other ways. End of the day we all served to protect everyone's right to protest whether you or I agree with their views. As one of my Drill Sgt. basic once stated "The misinformed and ignorant shall remain so until they decide to remove their head from their 4th point of contact"
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I do find flying the flag upside down very offensive. Protest or not, there should be limits on what the freedom of speech entails when it comes to dishonoring our national flag. If anyone doesn't like America and brings dishonor to our flag, there are many countries available for them to go to and become citizens there. Just my thoughts on the question. This is a good question, especially for all veterans, active duty, reserve etc..... God bless.
(1)
(0)
PO3 John Doh
18 U.S. Code § 700 - Desecration of the flag of the United States; penalties
For information regarding constitutionality of this section as amended by Pub. L. 101–131, see Congressional Research Service, The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation, Appendix 1, Acts of Congress Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court of the United States.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Not really, it's up to them, they are Americans too. I can always turn around and find an Irish Pub the other direction. My kids know what the flag means and respect it, that's my role...if others feel the need to protest then that's up to them, I have to respect their rights as much as I was them to respect mine.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
Yes, I do find it offensive, but that is the point. Offending is a cheap and easy way to draw attention for a cause.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
It is my understanding that the American Flag when flown upside down is a sign of distress. If the people that are flying the flag upside down are not in distress, then I consider it to be disrespectful. It doesn't matter their political view, they are disrespecting the flag. IMHO!
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google