Freedom of Speech or just plain disrespect for our flag?

2014-07-14T11:00:45-04:00

So, I was driving into work this morning and was following this guy. On the back of his truck with an upside down flag. From my understanding is you are only supposed to display it this way when the country is in distress. I blocked out the license plates on this picture. Would like to hear everyone's thoughts.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 11:05 AM

2014-07-14T11:05:33-04:00

Terd. But then again he may be having some serious issues, could be a vet, hard to tell from just this. But most people do it are terds.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-07-14T11:11:20-04:00

We don't know anything other than the flag is upside down. He may believe that the current state of our country is in distress and we need to do something about it and is making a statement or if its a magnet someone could have flipped it upside down as a joke.

At least he is displaying the flag with so much controversy on when, where and how we can fly it these days. It seems there are a lot of news stories of people/places getting in trouble because they displayed the American flag and it offended someone.

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Jul 14 at 2014 11:54 AM

2014-07-14T11:54:43-04:00

The answer could be both.
I actually have a thread regarding the proper display of flags. The blatant disregard for the proper display is, in part, what led me to make a job change.

While the distress mentioned in the flag code is referring to immediate danger to life and property and not as a political statement or based on an individuals opinion on current events, how can we possibly say anything when people are allowed to burn the flag as a protected 1st Amendment freedom of speech.

I absolutely detest when people improperly display they flag, although most do it out of ignorance rather than intentional spite.
But I/we fought to defend all freedoms in this nation, and that includes others ability to fly the flag in an improper manner. It pains me to say that, but it is true.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 1:06 PM

2014-07-14T13:06:07-04:00

I wouldn't read into it. Most "civilians" don't even know the rules of the proper display of the flag. I used to get hot as hell about simple customs and courtesies about the display of the flag. I now just remind them if I am able to what they are.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 14 at 2014 2:10 PM

2014-07-14T14:10:35-04:00

This is just a political statement by the owner of the vehicle. What I find worse are the people that have a flag all worn down from being stuck out their window at 70 mph for 500 miles.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-07-14T14:30:31-04:00

Well, that unfortunately is protected under 1st amendment. He could be an imitator wearing stolen valor uniform along with it and still be justified! Welcome to the United States of free speech, my friend!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 2:30 PM

2014-07-14T14:30:55-04:00

If I remember correctly you can also display it in that manner if you yourself are under duress, gate guards are to look for such displays to ensure no one is entering the installation illegally/hostage situation, etc...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 5:19 PM

2014-07-14T17:19:10-04:00

There isn't enough information to determine the reason for the distressed flag. If his reason fits within the confines of §176. (a) "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," who interprets his definition of danger to life or property. Is his life in imminent danger or is his quality of life in danger. Or is he about to lose his property due to legislative overreach?

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 15 at 2014 9:28 PM

2014-07-15T21:28:03-04:00

I could be mistaken but I believe that displaying the flag upside down is meant to be a sign of personal distress rather than national. I share your apparent dislike of the action here, but I believe the individual was making a political statement and thus is protected to an extent.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 2 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-08-02T14:04:16-04:00

I just proposed a similar question in how this should be handled as a food vendor at a Cubs game in Chicago was holding a small flag upside down and was booing during the national anthem and then went as far as tearing it in half and then stomped on it. At that point I lost it and got in to it with him. I was embarrassed at how I lost my temper as I was with my wife and daughter, but if it wasn't for other people stepping in I might have choked him out. Fortunately I was not kicked out as every one stated that the vendor started it.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Dec 30 at 2022 12:08 PM

2022-12-30T12:08:40-05:00

JESUS is to faith as the Constitution is to free speech. The cross, to many, is a symbol of faith. The "flag" is a symbol of our "rights" as U.S. citizens. Whether a cross or flag is upside down, it still represents its original intent.