Freedom of Speech or just plain disrespect for our flag?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.