This morning I drove past a house where the flag was flying upside down. While I assume that this is in protest against the war, I did a little research on the reason, if any, for flying the flag upside down under correct flag etiquette.
"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."
Now, having read this, I presume that this could be done for a number of reasons, and it is not clear, on the face of it, whether this is done as a protest against the actions of our nation, or in support of them. I guess this would largely depend on the age of the person occupying the house, and how old they were during WWII. But I could be way off base.
It is worthwhile, however, looking at the variety of web sites out there about flying the flag upside down, and the reasons given for it. Most of them are astonishingly shallow and narrow-minded, but a number of them are well thought out. I'll leave it ambiguous which ones I think are which, and likewise will leave my opinions on our military action ambiguous.
God bless our men and women at the front, and God bless America.
I've igree with you. In our country we will start to use as a symbol of protest against the dictatorial regime of Hugo CHAVEZ. You will see on July 24th
Good blees VENZUELA too !!!
God bless the WORLD because he made it. and if youre singling out our troops and our country, I guess you dont care much about INNOCENT CIVILIANS, I guess God shouldnt care about them huh. Besides that, i agree with what you said. Although I keep a small American Flag hung upside down in my bedroom and will continue to do so until this country finally lives up to what the Constitution and Bill of Rights are there for. This country needs to realize this first wave of Fascsim, which has been mild for the past century,is coming in full force now with this administration. People are so used to our govt. literally committing fraud with our monetary system that they dont even consider it as such. there is just too many things to post about it. And please, dont confuse patriotism with nationalism.
I believe in peace and self government not a police state. Don't think we live in a police state? Read the USA PATRIOT ACT
I think anyone who flies the flag upside down and then preaches abouth the freedoms they themselves are exercises are not quite right in their mindset. You canfly your flag upside down and complain, the thing you have forgotten is it is the men and women who are willing to fight that gave you that right.
I had never even thought about flying a flag upside down but if you don't see that our country is indeed in distress then you are walking around with blinders on. I served honorably in the military for six years and always thought that I had a right to question my government when I didn't agree with what they were doing, and until the Bush administration took office I was allowed to do this, but now anytime I question what they are doing I'm called unpatriotic...... Unpatriotic I couldn't believe it the first time someone said that to me and when I reminded them that most of Bush's administration dodged the service or flat out deserted they just accuse me of being a liberal nut job. I have to ask myself why the hell did I serve this country that I'm supposed to have all these rights if I can't exercise these rights without being called names? I will be flying my flag upside down until changes are made in the country that I love and served and God help the person that calls me unpatriotic again!!
I am a 22 year old mother from Northern Ky. I, as well, will be flying my flag upside down. This country IS in distress and anyone who thinks different is evil, blind or naive. This is a time for uniting and I will be the first to join my fellows for a brighter and safer UNITED STATES!!!! Those who fight, unite!
I didn't know about this until a friend told me, but now I am wondering if I shouldn't be selling t-shirts with upside down flags? I won't add any more to what has been said, aside from saying that I agree very strongly that we are in distress and this symbolism sends a very strong signal to those who are mostly in denial about the deteriorating situation. On the other hand, I wonder how many people would feel some level of fear by displaying the flag upside down because of those fanatics who would confront you openly about it, perhaps thinking you were just trying to be disrespectful>
I am a college student in upstate NY and my roommate and I have hung our flag upside down in our window. It has caused quite a ruckus, especially amongst older, conservative faculty members. I've been asked twice to remove it or consider changing its orientation. People don't understand what it means, but also don't ask us about it. They make the wrong assumption: that we are radical liberals and anti-american. Nothing could be further from the truth. My roommate and I decided against taking it down because we believe that this country is in a state of national distress and the fact that we have been asked to silence ourselves just supports our point even more. We believe it is our patriotic duty to voice our opinion in the clearest way possible. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism(-Thomas Jefferson)
while i am quite alarmed at the pace of the inreasing constraint on all citizens by the government, i am equally alarmed at the frequent statement by persons weighing in that the constitution grants rights or even more strange that the current soldiers are fighting to further our constitutional rights...the case simply cannot be made for that.
please think about this...the constitution does not GRANT you rights...it ENUMERATES your natural or god given rights.
they are yours with or without a constitution. the bush administration has made it a core element of their business plan to wipe their ass with the constitution and not nearly enough people are alarmed.
my flag is hung upside down.
Mike, I'd go a little farther than that. It enumerates *some* of our rights. And it is *NOT* a foregone conclusion, as the government seems to assume, that if it's not listed there, it's not a right that we have.
I don't fly a flag, upside down or otherwise. I increasingly consider myself a citizen of the world, rather than of the US, and I find blind nationalism more than a little frightening.
I moved to the US about 20 years ago from Germany to live the American dream of freedom and opportunity.
Now - 20 years later I am ashamed to be a citizen of the US.
Upside down sounds good to me - let's all do it - everywhere!
Fred, that's more than a little perplexing. If you're ashamed to be a citizen, then flying the flag at all would be silly. Flying the flag upside-down should be done as an expression of pride in the nation, but alarm with the situation that we are in. Contrary to some attitudes that people have, it's an expression of support for the nation, but stating that we need to extricate ourselves from a crisis. Of course, this is why the leaders of this nation *never* instruct us to fly our flags that way, since doing so would admit that we are in a situation that they're at a loss to handle.
Patriotic vets should ALWAYS "question authority." I not only fly my flag upside down, but also at half mast mourning the death of Republican, Christian honesty. How can anyone respect a lying, anti-American Republican President and his Judeo-Christian white house Death Squad that are responsible for multiple thousands of deaths and disfigured human beings?
I have never flown a flag before but upon learning about the upside down flag and it's meaning about a year ago have been giving it constant thought. I think in the coming days I will be doing this on my website as well as other places.
I had been questioning whether to fly my flag upside down or not for about 3 months. Upon doing some research I have come to the conclusion that it is totaly the correct way to protest the "war" in Iraq, and the deplorable government, and "president" we now have. Being a Vet myself, i want our men and women home. I hope that eventually all our citizens come to their collective senses, and oust that pig in The White House. Thanks for the needed boost to fly it proudly upside down.
Thank you for having this site. Our Politicians
have sold this country out of greed. This started in 1832 at Yale. This movement is beyond
being out of control. They have even sold our drinking water!
Vietnam vet
i agree this country is in bad shape and i do not believe everything our president does is right.however, the flag being flown upside down is very negative ,the last thing we need is more people being negative,......we know we have some problems,rather than broadcast them with our nations banner....lets find ways to fix the PROBLEMS....NOT PUT A BAND-AID ON THEM BY PLACING BLAME . I AM 25 AND I LOVE THIS COUNTRY,
IF YOU THINK ITS BAD HERE TRY LIVING IN A MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY WHERE THERE ARE RIOTS, WAR, HUNGER, .........
I LOVE MY FREEDOM!!!!!!!
While I'm reluctant to start this conversation up again, I'm also reluctant to let pass such a disturbing remark. "The last thing we need is more people being negative." What an absurd remark. If we never speak out against the problems, then how do you propose we would ever fix them? By pretending that they don't exist? No, placing blame is seldom helpful, but finding the cause of problems, and addressing those causes, is the only way to make these problems cease.
The "if you don't like it here, go somewhere else" argument has been stupid for generations, and it's stupid now. I love my country, too, which means that it breaks my heart to see the mess we've gotten ourselves into, and desire only to see better days for my daughter. If you truly loved your freedom, you wouldn't be content to sit by while it was eroded by an administration that has proved itself completely untrustworthy, spreading paranoia as an excuse for the stripping away of those freedoms you claim to love.
I find it fascinating that the United States codified the manner in which we treat our national ensign; it was as if Congress implied, "We don't know how to treat sacred objects anymore. So, here's the rules." It's also interesting that, although part of the United States Code, violating the law is not actually criminalized --- i.e., the Code provides no penalty for violation.
In this particular instance, the flying of the flag upside-down has a very particular meaning: "dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property" (US Code IV.1.8). It derives from the practice of flying the ensign thus while at sea. It is only used in extremis.
So, would you run up to a residence flying their flag in this way and ask how you can assist? Or would you assume that they are just making a statement about their depression over current national affairs? If the latter, then it is no longer a symbol of immediate distress, and the real argument against its being flown in this manner is proved.
When Fox News has ALERTs every 12 minutes, I think the notion of immediate distress is lost on folks. When you have a 12-minute attention span, everything is either urgent or old news.
I've been reading over some of the comments made on this page, and some of them are really quite absurd. My personal favorite so far, however, is the one that claims that "God bless our men and women at the front, and God bless America." means that civilians don't count. As though, somehow, if I don't enumerate every class and categorization of person, I'm explicitly wishing them ill. Not that had anything to do with the topic under discussion, but it struck me as amusing.
I think you are all crazy and should be ashamed of yourself..especially the german immigrant that said he is ashamed to be a U.S citizen! dont like it here, go back to Germany, you wont be missed I'm sure. And most of the posts of I have seen are very extreme, like chickens running around with your heads cut off..The sky is not falling chicken little, We are at war..I have not noticed any difference in my life since Bush took office..But I know you are all thinking, I do not think you are Anti-American because of the views you hold..Maybe just a little too Alarmist
Kurt, if you haven't noticed any difference since Bush took office, you're either extremely unobservent, extremely young, extremely unaware of history, or some combination of those things. September 11, 2001, was a fundamental turning point in the policies of the USA, and, as you may recall, that happened during Mr. Bush's presidency. And I have noticed very significant changes in life since that time.
whelI wanted to know wwhen is the flaghung upside-down becausea homework.
is interesting youre political topic butits not for me so
BYE!!!!!!!
see you later aligator.
alsow youre topic is to know thanks for all but insted of talking imust be serching bye
*****MUST READ*****
First of all, you can tell that DrBacchus is the postmaster of this site because it is so "one-sided". Second, for those thinking that we're (United States of America) a nation in distress, you have got to be kidding me! We are still the most powerful nation on this planet. Yes, the gov't may exercise their power too much at times....but be thankful we're not living in a 3rd world country, which makes up 90% of the world population where their biggest concern is where their next meal is coming from, not what they should wear to work that day. Your biggest concern is to show people how much you disapprove of the AMERICAN government. Finally, if it weren’t for people like me serving OUR country that gave you the right to post your comments on this site, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
I'm not saying "go back to your country of origin" or calling anyone "unpatriotic".....Harvey , I'm just saying be thankful for what you have right now.
WOW, I just don't know where to begin. I have rallied, staged
"sit-ins", you name it. When I believed that OUR country was in need of change, I did something about it. Have ANY of you? It is very easy to play "arm-chair government", but do any of you actually know what your talking about? To DRBACCHUS, 911 did not happen because of the Bush Administration! The man just took office! It happened because of the Clinton Admin. At least if you are going to quote the many things that have gone wrong with this admin. ( as well as EVERY other admin.), be correct in your information. I am going to imagine that ALL of you get up every day, (including our ashamed German citizen, who could not live in his own country as he is living here), choose your clothes(that YOU were able to buy), sit at your tables in your homes (that YOU were able to choose and buy), and eat a meal, (that YOU were able to choose and purchase in WHAT EVER amount YOU wanted), get into a car that YOU chose and purchased), and then go to a job (that YOU were able to choose) and earn money equivalent to YOUR choice of profession, only to go home and do WHAT EVER it is that YOU would like to do. Even for those who are "down on their luck" this county has provided help for you. Because we live in a FREE COUNTRY! Wake up people. Do any of you know what it is like in any other country. No place is perfect, but this is the BEST country in this world. Instead of witching about it on a website, join the political world and do something about it. You are ALL blessed in this country! Why do you think EVERYONE, (including our German(friend?)comes to live here? It is still the land of opportunity and the home of the free. If you are going to hang a flag, hang it the way men and women have fought for the right to do so for hundreds of years! You should all be very ashamed of yourselves. Are your lives that empty or miserable that you have nothing else to do but look for the problems in this world? There are thousands of children dying everyday that could use your help, and thousands more who need help from positive adults. Volunteer your time for something useful! Turn your flags around and get down on your knees and thank whatever G-d you believe in that you were born in a country that people fought for your freedom before you were even born. May all of you be blessed and continue to enjoy your freedom, including the RIGHT to even write your lame views on a website!
Pamela,
You don't know anything about me. Your assumptions about me are without basis, and false, and downright insulting.
I did not claim that Bush was responsible for 911, since that would be clearly false and foolish. I don't even claim that the government is responsible for it, no matter how many administrations you want to go back. We're all responsible, by the choices we've made as a nation in the years since WWI, and, of course, before that, too.
But for you to rant at me, personally, and assert that I am inactive in local and national government, and that I don't know anything about how things are in other countries, is absurd, and merely demonstrates that you didn't read what I wrote, and that you don't know me.
It's fabulous that you're a perfect citizen and participate in the system, lead demonstrations, and write eloquent letters to your congress critters, the president, and the emperor of Japan. Good for you. But don't presume to claim that I don't.
If you would, for a moment, read what I said, rather than whatever it is that you're trying to react against, you'll see that I don't fly the flag upside down, and, as it happens, I spend a great deal of time on my knees. I am not the enemy that you're vilifying. I love my nation. I love my world more. But I am grateful on a daily basis that I was born a US citizen. (As it happens, I was *not* born in this nation, but that's neither here nor there, is it?)
You, too, have the right to write your lame views on my website. That's not a God-given right. It's one that I extend to you, because, after all, it's my website, and I chose to publish your bile rather than deleting it. My views are no less lame than yours, I accept that, but yours are profoundly uninformed. Perhaps if you'd get to know me, you'd have a bit more perspective about what I'm reacting to in my initial posting. Clearly this is something that many of us feel passionately about, and for you to dismiss my concerns as shallow, and dismiss me as uninvolved in anything other than posting rants on websites, merely illustrates just how little you know me.
"God Bless Our Troops" what a shallow epitaph for a war of folly! What if God does not exist, will our troops all die? To place a religous token on a war of flesh and blood is a blasphemy and even more so if you believe in Jesus and His father God! We are called to be peace makers not war mongers like America! Our country is in deep distress and it is plagued by rampant corruption in the Penatagon with no bid contracts and wasted trillions of dollars on war! If you do not fly that blood soaked flag upside down then burn it!
In the very near future cfcoklahoma.org will be flying the American flag upside down. This is not to be disrespectful to the flag or to those who serve in the armed forces, or to anyone who lost a loved one while serving this country.
There is a huge difference between "Love of Country" and Love of Government."
We can all sit here and voice our opinions , but really us babbeling on here gets us no where! The whole world is in distress weather we admit it or not ,Im for a world of peace and us killing eachother will never allow that to happen ! Any questions ?
I am very disturbed by all of this . It seems to me that the more people in the world , the bigger the mess gets. I know that sounds awful, but I really don't believe we will ever learn to get along as a species. I have supported pres. bush on some things and disagreed with him on others, but after 911 i will not question his intentions. I think he did what he felt would protect this nation the most , and so far so good , no more attacks. I never again would like to see people jumping from buildings to escape a burning death.That day will live with me forever. I would love it if the whole world was at peace, but it will never be, because of mankind. I'm not gonna blame any one person for the shape of the world or our nation. I think we all share a little bit of the responsibility. I believe that there are things worth fighting for and my homeland is one of them. I love this country, even though I struggle from day to day sometimes to make ends meet, i still know I'm better off that most in this world. I know there are things that this country does sometimes that we need answers for , and sometimes it does merit protest, but I dont think someone like say Daniel Pearl (if he were not brutally murdered by beheading), would argue that we are the best nation in the world to live in. God Bless this nation and I will not ever fly the american flag any way but the way it was intended. Just my choice, I'm no better or worse for it , its just the way I feel in my heart. God bless you all.
I am 23 and serving in the USAF.
I was looking at the idea of hanging a flag upside down after seeing this movie called in the valley of elah, a Vietnam vet who lost 2 of his sons who also served in the military, fighting the war in iraq (stars Tommy lee Jones) But he later raises an upside down flag towards the end of the movie. I sympathize with his decision because i too lost a close family member in the war. My little brother who has died serving his country no longer than a year ago. our distress is more of a "help us heal in our time of lost..." So raising the upside down flag doesn't always have to mean our nations in distress but can also mean the loss of a life.THE FLAG CODE Title 36, U.S.C., Chapter 10 and the material is very broad for interpretation. but that is my reasons for the upside down flag, not to signal the nations distress but i do agree the nation is in need of change. Well im not really great expressing my opinions with these kinds of matter but i just wanted to let everyone know the reason why my flag is upside down and its solely because my family has suffered a tremendous lost not because of government reasons...
Very interesting comments all. I came to the internet, looking to verify what was the official proper reason for hanging a flag upside down.
I have one comment for all of you to think about. Hanging your flag upside down is a very easy thing to do. You just put it there once and it stays there. Many of you are very passionate in our viewpoints. I'd just like to jangle you all to thinking.... Is there MORE that you can DO ?
I wasn't really getting into this discussion at all, but I thought I would put in that point. Perhaps some will be thinking.
Now, let me tell you the really weird thing I found myself doing this morning...I've been taking walks in a local cemetery as a place of solace and for fitness lately. But it's been really bugging me that so many of the Veteran's flags have been hanging half off the poles, from the wind. They're only attached by 3 cheap staples, and the top one tends to give way first. So today, I brought a needle, thread, and scissors, and spent over an hour, sewing every loose flag back onto its pole!
I don't know if these Vets could see what I did, or if their family will even notice if/when they visit. But I thought it was something worthwhile to do. An act of respect for them mostly, and for my country.
(And yeah, I looked pretty weird!)
Oh, and I wasn't implying that this thing I did was that "more that you could do" thing or even anything important at all. I want to make that clear.
rbowen, Pamela was not spewing "bile" all aimed at you. She opined that you are blaming the wrong President for 9-11, that's it! And she is right. She is also right in everything else she said - I'm amazed that she appears to be the only level-headed person on here who sees that President Bush was not at fault on this. BTW, all those who have been Bush-bashing on here, just a couple of questions: How's that hopey/changey thing workin' out for ya? You like these massively high gas prices? President Bush left us with very low prices. You like that obama can pull the internet plug on a whim? You like that he answers to absolutely NO ONE and does whatever he pleases no matter what Congress wants or votes on? Yeh, President Bush was soooooooo bad, wasn't he?
Oh, and one more thing: The current White House resident has managed regime change of ONLY the leaders of country's we were allied with and left in power the leaders of country's who want to destroy the U.S. Yep, it's that "hope and change" thing again....careful how you vote this time, ok?
Ibrahem, I repeat what I said before:
"I did not claim that Bush was responsible for 911, since that would be clearly false and foolish. I don't even claim that the government is responsible for it, no matter how many administrations you want to go back. We're all responsible, by the choices we've made as a nation in the years since WWI, and, of course, before that, too."
I hardly think that quoting Sarah Palin, of all people, at me, proves anything at all. Your statements about Obama are verifiably false, as I'm sure you know. Obama-bashing isn't any more supportable than Bush-bashing. The president is one cog in a larger mechanism. Most of the parts of that mechanism are corrupt. Blaming it on one person, one on one party, is absurd, reductionist, and self-deceit. Blaming it on a slogan is, itself, a slogan. What we need is actual cooperation and compromise, and less of this idiotic divisive blaming of "the other guy."