Sunday morning, the Washington Post had a photo on the front page with the headline, "Lashing Out at the Capitol". The photo (which I have chosen not to post) shows tens of thousands of protesters with an upside down American Flag.
As I understand it, a flag hanging upside down is a symbol of our Nation in Distress. For generations, soldiers have fought to protect our freedoms... yes, I know it is considered a freedom to hang our Flag in the manner.
Flying the American flag upside down is traditionally considered a sign of distress, as it is with all national flags. The signal is one that was used primarily in past centuries (pre-1900s), on the high seas by military and merchant marine vessels alike. While the U.S. Flag Code does permit flying the flag with the union down, it specifies only "...as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
Our Flag represents all who have shed blood to protect Her.
Where is the line between freedom of speech and disrespect?
Your turn.........
3 comments:
In a way the country is in distress. But not to the point that it should be flown all over. But to use it as a statement in a rally, sure. The flag was not disrespected like burning or throwing it on the ground and stomping on it.
I don't know....I've thought about hanging my flag upside down a time or two....as we seem to be sliding more and more into distress.
and besides. I'd rather that folks voice their speech with Old Glory on her head rather than burning her at the stake....as some have done.
off topic:
please come and play Thesaurus Thursday today!
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