Flying the American Flag upside down - freedom of speech or crossing the line?

2016-08-11T00:45:02-04:00

Response by SN Kevin Neff made Aug 11 at 2016 12:46 AM

2016-08-11T00:46:42-04:00

Isn't that a sign of distress?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 11 at 2016 12:51 AM

2016-08-11T00:51:15-04:00

I would like to know the backstory to this picture. There could be a very legit reason why he's holding the Flag upside down.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Aug 11 at 2016 1:11 AM

2016-08-11T01:11:53-04:00

Freedom of speech.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 7:45 AM

2016-08-11T07:45:22-04:00

At least on or near the border.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 11 at 2016 8:29 AM

2016-08-11T08:29:54-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmG4GUjesig

penn n teller burn flag wmv

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Aug 11 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-08-11T08:52:17-04:00

OK these ediots do it to be disrespectful. I say if they dont like it her, dont let the border gates hit them in the ass on the way out. Now for a question. Anyone remember the prison movie where Robert Redford was a Col in prison and he flew the flag upside down? They talked about the reason thats done in the military and I can not recall why. Anyone know?

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 11 at 2016 9:19 AM

2016-08-11T09:19:54-04:00

Pretty much anything you do with a flag is freedom of speech.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 11 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-08-11T09:21:58-04:00

First amendment applies. We all swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Freedom of expression is pretty overt in it regardless if you like it or not. I think it is great that we live in a country where someone can criticize the government and not be punished for it. The alternative is far more scary.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 11 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-08-11T09:33:23-04:00

I don't mind them flying the flag upside down, its a recognized symbol of distress outlined in the flag code, I do ask them fact based questions and have fun with them though, because a lot of these folks are really just torqued because they missed out on the 60s and cant articulate a solid fact to save their life.
Stomping on the flag or burning it does quite frankly however piss me the fuck off. Mainly because that's what our enemies do to show disdain for our nation, the people it represents and our way of life, and for the life of me, I can't understand why any one would want to behave in a manner that replicates the enemies of our nation.

Response by CPO Mark Lovelace, CSP made Aug 11 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-08-11T09:38:30-04:00

Sadly it is a legitimate exercise of the freedom of speech. I don't like it, but I'm sworn to protect it.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 11 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-08-11T09:59:03-04:00

Unethical Freedom of Speech.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Aug 11 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-08-11T09:59:21-04:00

Flying the flag upside down is a sign of danger. So as the flyer is in danger, I would immediately jump on them, knocking them face down to the ground. I'd then cover him and yell loudly "don't worry, I'm protecting you!." As he scrapes his face freeing himself, I would then ask if we need to call the Army or police?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 11 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-08-11T10:07:09-04:00

Considering the true purpose of flying the flag upside down, I'd call the act of doing it for political purposes "Hyperbole", but I have no doubt its free speech.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-08-11T10:11:18-04:00

There's an easy solution to this. Call the police and tell them the individual is in distress. An upside-down flag is a signal of distress.

That is, if you want to be a patriotic jerk about it like myself...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-08-11T10:24:57-04:00

yeah thats just wrong.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 11 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-08-11T10:39:39-04:00

The Supremes said it's free speech so it doesn't matter what we think in the real world. Although this would never work, I'd propose that any MIL or Government people (including court officers) that take this position should be denied a flag on their coffin so the world can see where they stood. Like most, they want to remain faceless in this and other debates. Oh well, I have to finish this coffee and wake up from this dream.....

Response by SGT Thomas Fisher made Aug 11 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-08-11T11:13:46-04:00

I've stopped giving a damn. I worry about MY flag on MY pole outside MY house and let karma deal with others. I'd swear all they want is to get a rise out of people in an attempt to instigate a possible fight. You have to pick your battles any more.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Aug 11 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-08-11T11:17:14-04:00

Doing anything with a US flag as one's own property is completey protected within the freedom of speech amendment.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Aug 11 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-08-11T11:21:29-04:00

Freedom to act like a dumb a$$.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-08-11T12:13:30-04:00

Free speech.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Aug 11 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-08-11T12:16:50-04:00

Disrespectful.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-08-11T12:33:24-04:00

If we can burn her under freedom of speech then flying her upside down must fall under the same issue. They're both over the line, but flying upside down does not deserve as ass beating, just a stupid stare.

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Aug 11 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-08-11T12:49:55-04:00

Freedom of speech

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 11 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-08-11T12:56:35-04:00

Its both. Its protected, and offensive. Imagine that. Isn't it great to live in a country where you can do this and still be protected from censorship?

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Aug 11 at 2016 1:53 PM

2016-08-11T13:53:59-04:00

Freedom of speech.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-08-11T14:21:28-04:00

It doesn't bother me at all. Because when people say veterans fought for that flag, or gave life or limb for that flag, hopefully what they really mean is that they made those sacrifices for the principles that our country was founded on, and not a flag. So when I see someone doing that, I. See a citizen exercising their right to protest and let the government know that they do not believe the government acting in a manner consistent with our constitution.

Ironically, many of the same people who state they are so upset about this are also part of groups that say they will fight with armed resistance if any government force tries to confiscate their guns. So these "patriots" openly say they would be willing to shoot at and kill US soldiers or police who they believe would be carrying out an illegal policy. So if they are willing to kill other Americans(who may be wearing a US flag on their uniforms) when they think the government is doing something wrong, why are they get so upset when other citizens simply burn a flag to express their displeasure with the government? I'll side with those exercising free speech burning a flag over those promoting killing military and LEOs any day.

So frankly, I think much of this outrage is misplaced. If free speech excludes a flag, what about other symbols of our country? Eagles? The Seal of the US? What about photos of the president and CinC? It's an easy slope to slide down when symbols become off limits.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 2:25 PM

2016-08-11T14:25:30-04:00

While flying it upside down is a sign of distress, the people flying it upside down have different intentions... So next time you see someone doing it, tell them to take a knee, drink water and pop some Motrin ;)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-08-11T15:11:03-04:00

Quick, send in the medics! He is saying he is in distress! A quick defibrillation ought to do the trick...

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 11 at 2016 4:20 PM

2016-08-11T16:20:30-04:00

Freedom of speech issue. It means something specific and protesters would get their point across quickly without resorting to burning it, standing on it and other dishonoring behavior.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Aug 11 at 2016 4:42 PM

2016-08-11T16:42:42-04:00

Freedom of speech, but I still want to throat punch the person doing it.

Response by LT Don Van Gilder made Aug 11 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-08-11T17:00:26-04:00

It is a internationally accepted signal of immediate distress.

There is no law against doing so, but in my humble opinion, I find it ridiculous that people use the practice to make a political point.

Response by GySgt Carl Rumbolo made Aug 11 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-08-11T17:25:25-04:00

Why is this even a question, it's long settled law that it is a 1st amendment freedom of speech issue. You may be 'offended' you may be 'outraged' you may be 'Pissed Off" - fine, you have a right to those feelings, but the person using the flag as a symbol of protest has the right to do that.

It continues to amaze me that folks here, who took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies don't even know what the Constitution means.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 11 at 2016 6:47 PM

2016-08-11T18:47:51-04:00

Yes, Freedom of Speech but it just Pisses Me Off. Someone just throwing a Childish Hissy Fit because Politically they are not getting everything they want.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-08-11T19:24:15-04:00

They are in distress!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 8:51 PM

2016-08-11T20:51:34-04:00

The same people who find that this is an act of treason, poor morals, and an affront to their ideology and the American way of life are often the first to like a post on Facebook of someone pouring pigs blood on a Quran and defending their right to do so. It is Freedom of Speech and it is a protected right that military personnel are sworn to protect. You don't have to like it, but you also have to accept it. You also have the right to non-violently protest against someone doing it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2016 8:56 PM

2016-08-11T20:56:06-04:00

flying the flag upside down and now this is a question of freedom of speech or crossing the line when there are so many out there burning, stomping and shitting on the flag really??????

Response by SrA Sheri Wooldridge made Aug 11 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-08-11T22:38:58-04:00

It used to piss me off badly to see a Flag upside down. But now I get it. We're a Nation in distress.

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Aug 11 at 2016 11:14 PM

2016-08-11T23:14:17-04:00

Well, obviously he's in distress. That's the only reason to fly a flag upside down. We should run up to him to help. Maybe it's a mental health issue...

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Aug 12 at 2016 6:29 AM

2016-08-12T06:29:32-04:00

If Hillary were occupying the WH some may consider the nation is in dire distress and it is their right to fly the flag as they wish. You don't have to like it but isn't that why we serve or have served our nation.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Aug 12 at 2016 7:52 AM

2016-08-12T07:52:16-04:00

Freedom of Speech. Displaying the flag upside down is a signal of distress, it is not disrespect to the flag itself. I would much rather see this symbol of a government in distress, than the disrespect of burning or otherwise defacing, or disrespecting the flag by having people walking on it.

Response by PO2 Mary Jenkins made Aug 12 at 2016 9:44 PM

2016-08-12T21:44:55-04:00

Just be grateful he didn't burn the flag instead.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-08-12T22:16:29-04:00

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 12 at 2016 10:56 PM

2016-08-12T22:56:13-04:00

Freedom of speech.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2016 12:23 AM

2016-08-13T00:23:00-04:00

Freedom of speech, plain and simple.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 15 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-08-15T15:19:35-04:00

Freedom of Speech, that needs to be defended because in the US we can still fly the flag any which way we want.

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Aug 19 at 2016 9:30 AM

2016-08-19T09:30:34-04:00

Unacceptable, yep. However it is covered under free speech like flag burning; despite current statues.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 14 at 2016 6:49 PM

2016-09-14T18:49:05-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Being an idiot - send him over to live with ISIS! See how long he can fly period!

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Sep 14 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-09-14T21:08:17-04:00

They have their point of view and I have mine. Stomp on my flag and I will stomp your ass. Period.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 14 at 2016 9:48 PM

2016-09-14T21:48:07-04:00

ENS Private RallyPoint Member There are rules for how the flag is utilized- I don't see "exercising the freedom of speech" in any of the guidelines

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 15 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-09-15T15:19:02-04:00

It is crossing the line.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Sep 23 at 2016 2:14 PM

2016-09-23T14:14:17-04:00

It is a freedom of speech, but we also have the freedom to call them idiots like many people are doing to Quarterback Colin Kaepernick from the 49ers.

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Sep 27 at 2016 11:40 PM

2016-09-27T23:40:38-04:00

An upside-down flag is a sign of distress for ships at sea - it is disrespectful to fly the flag in any manner other than the proper way. too many of our brothers and sisters have lain under that flag for people to feel that it is their right to mistreat it. And, if it is their right to disrespect the American flag then it is my right to correct the situation in any manner necessary!

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made Sep 30 at 2016 8:45 PM

2016-09-30T20:45:10-04:00

Crossing the line.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2016 5:29 PM

2016-10-08T17:29:24-04:00

I agree, SGM Harvey Boone definitely too far.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Oct 9 at 2016 2:22 PM

2016-10-09T14:22:56-04:00

Freedom of Speech.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 9 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-10-09T16:37:10-04:00

unfortunately.... freedom of speech. on the lighter side, the Supremes have decided that performance art is a freedom of speech issue as well... so if a Martial Artist performed on the dirtbag, which side would the court come down on?

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 1:12 PM

2016-10-10T13:12:02-04:00

Both. While it is completely legal and within every citizens' given rights to do so, in this kid's mind it is crossing the line. That's just my $.02.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2018 10:04 AM

2018-04-06T10:04:12-04:00

Only acceptable if they can prove time of distress.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 6 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-04-06T10:06:44-04:00

It is a Naval sign of distress, which I think is wrong to display. After all is the country sinking?, This is just someone's opinion, and opinions are not facts- a sign protesting something would be more appropriate than this sign, which few folks would recognize anyway

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2018 8:58 AM

2018-06-23T08:58:38-04:00

Upside Down mean that we are under distress.
http://www.usaflagsupply.com/upside-down-flag

Upside Down Flag

There is proper protocol for displaying the American flag upside-down. The flag should only be displayed upside down as a signal of dire distress.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Jan 12 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-01-12T13:40:04-05:00

I was always taught that you fly the United States flag upside down ONLY to signal DISTRESS, otherwise I find it disrespectful!!! In my humble opinion

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 29 at 2019 12:57 PM

2019-07-29T12:57:43-04:00

Flying the flag upside down indicates a nation in distress. I believe that is quite fitting during this time. However since we have free speech, you are free to disagree.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 11 at 2019 10:46 AM

2019-08-11T10:46:52-04:00

I honestly don't even know what to begin to say to that, other than just simply a new low....

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Dec 30 at 2022 12:17 PM

2022-12-30T12:17:43-05:00

It originally was a "distress" signal. Now displaying a flag or cross upside down may be a deliberate intent or act to cause a hostile environment to. If you feel hostility every time you see this display, "they" win. Remember, these are just symbols. It will never change what you truly believe and know in your heart.