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Man Banned from Flying Flag Upside Down, Gets Death Threat

progressive.org — Meet Dale Decker. He lives in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. On June 25, he decided to fly the American flag upside down on the patio of his apartment. Decker is upset about the Iraq War and upset about the loss of civil liberties in the United States. He was then intimidated by the police, threatened by the landlord and got death threats from strangers.

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  • fajitamelt, on 07/06/2008, -209/+38He stood up for what he believes in, and they stood up for what they believe in. What the ***** is the big deal?
    • SIRBERUS, on 07/06/2008, -7/+255The problem is that he stood up for what he believes in while not violating anyone else's rights.

      -The cops violated the mans right not to be intimidated by government authorities
      -The people leaving him death threats are violating the mans right to not being violently harassed
      -The landlord was violating the mans freedom of speech

      But again... the man didn't violate a damn thing to speak his mind.
      • fajitamelt, on 07/06/2008, -185/+7Yeah, but did the man ACTUALLY care that "his rights were violated?" Really, people who make such a big deal that they were intimidated and harassed are pussys. They have to find something better to do with their time.
      • SIRBERUS, on 07/07/2008, -2/+122So then you see nothing wrong with police intimidating innocent, law-abiding people who are doing something the police have personal feelings about?

        You see nothing wrong with a man receiving death threats? If not death threats, surely you can see how annoying it is, can't you?

        You see nothing wrong with the landlord wanting to boot a man out of his home for--again--doing nothing illegal, and only on the grounds that the landlord doesn't agree with it?

        You, sir, must be very average and follow a very straight line if you can believe it is so right for people to be picked on if they fall off your designated path of what is "right". Mob Rules, am I right?
      • ruddy, on 07/07/2008, -75/+5So now i don't have the right to intimidate d-bags? There's no winning!
      • cawpin, on 07/07/2008, -49/+8"The problem is that he stood up for what he believes in while not violating anyone else's rights."

        While this is true, he still possibly broke the law. They could probably charge him with some sort of false reporting. Flying the flag upside down means you are in distress. If they went to investigate it and found some jackass they can tell him not to do it again for the aforementioned reason.
      • DM01, on 07/07/2008, -61/+71. It's the landlord's property, he can do what he wants.
        2. He should have understood the consequences of doing anything anti-united states while he's IN THE UNITED STATES, obviously it would have made a lot of people angry.
        3. If he didn't know his rights, he's an idiot and doesn't know how to defend himself.
        4. People who blindly follow the media are retards.
        5. Anyone who doesn't agree with any of these are ignorant of the harsh truths and probably live sheltered lives.
      • Treoinmypocket, on 07/07/2008, -5/+48WRONG.

        ""The apartment landlord ordered Decker to remove the flag .. The landlord said the apartment's handbook states that renters need written permission to attach flags or signs on the property, which seems to be a valid argument since after all it is their property."

        He violated his rental agreement. He has no right to fly ANY flag in this instance.
      • zaptoman, on 07/07/2008, -28/+2Wow. I love how new "rights" pop up around this place all the time. I wish I had a -93 for you.
      • Highen, on 07/07/2008, -4/+15I wish there where more people out there that understand the meaning of a upside down flag if you for one want to know the meaning of the flag go to http://www.jeffhead.com/liberty/flagdistress.htm it is short and sweet and makes me want to go around with a flag upside down just to see how uneducated Americans are.
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -2/+13Highen (and others) - he does understand, and is using it as a symbol of the USA's distress perhaps?
      • phoenixshard, on 07/07/2008, -10/+6"1. It's the landlord's property, he can do what he wants.
        2. He should have understood the consequences of doing anything anti-united states while he's IN THE UNITED STATES, obviously it would have made a lot of people angry.
        3. If he didn't know his rights, he's an idiot and doesn't know how to defend himself.
        4. People who blindly follow the media are retards.
        5. Anyone who doesn't agree with any of these are ignorant of the harsh truths and probably live sheltered lives."

        1. Its the landlord's property, but he's the one that lives there, the landlord does not have the right to come and go as he pleases at any time without the tenant's permission, and the tenant can even tell the landlord to get off the premises if he wants to. That's his rights under the law. The landlord has no right to tell him to remove anything like a flag flying upside down unless its in the lease that he can't do so.
        2. I guess you follow the blind thinking that if anybody says anything in dissent about the current administration is unpatriotic and they shouldn't be allowed to be in the US. Personally, I find the concept of someone willing to show protest in a peaceful way such as flying the flag upside down to be more patriotic than wearing a US flag lapel pin that seems to be the mode of patriotism today. Kind of sad that one.
        3. Seems you need to learn more about rights then if you think he doesn't have the right to do exactly what he did.
        4. Do you prefer to be called kettle or pot?
        5. So anyone that has a different opinion than your own is an idiot? Because you realize what you wrote there is your opinion, and not facts don't you?
      • dagnome1984, on 07/07/2008, -5/+5"-The landlord was violating the mans freedom of speech"

        The landloard has property rights. If the man owned the property outright than there is a case of rights abuse, but when you rent from someone they have the ultimate say as to what goes onto their property.

      • 98percentcogdis, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2It's not the 60's, after all. It's too bad that 50 or 60 homeowners around that apartment complex couldn't get together and hang upside down flags in their front yards, to support the renter. Every last citizen in the United States that is opposed to this occupation, should be flying our flags upside down. If only 98% were not cognitive dissonant!!!
    • MewTwo, on 07/07/2008, -44/+13If they stood up for what they believed in they would simply wave a flag in the correct fashion.
      • jaznova, on 07/07/2008, -4/+45This guy cares about his country. The upside down flag is officially an international distress signal. It is also used symbolically to signal a country in crisis
      • BoonTobias, on 07/07/2008, -8/+29flying it the normal way would mean that you are perfectly happy with ***** sinking economy due to the war
      • DooM, on 07/07/2008, -3/+17I think he meant that the Police/Death Threat people should just fly their flags normally to signal their beliefs that everything is kosher rather than harrassing this guy. Everyone fly their flags and make their points - seems reasonable.
      • Evermin7, on 07/07/2008, -2/+1Define "they" please.
    • pintomp3, on 07/07/2008, -5/+37they believe in threatening the lives of people they don't agree with?
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -35/+4I believe in digging you down.
      • rabidbob, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7Hey, these days it seems that's what free speech means "you can say what you want as long as you agree with me". Heh. There's no accounting for retards it seems.
    • Elranzer, on 07/07/2008, -3/+26"He should have understood the consequences of doing anything anti-united states while he's IN THE UNITED STATES, obviously it would have made a lot of people angry."

      Actually, things like this are PROTECTED by the freedom of speech. Along with burning the flag. The only exception is if it presents a clear and present danger to the president or other official.

      Of course, under Bush's Amerika, which you seem to firmly support, freedom of speech would be lifted so long as it doesn't agree with you.
      • ooby, on 07/07/2008, -1/+5Since the tenant agreed not to fly any flags (stated in the rental handbook), this is not a free speech issue.
    • 15thPD, on 07/07/2008, -25/+1They should have shot him.
      • EvilLordBanana, on 07/07/2008, -0/+8they should shoot you.
      • 98percentcogdis, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3There are a lot of people like 15thPD in the United States. The constitution doesn't matter to them, as long as it doesn't affect themselves or any one they care about it's A-OK to overlook the constitutional rights of Average American Joe. I assume that the PD stands for police department. Am I right 15thPD?
      • 15thPD, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1It sure does.
    • Bilabrin, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2I've heard "things" about the Manitowoc Police Dept.
  • aeroguy80, on 07/06/2008, -203/+29He's got two young children and is unemployed. Get a job and I might take your protest seriously.
    • Minarchian, on 07/06/2008, -8/+133Obviously if you're unemployed you shouldn't have Rights and you're a moron, right?

      Damn
      • gbudavid, on 07/07/2008, -59/+5You got it half right
      • aeroguy80, on 07/12/2008, -0/+0You're misrepresenting what I wrote. I never once said he didn't have rights.
    • MewTwo, on 07/06/2008, -37/+6I think it is wrong to say that but I can see where you're coming from... though having job doesn't really correlate with being against a war, so...
      But yeah, I get mad when someone complains about illegal immigrants using their tax money but then they themselves are working very little and getting unemployment benefits when they don't need to (I'm venting; it's someone I know right now).
      • leetninja, on 07/07/2008, -11/+1do us all a favor ... delete your account and come back when you can come up with a name that has nothing to do with pokemon? ok? got that? good ... now piss off
      • Ph0biA, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4Says the guy who's name is leetninja
    • MusicMagi, on 07/07/2008, -9/+14white american ignorance FTW
    • Willotree, on 07/08/2008, -0/+0Maybe that's what he's protesting about.
    • Kalyzdar, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1How ***** ignorant are you?
  • MewTwo, on 07/07/2008, -20/+432I bet those are the same people who say the "terrorists hate our freedom." Thank you for proving yourself wrong, although I wish you would realize you were. ***** retards.
    • leetninja, on 07/07/2008, -13/+3http://digg.com/politics/Remember_what_our_country ...

      and also please see:

      http://digg.com/politics/We_The_People_Wake_up_Ame ...

      somehow NO ONE has really paid much attention to either of these ... dont know why ... great links off them ... no blogspam ... and well wouldn't ya know it ... RELEVANT!!!
    • m301, on 07/07/2008, -9/+0I totally agree with you if this story is true, but the story is from a website called "progressive.org." Bias much?
      • Jlaugh, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Even a biased website can reference truth once in a while.
    • ZenMojo, on 07/07/2008, -1/+6They're the same assholes who scream about flag burning. Of course, they know absolutely nothing about what flying a flag upside down or burning it really means.

      Armchair patriots.
    • Crawlers, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1"I do not agree with what you say, but I would be prepared to die to defend your right to say it." Even though Voltaire spoke about "freedom of speech", it still applies for showing your opinion through action, unless it isn't protected by law (the right to express racism but not the right to let it affect e.g. when employing someone). Freedom is a privilege regulated through laws because a 2/3 majority in House and Senate can decide to abolish this privilege when 3/4 of states approve it afterwards.

      It works both for those expressing an opinion and those responding to it, unless other laws are broken. And in this case he broke a contract, but laws can supersede it when needed.

      MewTwo, yes it's an oxymoron.
    • sylvok, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Found a picture of Dale

      http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ ...
  • Dralha, on 07/07/2008, -47/+309In the fascist police state of Amerika, dissent is vigorously frowned upon. And can be fatal.
    • Dewhead, on 07/07/2008, -66/+6Wrong, Dralha, This stupid man is free to do this---our Supreme court ruled that burning the flag or anything else done to the flag is protected by free speech so calling "Amerika" a fascist police state makes you look silly. Please grow up. The fact that a man was free to do this and the fact that others are free to disagree with him shows that America is anything but fascist. If this man's life was truly threatened because of this then he should file charges because threatening someone's life is not protected speech.
      • andy314159pi, on 07/07/2008, -3/+44The summary clearly states that the was visited by police over the fact that he was hanging is flag upside down.
      • DavidS9, on 07/07/2008, -27/+4Andy,
        Flying the flag upside down is like calling 911 or signaling S.O.S so of course the police came by and were probably not very happy being called away from their patrol route for what amounts to a crank call.
      • lewscroo, on 07/07/2008, -0/+15@DavidS9,
        While flying the flag upside down may signal distress, there are plenty of other things it symbolizes. While part of the US Flag Code says you can't do that, code is not law, they are mere suggestions as to how to handle the flag and there are no penalties (other than social) for not following the rules#
      • andy314159pi, on 07/07/2008, -0/+9Oops I left some typos in my last message.... anyhow, hanging the flag upside down is political speech and is absolutely protected. If the police asked him to not hang his flag upside down then they had overstepped their boundaries and were suppressing speech. The summary seems to indicate that they intimidated him over the matter. Intimidating citizens over free speech is not allowed by our constitution. Flying a flag upside down is a sign of distress in the military but is generally accepted as a form of free speech outside of a combat situation.

        If you think that police are, in general, sensitive to free speech issues, then you should read up about how they plant police in protest groups to try and incite violence which would make a reason to end the demonstration. Trying to suppress dissent is almost a reflexive behavior of most authority figures, or people who think of themselves as authority figures. Well, sorry, it is unlawful in the USA for the authorities to suppress political speech and symbolic political expressions like flying the flag upside down.
      • tkstock, on 07/07/2008, -3/+3Ten buck says here's what happened (I can't read the article since the website is down):

        The man got a threat. He called the police. The police came out. The man got belligerent with the police. The police warned him not to get to belligerent.

        The fact the man got threats, I can believe. The vast majority of Americans will not disparage the American flag in protest and would feel belligerent towards those who do. But I'm sure it's his word against the polices as to what happened. I find that all protesters find the police "intimidating".
      • NonServium, on 07/08/2008, -0/+2Ok tkstock, we've heard what you think happened, now tell us why you think that's what happened.

        Is it...

        a. Because even though you couldn't access the story linked here, you did other research into it and drew your conclusions from facts?

        b. Because your political ideology doesn't allow for this kind of thing, (or at least, not public acknowledgment of it), and you'd rather create a reality that works with your political ideology than adapt your political ideology to deal with reality?

        And as far as the "vast majority" of Americans feeling belligerent towards people who disparage, (although flying upside down is not disparagement you ignorant hick), the flag, did you in fact ask the vast majority of Americans? I imagine most Americans could care less.
    • dshPls, on 07/07/2008, -32/+11"And can be fatal. "

      Note where please.
      • shitforbrains, on 07/07/2008, -2/+177 American doctors were killed for providing legal abortions.
        I have no idea how many civil rights dissenters were killled in the 60's but it has to be more than a thousand.
        4 Vietnam War dissenters were killed at Kent State and 9 were injured.
        How many Arab-Americans or people perceived to be Arabs were killed after 9-11?
      • Authustian, on 07/07/2008, -1/+13From TFA, 3rd paragraph from the bottom (on the mirror anyway):

        He says one man, with a kid between the ages of 8 and 11, went after him in the parking lot at McDonald’s, saying, “I’m going to come over to your house and kick your ass right now.” The man also said, according to Decker, “If you keep up what you’re doing, a vet is going to find you and put a bullet in your head.”

        Not a direct threat, no, but a veiled one none the less.

        He's dissenting by flying his flag upside down. That's not how i would dissent, but it is his right as a human in this country to show his dissent. While I may not agree with his particular tactic, I will fight to the death to protect his, or anyone's, right to do so as long as it doesn't harm anyone else.
      • tkstock, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2@***** (no, I won't go there),

        Were these acts performed by our government? If so, were the agents of our government under threat at the time? Just curious to see the sources of your information...
    • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -46/+13Comments like that always give me a good laugh. Thanks.

      By the way, nice use of the "K" in America. You're really on the cutting edge in terms of your "Angry Young Man" act.
      • nblsavage, on 07/07/2008, -10/+28Comments like yours just ***** depress me. You're really on the cutting edge in terms of your "Compliant Sheep" act,
      • andy314159pi, on 07/07/2008, -6/+11why would you laugh? What exactly was funny?
      • GassyTurd, on 07/07/2008, -18/+3Shove it you polack piece of *****.
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -2/+6yeah lol it's in the same vein as people who insist on putting obama's middle name in every time they say/write it
      • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -5/+9"the fascist police state of Amerika"

        Yes, as if anyone here on Digg really knows what it's like living in a true "fascist police state". Sounds nice in theory, but in reality it's nowhere close to accurate.

        Grr....be an angry young man. That'll teach your parents.
    • dafragsta, on 07/07/2008, -0/+21You have a right to free speech... if you dare to use it.
    • mike17032, on 07/07/2008, -5/+10Its rare to see someone prove beyond question that they are a moron with just one post.
      • helleborus, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Actually, one post is sufficient for most morons.
    • MarvelZombie, on 07/07/2008, -9/+2It's not totally a question of dissent. There is the issue of mishandling a National Symbol.
    • Albumen, on 07/07/2008, -2/+1While I am not apolgizing or trying to rationalize the currrent state of affairs in this country thanks in large part to dubya, I personally think your statement is spitting in the face of those who really do suffer at the hands of their governments.

      Where are the death squads? Where are the gulags for politcal prisoners? Where are the mass graves of the ideologically incompatable? Look at what's happening in Zimbabwe right now and ask yourself, "could that happen here?"

      The answer is an emphatic "No!" We should of course be vigilant and protect ourselves from the erosions of personal liberty.

      You know nothing about oppression. You know nothing about real censorship. No one is going to be ethnicly cleansing your neighbor hood anytime soon. Go to Darfur spend some time with the locals and then come back and tell us all how bad it is here.

      Grow up!
      • nblsavage, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1Those who are born into freedom are very aware of it slipping away.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/08/2008, -0/+2Okay, so just because it is worse elsewhere, we should just shut up and not care when this country diverges from its principles, as long as it isn't done to such an extreme as elsewhere?

        That's like saying the Nazis weren't that bad because Stalin killed 10 or 20 times more people, so the Jews and all the others killed by the Nazis shouldn't have complained.
      • Albumen, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1PhilLesh69:

        Let me quote myself in answer to your question.

        "We should of course be vigilant and protect ourselves from the erosions of personal liberty."

        What I am saying is not that we shouldn't be concerned and voice our concerns, but that we should put our position in perspective and not cheapen the reality by overdramatizing it. We're not a bunch of teenage girls are we?

        Oh, and BTW invoking the "Argumentum Ad Hitlerem" can only detract from your point.
  • qdkk, on 07/07/2008, -29/+335On Independence Day weekend, we learn that America is not longer the land of the free.
    • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -13/+51Sure it is. It's as free as it has always been. You're free to follow the rules. That's pretty much what your freedom amounts to.

      Can't believe it took you this long to realize that.
      • PhilliesBlunt, on 07/07/2008, -2/+17Every country has that freedom.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -3/+25But see, that's called fascism, that's not what this country is supposed to be about. Are you really shocked people are a little put off by this? Because if you are, you're seriously way too crushed under the conservative boot. And if not, you're just a cynical dick. So pick one.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+16Those rules are there to impede jerk-offs like those police and that land-lord from marching all over an individuals own freedom
      • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -1/+3@Nosferatu

        Looks like the world is 100% fascist then.

        I'm not shocked by this action at all. Look at homeowners associations all across the country. Sometimes you can get fined by putting up any external decoration what-so-ever. Including a flag. It's not being cynical, it's just reality. Besides, you're talking about a guy (Decker) who told a Milwaukee Sentinal reporter that he also feared all the chem trails that the government is poisoning him with.

        @eShinn

        Our "freedom" is stepped on every day all across the country. You don't even have the freedom to cut down a tree on your own property without first getting a permit from your local agency in charge of that type of thing. Sure you can do it, but all it takes is one pissy neighbor to report it, and you're hit with fines.

        The bottom line to this story is that he was participating in behavior that was causing unrest. Much like if a person was to move into an all black complex and fly a confederate flag, while wear sheets over his head. In both instances the person has the complete right to do so. However, the landlord also has the right to be concerned about things like having to repair any possible broken windows that may arise from his tenant's actions, and the police have the right to make contact with an individual participating in agitating behavior before an altercation breaks out. Do they not?
    • Armstrong3, on 07/07/2008, -49/+4Then move *****.
      • pintomp3, on 07/07/2008, -1/+32true patriots recognize the problems and want to fix them.
      • yayster, on 07/07/2008, -4/+15It isn't that easy. Amerika makes it difficult to move money out of the country. And now it wants to tax someone on all their possessions if they wish to give up citizenship.
      • PhilliesBlunt, on 07/07/2008, -1/+20You move. You're the one making it suck.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -3/+9Why don't we have two systems? One that enjoys their rights and will fight for them, and another that enjoys being bashed back into line, like Armstrong3.

        It could happen. It probably will happen. Those who fight will live free. Those that opposed will never know they've lost their rights.

        You're going to be painting my house sooner or later, Armstrong3. ;.)
      • Armstrong3, on 07/08/2008, -1/+1You clearly have no real idea of what you honestly have. I've lived in several countries around the world, and by far American's have it the best. Unfortunately people like you are spoiled brats and continue to complain. Keep posting these stupid topics on digg and make it 'cool' to bash America and the President. The beautiful thing about this country is every 4 years we get a chance to change it if we want. The sad thing is most of you will just read 'whats popular' from this site, which accounts for the opinions of a small fraction of males from the age of 18-24 and vote accordingly. I don't even know why I'm putting up any opposition. This is pathetic. I'm going to take my own advice and move away from this site.
      • XyZeR, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1"I'm going to take my own advice and move away from this site."

        That's about the only sensible thing you posted, and we applaud you for it !
    • SmpleJohn, on 07/07/2008, -40/+5Seriously? Most other countries he would've already been drug out of his house and beaten to death. Any proud country would ridicule someone who did that. I understand why he did, we are in distress. However, he should have known it was going to cause ***** to rain. If he didn't, he's naive.
      • akilleen, on 07/07/2008, -3/+29The Swiss wouldn't ridicule people for hanging their flag upside-down.
      • schmeeky, on 07/07/2008, -1/+20Nor the British - in fact, you could hang the Union Flag any which way you wanted.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+15...or the Irish, the French, or the Japanese for that matter ;.)
      • SmpleJohn, on 07/07/2008, -2/+3touche... leaving in shame.
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -0/+9Sign of a nation that isn't too happy with itself is when a SYMBOL becomes more important than physical realities.

        And yeah, there are very very very few countries that have the USAs fanaticism about a bloody piece of cloth.
      • Rikkochet, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1DRAGGED.
      • gidd, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6Actually, the Union Flag can be hung upside down.. it's just subtle:

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Flag#Specificat ...
      • Tabris, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Smple, it's not much of a touche. If you didn't catch it, those flags are vertically symmetric.
    • bovilexia, on 07/07/2008, -25/+5Freedom doesn't mean you get to do whatever you want without anyone objecting. If you are going to do something like that you should be prepared for the backlash it will cause.
      • kaelyiesta, on 07/07/2008, -2/+21Just like how a slave aught to be prepared for the backlash of trying to escape eh?
      • AdamFromMyspace, on 07/07/2008, -1/+7Something like what? Express dissent towards the government?
      • SmpleJohn, on 07/07/2008, -6/+0kaelyiesta - With the exception of the fact that we are not in slavery. (Literally speaking, so slow down on the comments people)
    • dk911, on 07/07/2008, -16/+2It's the same place it's been for the past 200+ years! The rules haven't changed at all in this country. Yeah, laws have been upgraded and people are a little more on edge -- but it's still the same place. People have been receiving death threats since our country was founded, people in power have always abused it to some degree, and people have always had different views from other people. There's nothing new about America.

      We're still the land of the free. We still enjoy more freedoms than any other country in the world. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Sheesh...
      • asus2000, on 07/07/2008, -1/+9"we still enjoy more freedoms than any other country in the world."

        Not even close.

        Your freedom is an illusion. Try Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Costa Rica, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France... (the list goes on.)

        Spend some time traveling. While the U.S. has some other things going for it, freedom isn't one of them. There are police everywhere and the U.S. has more people incarcerated than any other country, including double of China who has 6 times our population.
      • notoneofus, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7Not sure what you're smoking in that pipe, but be careful. It might be illegal now, even if it wasn't 200 years ago.
      • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1@asus2000

        Which one of those countries do you call home?

        As for police and incarceration. It might have something to do with US crime rates being relatively high in terms of Western and/or industrial countries. It might also have to do with all those police actually catching the perpetrators of crimes.

        Then again, it could have something to do with the fact that in the US people actually make it to prison, rather than being quickly executed. Something in which China can claim #1. In fact, I hear they're putting in express lanes in their chambers. Why house them, when you can just kill them.
  • AnonthePyro, on 07/07/2008, -16/+86Shoulda done that on July 4th.
    • Step1Mark, on 07/07/2008, -2/+30You could always fly the US Civil Flag if you want to raise some eyebrows.
      http://www.uscivilflags.org
      http://www.barefootsworld.net/uscivilflag.html
      2nd one looks like it was made with front page.
      • EverTheCynic, on 07/07/2008, -0/+17Thanks for the links. I knew absolutely nothing about this type of flag.
      • noahhoward, on 07/07/2008, -1/+3Just FYI, the civil flag is not an official flag although I wish it were and it does have a practical purpose.
      • Harbinger1080, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1But then... that may just be an altered Revenue Ensign...
        http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeo1z2a/CivilFlag.html

        Although, the idea of a civil flag like that is, I think, pretty good, I'm prone to side with the link I posted and the research invested (my own, preliminary research sort of showed what he says). Even if it is an ugly website.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -2/+3What DOES it take to make something official anyway? Its use? ;.)
      • rationalist, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Paul spam.
      • noahhoward, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2"What DOES it take to make something official anyway? Its use? ;.)"
        In this case, congress.
      • Harbinger1080, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1""What DOES it take to make something official anyway? Its use? ;.)"
        In this case, congress."

        I'll admit that I was thinking about this since I posted... congress would make it official for the gov't, but whose to say that the flag couldn't just be adopted by people of like-thinking as their symbol? I do like the idea.

        But then, I just fly a Gadsden flag (think: don't tread on me) because it gets my message across, and I feel that flags with rattlesnakes should be more common.
      • zeabu, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1I think it looks better. And in fact, less aggressive, although that could be due to association of the current one.
    • leetninja, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5i did do just that on July 4th ... i also had my AR-15 and Sig carry with me at all times because of the amount of idiocy that this country has managed to spread around ... people threw rocks at my dog ... pathetic ...
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6Dude. At your dog?!? wtf?!?
      • leetninja, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4it's "America" land of the free and home of the brave right? they weren't so brave when i cocked the rifle's bolt back ... takes a really pathetic person to throw things at a dog instead of me ...
      • PolishLogic, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Did ya...
      • hoogie, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2AR-15 and Sig? Are those guns?
      • leetninja, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1yes ... nice ones :)
    • davidg11, on 07/07/2008, -8/+1Na....he wouldn't do it on July 4th.

      This type of person would've said that the colonies needing to declare war on England would not be necessary. And can't we call just get along?
      After all...why should taxation without representation devolve into war? After all, we had all the liberties of British society.

      We'd still be a british colony today thanks to the fine protestors and liberals like this one.

      Cheerio!
      • topherbook, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Please tell me you're not being serious. Politicians are turning this once great and respectable country into a travesty and a parody of itself. Our nation is a laughing stock around the world, and you think one man's protest is anti-American? His protest is the kind of thing that began our journey toward liberty.

        Your remarks are exactly the kind of status quo, blind patriotism that would have kept us shackled to the British two centuries ago. It is our duty to object and protest when we feel our government is in the wrong. That is the founding principle of our liberty. Period.
      • rearlgrant, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2That's the oddest Orwellian re-interpretation of the American Revolution I've ever heard...

        So flying a flag upside down amounts to being a Royalist, but what, following the rules of a far off government amounts to Revolution?
      • PeppermintPig, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I find that amusingly confusing on many levels.

        Does objecting to an undeclared war and occupation constitute a rejection of all forms of war?

        Is American patriotism only open on July 4th?
      • PopcornDave, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1If you would bother to check history you'd find that only about 1/3 of the colonists *wanted* to secede from England, 1/3 wanted things to stay just the way that they were and the rest didn't really care one way or the other.
      • FrenchAnarchy, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1***** you
  • Monotonousblob, on 07/07/2008, -8/+259The upside-down flag is a symbol of distress, when there seems to be almost insurmountable odds and is protected under symbolic speech and used at times by the military as a means of calling for help. Watch In the Valley of Elah for more details.
    • thunderer, on 07/07/2008, -15/+17Because of that, in a way, it's kind of like crank-calling 911. I think he should be allowed to hang it upside-down, as long as there's some way of distinguishing it from a real call for help. For instance, he could put up a sign of some kind next to the upside-down flag, verbally showing his distaste for the direction the US is going, too. Due to the proximity of the sign, the symbol would be understood, but would not waste any would-be-rescuers' time.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -7/+21It was his place of residence. Not a trench. I think in the bigger picture you'll find the sign you're looking for.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -4/+41Nobody is going to actually hang their flag upside down to try to get the cops to show up. A lot of people don't even know what it MEANS to hang it upside down, as the posts here have shown. So I think it's sort of a stretch to say it's like calling 911.
      • makenshin, on 07/07/2008, -2/+3I'd say maybe at the least (though it may be disrespectful, dunno), fly it at half mast upside down. If you were flying a flag in distress you would normally fly it as high as you can get it.

        Other than the distress part, there is no reason he should not be allowed to fly a flag upside down. He should not be stopped from such or threatened or harmed for such. People are also free to peacefully protest his actions though.
    • Hubris, on 07/07/2008, -1/+7Also seen in "The Last Castle" with Redford and Gandolfini
      • ahjkl67435, on 07/07/2008, -3/+0buried for naming robert redford
        his movies are too deep
    • Pittance, on 07/07/2008, -10/+6This is the only reason anyone should have bothered him. thunderer is right, and that was my first reaction too. Its an SOS, so he could wind up with police showing up wondering what is wrong. He probably should have just put it at half-mast to signal that he thinks the country is tragic, or something else. What he did was kind of like putting a big sign on his front door that said "HELP!" and having it mean "help this country!".
    • Ajajadude, on 07/07/2008, -15/+10"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."

      I know I'm going to get dugg down for this, but: by law, he should only fly the flag upside down if he's in immediate danger. It's basically like calling 9-1-1 to bitch about how you're pissed at the police.
      • azurechaos, on 07/07/2008, -3/+10i do not think that flying the flag upside down has historically been a way for people to call the police, i think it's sort of silly to imply that's what this is doing. as the poster said above, these examples were in military contexts. i'm pretty confident that to me and to most people i know, flying the flag upside down is a political statement and more a universal sign of distress as opposed to an immediate emergency call.
      • DyceFreak, on 07/07/2008, -3/+3"The entire point of quotations is to bring in external information, from an external source to provide rhetorical backing for a statement using the CREDIT of the SPECIFIED source"
        -DyceFreak
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1I'd be interested in knowing when that law was established. Maybe another glazing over of our right to protest?

        How about burning it? Can we still do that?
      • FortyCaliber, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5It's not a law but rather a part of the flag code which is 4 U.S.C. S1. It is a federal law but is not enforced as enforcement would violate SCOTUS rulings on the first amendment. It has become a de facto advisory reference rather than a de jure advisory.
      • sleepless, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1If you really think about it, the country is in SOS.
    • billizm, on 07/07/2008, -4/+3The only reason you should not fly a flag upside-down is so that you are not erroneously calling for help. Its like making a fake 911 call.
      • DyceFreak, on 07/10/2008, -0/+1last I checked, law enforcement hardly responds to 911 calls...

        let alone an upside down flag...
  • DrPaul2008, on 07/07/2008, -19/+57This country is *****. Whether you can live with the current size of the state, or not, it's definitely in a downward spiral, and is going to continue to get worse before it may eventually get better.

    I hope there's an obvious new home for those courageous enough to be free soon, or at least someplace where it looks like it could be moving in that direction.
    • BobOki, on 07/07/2008, -1/+7Like, the New country of California?
    • CrazedLeper, on 07/07/2008, -4/+13The descent is terminal. Fascism is the future of America and there is nothing after that.
      • Pittance, on 07/07/2008, -1/+4Are you an hero? Cause thats what you sound like.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -1/+8As much as my gut says you're right, I really hope you're not.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4Well, fascism is the future of America. But I disagree with your view that there's nothing after that. Can't you see it? What happens when you have a human (or animal) backed into a corner? What happens after that?
      • CrazedLeper, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4"What happens when you have a human (or animal) backed into a corner? What happens after that?"

        That's the problem; The BS machine has convinced Americans that there is no corner and everything is going to be ok. They will all go willingly into slavery to the New World Order.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1eShinn, what happens after that?

        Collapse, then a period of anarchy, and then the country will be reorganized under socialism, probably a very authoritarian socialism where we are all property of the state, and our schooling will be chosen, our jobs, where we live, whether we can have children or how many. etc etc. Not a very good future.

        That has been the goal for about 100 years now. And they have to do it this way so that these people who consider themselves patriots for attacking a guy who hangs his flag upside down and get angry at people who speak up about hypocrisy and corruption will yell and scream at anyone who complains about it. They'll say that this is how it has to be, and if you don't like it, leave.
    • DebbieKat, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6http://freestateproject.org/
    • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I hear Texas has some sort of loop whole that they are they're own country? Never thought the phrase I read off of the shirts of guys rootin' around in 4x4 trucks: "The south shall rise again." would/could be read quite like that.
      • honthraj, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2No. Texas holds the right to split into three states, should it ever desire to do so.

    • asus2000, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Unfortunately we spread our poison everywhere.. Try New Zealand or Costa Rica..
    • MarvelZombie, on 07/07/2008, -3/+1I love how left-leaning Americans whine incessantly about lack of freedom, ignoring the fact that, all things considered, America is still arguably the most free country in the world. Would you rather have your tounge cut out for criticizing the government?
      • byronm, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I love how you, whatever you think you are whine incessantly about everything, ignoring the fact that, all things considered you compare apples to oranges and then call the kettle a pot. After all, you're telling me you can't complain about a fascist state yet are naive to think that we're not heading towards a fascist state by comparing us to other existing fascist states that don't necessarily exist on the scale you think of. So we can't be fascist because were not entirely fascist yet and you're simply "left leaning" if you want to stop fascism before it takes over the whole country. nice

        What other free nations of free men do you compare america against as being "most free"? Is being held hostage to the whims of corporate tyranny vs a representative government really being "more free"

        We shouldn't be left leaning, we should be over the hump and down the left side period. Everything to the right of that is simply 50's era wishful conservatism or downright fascism.
      • PhilLesh69, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1Thank God America is more free than any of the worst nations in the world.

        Saying that America is the most free country in the world is blind nationalistic ignorance. It is ONE OF, but not THE MOST. There are countries that enjoy much more open societies. But, you are right in one respect, the entire world is plunging towards authoritarian rule, and America still preserves the facades of freedom while slowly adjusting the people to accept each ratchet so the next ratchet towards tyranny doesn't seem that bad.

        Being the cleanest apple in a barrel of rotten apples isn't much to brag about.

        Would I rather have my tongue cut out for critizing the government? Gee, if that is my only other choice, I guess I'd rather be roughed up by cops, and thrown out of a political venue for wearing a T-shirt with an ambiguous message.

        But, this nation wasn't founded on that proposition of "we're still better than how bad everyone else has gotten" but was founded on the proposition of an open and democratic society, I think the choices shouldn't be that stark. Perhaps the choice should be, "do we really want to just be a little bit better than all the other nations sliding towards tyranny", and the answer should be, "No, we will hold strong to our principles, no matter what threat or what world events attempt to dictate our choices."
      • DrPaul2008, on 07/08/2008, -0/+2The United States just dropped out of the top 10 freest nations in the world. You happy slaves out there may be fine with that, but forget about how comfortable you are, and honestly, use your brain for a minute... Is that the right direction for a supposedly free country, or not?

        Yes, that does say something about you.
      • MarvelZombie, on 07/09/2008, -1/+1Top 10 freest according to whom?

        Also, can you actually provide a story about how you, as an individual have had an essential personal freedom barred because of an official federal policy?
  • koorb, on 07/07/2008, -13/+224Land of the Free*

    *As long as you don't offend anyone.
    • alstewart73, on 07/07/2008, -2/+37*As long as you don't offend "the man"
      • DavidS9, on 07/07/2008, -20/+3And who is the "the man"??? Are you talking the ACLU, CAIR or just the liberals that want to take all of our freedom to express ourselves away?
      • PeanutCheeseBar, on 07/07/2008, -10/+3Or a blogger or group of diggers on the far left.
      • pintomp3, on 07/07/2008, -3/+11the ACLU wants to take away our freedom to express ourselves? do you realize they've defended christians and the KKK? they defend everyone's freedom to express themselves.
      • Elranzer, on 07/07/2008, -3/+5I'm sure "the man" doesn't refer to pussies like George W Bush and John McCain, if that helps.
      • emkaysmith, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7Buddy, if it weren't for the ACLU, you'd have a LOT fewer public freedoms than you have now. The ACLU has supported public meetings by both Communists AND the American Nazi Party, they've defended the right of the Jehovah's Witnesses not to salute the flag for religious reasons, and they've defended the right of militant fundamentalists to (peacefully) picket abortion clinics. The only "side" they take is the side of the First Amendment. You'd better be glad they're even interested in defending your right to your own ignorant opinion.
    • nevetssav, on 07/07/2008, -2/+19Land of the Politcally Correct as Determined by the Appropriate House Subcomittee When Approved by the Corresponding House Subcomittee Under Article 4242 section 4.2 and as Enforced by the Judicial Branch...


      ...And the Highest Paying Lobbyist.
    • dk911, on 07/07/2008, -4/+18Look, people are always gonna disagree. And things I say might offend other people. Stop whining about it and let it roll off your back. When I was growing up, we weren't a bunch of sissies that sued our way to freedom, both financial and political.

      When I fell off my bike, it was my fault -- not the bike manufacturer's fault.

      When I choked on my food, it was my fault -- not the people who cooked it or gave me the Heimlich.

      When I smoked a cigarette, it was my responsibility -- not that of the tobacco companies.

      When I shot people up, it was my fault -- not that of the gun manufacturers.

      When I failed my tests, it was because I didn't study hard enough -- not because the teacher was an idiot.

      See my point? All these situations where people run to the lawyer and want to sue for some fictitious "right" that they think they have has lead us to live in a world of pussies. So he hung his flag upside down and got harassed... So, raise it higer. They can't do anything, legally, about it and he's protected.

      I don't want to hear about people who get asked to show their receipt at Best Buy, or who violate some law but think it doesn't apply to them. It's getting old how everyone thinks they are entitled to a life free from any governmental influence, but all the protections a government offers them. Learn to EARN your rights like every intelligent citizen does.
      • ZiggyILM, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1I second that

        "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore"
    • Ajajadude, on 07/07/2008, -1/+4As long as you're not breaking the law.

      Don't like the law? Get Congress to change it.
      • NonServium, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1Don't like skin cancer? Get the sun to change it's temperature.
    • EelfinnTy, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Fahrenheit 451
  • dorsey47, on 07/07/2008, -18/+6a heart warming story of desperation and abandonment. in past generations we pulled together.
    • QuadZeroRoute, on 07/07/2008, -5/+7Correction: in past generations they would have burned the man at the stake for what he did.
      • neognostic, on 07/07/2008, -3/+4Cite a single reference where in the past 4 generations, someone in America was burned at the stake for doing the above. Moron.
      • NotOptium, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2Why not 5 generations?
  • Bushlied, on 07/07/2008, -17/+240A flag flown upside down mean a nation is crisis. It does not mean disrespect.
    • CannedMango, on 07/07/2008, -2/+52Try telling that to the angry mob
      • neognostic, on 07/07/2008, -1/+38Correction "Try telling that to an ignorant mob"
      • ABadPerson, on 07/07/2008, -0/+16Try telling that to an angry ignorant mob.
      • prahareturns, on 07/07/2008, -1/+0At the end of the day the ignorant and angry mob has a right to dissent and voice their opinion (excluding death threats). Freedom of speech is a two edged sword and public backlash can always be triggered by exercising our right no matter how misguided or ignorant they seem.
        We on the other-hand need to be vigilant in preventing the government from regulating our freedom of speech.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2Try telling it to T.V. evangelicals.
    • f3l1x, on 07/07/2008, -4/+72...or to signal distress ...or a call for help. Proper education tells us these things. Dissent _IS_ patriotism. It's sad; if Andrew Jackson were alive today, he'd be alive in gitmo.
      • obamayomama, on 07/07/2008, -18/+2The level of ignorance on here is staggering... You're right, Andrew Jackson probably would be in Gitmo, because he'd belong there. I get the sense you think he was a founding father, but he was actually only nine when the American Revolution began. He's famous for ruthlessly suppressing the American Indians and credited with saying "The only good Indian is a dead Indian." So yeah, he should be in Gitmo.
      • Demener, on 07/07/2008, -0/+16Most of the founding fathers would be. Even during the revolutionary war, those rebelling were in the minority.
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -5/+2obamayomama - or perhaps president....
      • zombies187, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Staggering is right! Why shouldn't Jackson be in prison?
      • f3l1x, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2@obamayomama
        If you don't know what your talking about, or you decide to derail the point with unrelated trivia, do the world a favor and keep your mouth shut. You and people like you are a blight on intellect and for the survival of an intelligent race shouldn't be allowed to vote or breed. But I'm a fair man and will be happy with a semi-intelligent human race so have at it. I could really care less in the end since you have your rights to blab all you want and all, and I respect that. But the fact remains is that this world would be better without you. It would be better off without me too but more off without you. :)

        The point is that he would be in prison for the -great- things he did for this country, as most of the founding fathers would be. Not for ignorant and commonplace-at-the-time racism. Twit.
      • obamayomama, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0Dude, don't feel bad just because you don't know who Jackson is and you are ignorant of American history. You can join most of the other diggers on that. And if you feel the world would be better off without you, that's cool too. But I've got to part ways with you on the genocide thing, 'cause I don't feel that killing and displacing Native Americans is a good thing. Do some reading, learn a little bit & then check back with me... k?
    • obamayomama, on 07/07/2008, -34/+1Actually, it just means you're an assclown.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+9But only in the view of an genuine assclown.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -2/+5I hope your name doesn't suggest your an Obama supporter, because you clearly don't have the mind set.
      • obamayomama, on 07/09/2008, -0/+0You're right... I think for myself.
    • Quenlin, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7Hmm, I wonder what you do if the flag has a horizontal symmetry.
      • kaelyiesta, on 07/07/2008, -0/+5Turn it PI/2 radians. Really, you are only screwed if said flag is radially symmetrical.
      • Garganturat, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3Like the Swiss flag.
      • snassiri, on 07/07/2008, -0/+0Well, given the Swiss' philosophy, I don't think you'd ever have to worry about flying their flag upside down. That's the number 1 country one my list if things keep going the way they are here.

        The "love it or leave it" people may eventually have their argument heard by me.
      • kayala, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1kaelyiesta, dugg for trigonometry.
    • smmakira, on 07/07/2008, -3/+9Try telling that to drunk rednecks...
    • ooby, on 07/07/2008, -3/+0I oppose people flying the flag upside down for the sake of protest so that it remains devoid of any political meaning in the event that I’m ever in need of rescue. This guy should find an alternative means of protest.
      • BoneStamp, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6You mean something that wouldn't get as much attention?
      • zombies187, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2Try waving your arms or a shirt. Emergency rescue does not require a flag. Notice how first aid kits NEVER come with an American flag?
      • Qeveren, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3When are you ever likely to be in dire need, with nothing you can use to call for help, but just so happen to have a flag and flagpole?
      • snassiri, on 07/07/2008, -0/+0Well, until reading this thread I never knew that flying it upside down was a sign of distress, but I knew that people have flown them upside down as a sign of protest. So if I ever saw you flying yours upside down, I probably would have thought you were protesting, until I saw this thread.

        And exactly what circumstance of distress are you going to be in where you can find the time to go outside and turn your flag upside down and fly it?

        Let's just say if I ever saw it upside down on your house, I'm going to assume your protesting as you could have easily gone to a neighbor or called 911 in the event of an emergency. If it's on your boat or something, then I'll take note of your distress.
      • Jethris, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4It's mostly used in maritime and military bases as signs of distress, not for personal residences. A HELP or SOS sign would be better.

        And that guy is not free to fly the flag on someone else's property (he's just a tenant, not owner). He is free to walk around with it upside down, but everyone else is free to criticism him. Threatening would be illegal, however.

        And there are no statutes about the flag, except maybe burning as a protest, and I don't remember where that stands. Handling and care of the flag is in the US Code, including not flying it at night unless it is illuminated, but there is no penalties for not following that.
  • dyuhl, on 07/07/2008, -2/+5"He says he wanted to signal to his neighbors that this country is in distress, so he started flying the flag upside down."

    Mr. Decker is right, our country is in distress. I am old enough to have seen the American people at their best and now unfortunately, some at their worst. We can not let these people win.

    "All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."
psssst..... do something .
  • dyuhl, on 07/07/2008, -6/+1"He says he wanted to signal to his neighbors that this country is in distress, so he started flying the flag upside down."

    Mr. Decker is right, our country is in distress. I am old enough to have seen the American people at their best and now unfortunately, some at their worst. We can not let these people win.

    "All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."
psssst..... do something .
  • ozymandias2012, on 07/07/2008, -50/+14"Decker is upset about the Iraq War and upset about the loss of civil liberties in the United States."

    Can someone please list the civil liberties that have been lost?
    • nblsavage, on 07/07/2008, -6/+37Familiar with the 4th amendment?
      • gbudavid, on 07/07/2008, -10/+20The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
        Is this the Fourth amendment you were referring to?
        there are people bitching all the time about flags being too large or noisy. This fits in the category of too much time on your hands
      • h3lx, on 07/07/2008, -2/+29The right to peaceably assemble to protest, petition, or otherwise gather en masse. Get about 10,000 of your friends together and meet up at a park somewhere downtown and the boys in blue show how legal it is. You have to file all sorts of *****...pay fees et al. It's a pain in the ass.

        That said, I'm surprised the Flag is still flown upright at our VA Hospitals. Talk about distress.
      • Atomic05, on 07/07/2008, -2/+19@gbudavid

        Great, then maybe you should look into the Patriot Act. Through it, people are imprisoned wrongly and without warrant in this country and a great deal of your private communications are vulnerable to tapping by the state. There have been stories about it right here on Digg concerning both victims and the progress our government makes in undermining the Constitution.

        I will not do your thinking or your research for you, and frankly I don't give a damn about how ignorant you choose to be. Look it up for yourself.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+5@Atomic05.

        Sorry. I agree with almost every thing you'd said aside from not informing him of the rights he/she's loosing. Governments like these thrive off of the ignorance of others beneath it.
    • trer, on 07/07/2008, -3/+32The article says the police are threatening him. The police are a representation of the State, which as no right to infringe on him flying the flag upside down. The death threats from civilians are what the police should be focusing on if they are intending to protect his first amendment rights. Not intimidating him.
      • PopcornDave, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1The police have no authority at all to tell him to remove the flag from where he had it displayed.

        "While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown. " http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html

        His landlord, however, is a different story. If the lease he signed indeed have a clause about not flying flags, then unfortunately for him, he doesn't have a leg to stand on.
    • sinisterouge, on 07/07/2008, -2/+34Its called the PATRIOT Act. The biggest pile of horse ***** to ever be passed into law.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7The title is deceptive. There's nothing patriotic about it.
      • sinisterouge, on 07/07/2008, -2/+1Its actually just an acronym, USA PATRIOT stands for

        (U)niting and (S)trengthening (A)merica by (P)roviding (A)ppropriate (T)ools (R)equired to (I)ntercept and (O)bstruct (T)errorism Act

      • PopcornDave, on 07/07/2008, -4/+1While it is probably the biggest piece of ***** passed to date (not being a legal historian I'm just guessing), where in the patriot act does it mention flag display?
      • sinisterouge, on 07/07/2008, -1/+4He asked to list what civil liberties had been lost.
    • ozymandias2012, on 07/07/2008, -19/+1-10 already.....wow....you guys love freedom of speech...just don't ask any questions.
      • nblsavage, on 07/07/2008, -0/+9You got your question answered didn't you?
      • egoideal, on 07/07/2008, -0/+8Being dugg down means people think you're an idiot. How is that contrary to freedom of speech? You didn't even know what civil liberties are being lost so don't expect people to give a ***** about your opinion.
    • bono4u, on 07/07/2008, -2/+5could perhaps be more simple to tell which once are left ...
    • mike17032, on 07/07/2008, -9/+2This is digg, we dont need facts to get our little 12 grade panties in a bunch. Rabble rabble rabble.
    • rex84, on 07/07/2008, -0/+7"Can someone please list the civil liberties that have been lost?"

      http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/project.jsp?pro ...
  • Ubergoober3, on 07/07/2008, -10/+9World In Conflict anyone?
  • Buu3, on 07/07/2008, -27/+22Exactly hows does flying a flag upside down express your regret for the IRAQ war? Why not do somethign constructive... The reaction from people was a little over the top tho..
    • GhostFreeman, on 07/07/2008, -2/+9The law is very strict about flying your flag Union Up unless you're in some kind of distress or need assistance. In that case, you can fly it with the blue pointing towards the ground, or "Union Down."
      • bemenaker, on 07/07/2008, -2/+6It's also a symbolic expression of this country as a whole is in trouble. Though it mainly means "I'm in distress" like you said. Either case it is legal to do so.
      • PopcornDave, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Nope. There is no federal law regarding that, only guidelines, and no legal authority to enforce those guidelines. States have the ability to make their own laws.

        "This code is the guide for all handling and display of the Stars and Stripes. It does not impose penalties for misuse of the United States Flag. That is left to the states and to the federal government for the District of Columbia. Each state has its own flag law.

        Criminal penalties for certain acts of desecration to the flag were contained in Title 18 of the United States Code prior to 1989. The Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson; June 21, 1989, held the statute unconstitutional. This statute was amended when the Flag Protection Act of 1989 (Oct. 28, 1989) imposed a fine and/or up to I year in prison for knowingly mutilating, defacing, physically defiling, maintaining on the floor or trampling upon any flag of the United States. The Flag Protection Act of 1989 was struck down by the Supreme Court decision, United States vs. Eichman, decided on June 11, 1990.

        While the Code empowers the President of the United States to alter, modify, repeal or prescribe additional rules regarding the Flag, no federal agency has the authority to issue 'official' rulings legally binding on civilians or civilian groups. Consequently, different interpretations of various provisions of the Code may continue to be made. The Flag Code may be fairly tested: 'No disrespect should be shown to the Flag of the United States of America.' Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown."
        http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
    • LaBella023, on 07/07/2008, -1/+7how was that not constructive? as everyday americans there really isnt much we can do about the war unless you want to join the services. and even then there isnt much to do if your opposed. this country has made it impossible for any of us to express our feelings about anything negative about this country without being called a terrorist.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3You can thank the Bush White House, neo-cons, and their propaganda machine against intellectualism for that.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Hmm. What if we created flags that were black and grey in colour?
    • Buu3, on 07/07/2008, -4/+3Hmm guess your both right! Still, offending everyday Americans that might be already apposed to the war might not be the best idea ever thought up..
  • hawkinsliam, on 07/07/2008, -22/+201Why are Americans so damn uber-patriotic? Who gives a ***** if it's upside down! "Oh no! That flag is upside down!" Seriously, I wouldn't give two ***** if some one flew a canadian flag upside down, side ways or any which way. People need to chill out!
    • solarwind24, on 07/07/2008, -14/+51The same reason why people take up religion.
    • ZimbuTheMonkey, on 07/07/2008, -2/+41Yeah, I always found it odd. It just seems like such a forced empty gesture.

      I love Canada, and life in Montreal is awesome, but why the ***** would I care if some guy wants to protest by turning his flag upside-down? In fact, I would think "Yeah maybe I don't agree, but more power to him".

      Well, you actually have to imagine people putting flags up in this hypothetical situation, cause hardly anyone does over here (in Montreal anyway).
      • davidg11, on 07/07/2008, -26/+1That's why you're a Canadian and not an American.

        You don't get it.

        That's why no one celebrates BOXER DAY out there. There is no national pride of canada. There is provinical pride..if any.

      • ZimbuTheMonkey, on 07/07/2008, -0/+19I know that wasn't meant as a compliment, but that's how it was received. So thanks.

        I have no reason to be proud of my country, I am proud of my fellow citizens when they do something noteworthy, I am proud of my politicians when they stand up for what I believe in and I am proud of myself when I behave like a good human being (with all that it entails).

        Putting up the Canadian flag does not signify all those sentiments to me.

        EDIT: You might wanna research BOXING day though.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -4/+1You would if you had bush and chainee and the rest of the corrupt house and senate.
      • bono4u, on 07/07/2008, -1/+10I completely agree, some once said 'any dump drunk can be proud of his country but only few can be proud of their lives'.

        Many are often surprised that in Germany we are not very often very proud of our nation. Well we have had that problem that someone made us very proud for being Germans and we followed him from patriotism over nationalism over chauvinism into war and genocide.

        So what is wrong with patriotism? It is the beginning of converting dump people/masses/tvjunkies into thoughtless followers of an ideology, saying we want war. At the point where somebody says he want the nation going to war out of patriotism, it is no longer patriotism, it is already chauvinism, means the believe in the own superiority.
      • ZimbuTheMonkey, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I'd digg you up twice if I could, Bono. That was very insightful, I've never considered that perspective.
    • franklymister, on 07/07/2008, -1/+89Yeah - I've seen the flag upside down in Japan, Great Britain, France, even Italy - no one complained once!
      • Unlgued, on 07/07/2008, -1/+9Funny guy.
      • EquesArdor, on 07/07/2008, -2/+17I see what you did there.
      • Xyleene, on 07/07/2008, -42/+2How do you know when the Japanese flag is upside down?
      • ZimbuTheMonkey, on 07/07/2008, -1/+13Xyleene... Jesus...
      • maxpep09, on 07/07/2008, -1/+23it is actually possible to fly the union jack upside down, as it is not symmetrical - but no-one would notice
      • Kyan, on 07/07/2008, -0/+23@ Xyleene: Whoosh!!!!
      • DM01, on 07/07/2008, -8/+1That's because the people who did it were already dead.
      • REBELinBLUE, on 07/07/2008, -4/+5I assume you are trying to be funny, suggesting that it isn't possible to tell when those flags are upside down, you would wrong about the Union Flag (Jack) of the UK.

        You can tell if it is upside down by the cross of Saint Andrew (the X cross from the Scottish flag), when it is up the right way round the thinner area of white should be on the bottom of each arm on the left and on the top on the right. When it is upside down they are obviously the other way round.

        Also the rope used to connect it (halyard if I remember correctly) to the rope to hoist it is always longer on the bottom than on the top (I assume that is the same on almost all flags).
      • Futurejunior, on 07/07/2008, -3/+3It's also really easy to spot a French and Italian flag that is up side down, because the colors would be backwards.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -3/+1Guys, have you ever lived in Japan? Its like living with the Buddy Bears - they always get along. You'd never see the flag upside down. o.O Hmmm wonder if that's by design.
    • kayvman78, on 07/07/2008, -2/+20Well, here in America we have a group of people that likes to rabble rouse. They are called Neo-Conservatives. They believe that if you preach ignorance and blind servitude to a group of people it makes the country better. As you can see that plan is all ***** and people are just smarter than that.. (most people) So I agree, I don't get the big deal along with a healthy chunk of Americans, but it's always the ignorant that like to shout at the tops of their lungs.
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1...is that why I mumble?
      • Memitim, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Well, the retards and the elderly mumble, so that isn't exactly an out but I'll give you the odds on this one.
    • v0yeur, on 07/07/2008, -0/+19i remember a baseball game once where the host U.S. team flew the Canadian flag upside down - we watched it and thought "hold on a second... when did we swap out the Maple Leaf for hemp?"
      • Billistic, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I actually was going to post about this, there was an uproar from us Canadians.
      • yacks, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1oh come on.. there would be no uproar if we disgrace your flag.. only your beer.. ;)

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HGPh8Hjyg8
      • BoneStamp, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2It's disrespectful and embarrassing when another country flies your flag upside down, but to fly your own flag upside down is different.
    • maxpep09, on 07/07/2008, -6/+6it might have something to do with the pledge of allegiance - something that no other countries (that i know of) do.
      on a side note if you look up the origins of the pledge, you will find that it was written by a british man who believed in a socialist utopia
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -1/+7you just reminded me of something max - I think it was in the 80's when someone took the deceleration of independence into the street, and read small passages to people without telling them what it was - something like 70% of people thought it was communist propaganda!!!!!
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -0/+1Japan does.
    • Treoinmypocket, on 07/07/2008, -33/+3Well yeah but...your CANADIAN...your country is a joke.
      • farTart, on 07/07/2008, -0/+19Well yeah but.. you're AMERICAN and your *grammar* is a joke.
      • jakemdoz, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6What exactly makes a country serious, rather than a joke?
        ...dammit, I live in the US and I'm constantly embarrassed for all the semi-literate, Bush-worshipping morons whose space I was born into.
        As soon as my four years of college are up, I'm leaving.
      • auto98, on 07/07/2008, -1/+8hmm lets ask around the world - which is better, USA or Canada

        If people from those 2 countries aren't allowed to vote, I know which would win.

        It is also statistically better, as it always places higher than the USA in the standard of living report the UN regularly bring out.
      • v0yeur, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3I prefer the term "American't"
      • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+1Ha ha - slap ;.)
      • Treoinmypocket, on 07/07/2008, -2/+1hardy har har

        I knew those back-bacon eatin, high-test beer swillin' people from Rupert's Land had no sense a humour!
      • taketheleap, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2...and you're an ignorant American.

        Typical.
    • dave122, on 07/07/2008, -1/+16they aren't patriotic, they are nationalists, the fact that there doesn't seem to be a distinction between the two anymore is pretty scary.
    • Gutterpunk, on 07/07/2008, -5/+3To be fair though, an upside down Canadian flag doesn't look that different from one that is the right way up... The maple leaf might have me look twice, but I wouldn't see it with a quick glance.

      /Canadian
    • TheDooku, on 07/07/2008, -1/+11I Remember that baseball game with the upside down canadian flag...back when I lived in toronto and the blue jays didn't suck.
      I also remember the tshirt i bought with a canadian flag (right side up) and the phrase "This way up, Eh!"
      In the US you get death threats....In Canada we get funny Tshirts = )
      Sounds like the joke's on you
    • Nosferotu, on 07/07/2008, -0/+20I live in America, and I don't give a ***** either. Honestly, the roots of the fervent American "patriotism" are deep, and I think they have less to do with America itself (history, politics) than they do with an ever-growing split between the educated and uneducated in our country.

      When you get a genuine education, you're much more likely to question your life, your values, and come to strong, established beliefs that you have REASON for believing. If you're under-educated, you're much more likely to cling to your beliefs with a venomous fervor, and lash out against people who might try to question/undermine them, regardless of how well established or thought out their point might be. America is the 'land of the free', and to a lot of the population, that's also has come to include the freedom to not have to have any justification to do what ever the hell they want to do. So there is a massive movement in the country for people to feel like they should have as much say in things as anyone else, without regard to their actual training or ability to have that say.

      This leads us to a big culture of anti-intellectualism that I think is more prevalent here in America than anywhere else, which touts this insane patriotism (which is actually nationalism, though they call it being patriotic) in order to push back against people who say, "Do you understand that the policies you support don't make a ***** bit of sense?"
      • geoffg, on 07/07/2008, -10/+0"When you get a genuine education, you're much more likely to question your life, your values, and come to strong, established beliefs that you have REASON for believing."

        You mean absorb without questioning the hippie liberal arts college professors right?
      • Memitim, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4Never understood how we got such rampant nationalism in a nation born from treason and revolution.
      • Moneyman28, on 07/07/2008, -2/+0Isn't it possible to believe in America and the freedoms that we have here without supporting the government. That is the big mistake "educated" people make. Why can't you love America, a country where an immigrant fresh off the boat can do good for themselves, without supporting the government. It isn't blind obedience to love a country that is as good as America. However, it is very ignorant to hate a country simply because you hate its government.
      • Jethris, on 07/07/2008, -3/+1Those who don't stand for something, stand for nothing.

        I'm educated. I'm also conservative. I know of the wrongs committed by this country, including recent ones. I'm not blind to patriotism.

        However, I do believe that I live in the best country in the world. I've served my country, and defended people's rights to free speech. However, if I disagree with you, I'm going to use that same freedom to tell you what an idiot you are.

        Had I come across that guy, I would probably say that he is not making any point what so ever. I really don't care, and I'm sure most people don't care, what he has to say.
      • Nosferotu, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1@Moneyman: I don't hate the people of America, and I don't hate the land. Really, I don't HATE America, even the government. (Well... I hate Bush and his ideas about how the government should be run, but I don't hate the philosophy of the democratic government in general). I am just very disappointed with how things seem to be going, and by that I mean I think we're taking bold steps toward BETRAYING the dream of our forefathers, and the dream of America, and are going to inadvertently fall into fascism. It's happened before in history, and Americans seem to think we're immune to it. It's exactly that blind nationalism that leads people to the complacency that causes them to not scrutinize and argue against things that go against the nature of our government.

        And putting 'educated' in quotes like that only further drives home my point about anti-intellectualism in America.
    • petemcfraser, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3I seem to remember a different story when the Canadian flag was flown upside down during the Blue Jays world series...
    • admdrew, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2I think it is important if someone flies the flag upside-down because it is a sign of distress and frustration (as others have said) over the current state of our country. If I saw someone flying one in that fashion, I would care immensely - it tells me there are others who are worried about this country's future.
    • SolidBones, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2Actually, we yanks speak in flags.

      And of course Canadians don't care. You guys are some really laid back people--the masters of chill, if you will.
    • Moneyman28, on 07/07/2008, -9/+2Well, unlike you Canadians, we actually had to fight for our freedom instead of having it handed to us. I guess when you actually have to work for something, you appreciate it more.
      • Twenty, on 07/07/2008, -1/+6Are you ***** serious right now?
      • Moneyman28, on 07/07/2008, -5/+1yes, i am serious. I've had family die protecting that flag and the country it represents. I won't be to not care by a person who lives in a country that never had to fight for their freedom.
      • adeptusliberus, on 07/07/2008, -1/+4@ Moneyman28: Actually, the Canadians *did* fight for their freedom. In 1837, two insurrections were carried out against the British Government. In retaliation for these rebellions, the British government set fire to towns and villages across Canada. There's a lot more detail here: http://www.canadiana.org/citm/specifique/rebellion ...

        @ everybody else: As A citizen of these United States, allow me to apologize for moneyman's comment. The vast majority of us recognize that countless nations across the globe have had to shed blood and sacrifice immense amounts of life to throw off the shackles of tyranny.
      • Memitim, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4You didn't have ***** protecting anything. The American Revolution happened a couple of centuries before Daddy said, "Oops," to your mom during a drunken tumble. You are just as annoying as every other asswipe who tries to make themselves seem better via association with other people whom they've never even met. Stop trying to live vicariously through people who actually stepped up and took action. What in the ***** have you done with your life?
      • Moneyman28, on 07/07/2008, -3/+1My grandfather died in world war 2 and my cousin is currently in Iraq instead of being with his newborn baby, who I am the godfather of. And for your information, neither of my parents drink and are both happily married. I'm not trying to become popular off the death of my grandfather, I'm trying to show that people have died protecting that flag, and its not right to use it as a means of demonstrating your own political opinion. If you want to protest the war, make a sign and protest. But please don't use the flag that people have died for as a sign, because that is just wrong.
    • HotBaconSauce, on 07/07/2008, -1/+3Don't confuse Nationalism with Patriotism.
    • PopcornDave, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2Because as people start to feel more helpless, their national identity is the only thing that they can't have taken away easily? Just guessing.
    • debbieann14, on 07/08/2008, -0/+0There are a lot of people out there that are just plain ignorant. Wouldn't know how to piss in a boot if they instructions were on the bottom.
  • leerayIG88, on 07/07/2008, -22/+3Welcome to America.mp3
    • Takfam, on 07/07/2008, -3/+11Does the DRM lock on that file allow you to play it here?
  • arunforce, on 07/07/2008, -20/+5Quick, everyone with flags flip them upside down!
  • lolupissed, on 07/07/2008, -21/+9Love America hate the ***** that live in it and run it
  • jeexbit, on 07/07/2008, -6/+50I prefer the "Don't Tread on Me" flag, but I like this guy's approach nonetheless.
    • prahareturns, on 07/07/2008, -0/+3Unfortunately most American's don't know what the Gadsden flag stands for anymore. I have flown the Gadsden flag in my front yard since the beginning of Bush's second term. I've actually been confronted by strangers about the flag. I have to provide an impromptu history lesson on the flag and it's meaning.
    • Kikinou, on 07/07/2008, -4/+1Dude, people died to protect that flag, have some respect. Would you disrespect the flag if you had a WWII vet in your house? Or do you only do it in front of your equally idiotic blase' friends?
      • EvilLordBanana, on 07/07/2008, -2/+3Flying a flag upside down has nothing to do with disrespect. Do research before opening your mouth. Unfortunately it's ignorance like yours that is dragging this country down.
      • zeebo, on 07/07/2008, -0/+4People died to protect the people of the United States. The flag is an inanimate object.
      • snassiri, on 07/07/2008, -0/+2People died to protect the freedoms that that flag and this nation are supposed to represent. But when those freedoms are in danger of being trampled upon, then acts of civil disobedience like this are not only appropriate, but every true American's duty.
  • j0hnk377y, on 07/07/2008, -12/+5Put a small plate describing what he is doing and call it art. Problem solved.
  • MacroDaemon, on 07/07/2008, -57/+6Disrespecting a flag isn't the way to go about protesting. None of us would stand for burning the flag, for example.
    • Takfam, on 07/07/2008, -14/+19But amazingly, we manage to tolerate a criminal and a traitor for a leader. God damn bless Amerika.
    • Phucked, on 07/07/2008, -8/+48Burning the flag to me says more about freedom then waving the flag.
    • ChristianMagic, on 07/07/2008, -2/+6Yes... none of us.
    • bemenaker, on 07/07/2008, -3/+4First of, it's not disrespecting the flag. Learn what it means first.
    • nevetssav, on 07/07/2008, -3/+3Flying it upside down isn't the same as defacing a flag - defacing a flag is illegal, flying it upside down, backwards, or comically sized? Protected.
    • eShinn, on 07/07/2008, -1/+2I could think of a few other things to burn that would have a greater effect than a flag. ;.)
    • emkaysmith, on 07/07/2008, -1/+4"None of us would stand for burning the flag, for example."

      And why not? Are you a flag-worshiper? Do you pray to the flag? There's a reason the JWs and other strictly fundamentalist groups refuse to salute the flag. It's just a piece of cloth -- and in any case, its symbolism has been hijacked by the self-righteous, holier-than-thou, lapel-pin-wearing America-firsters. I can only imagine how the Founding Fathers would have reacted to someone demanding an 11th Amendment categorizing the flag as a sacred object.
    • swimfins, on 07/07/2008, -4/+1Maybe I'm just getting older but I was taught to respect the flag. It is only a symbol, but a symbol of our country. Take away our country and what have you got?

      Don't like it, don't just leave, go start your own country and see where that gets you.

      A lot of people gave their lives to earn our freedom. Now, just because some people don't like the current political direction, they feel that it is their patriotic duty to disrespect the flag.

      As far as our founding fathers are concerned, I'll bet that they never thought that it would come to this.

      If you are going to burn an American flag, have as much class as this guy:

      http://www.blogforfreedom.com/2006/09/flag_burning ...

      Remember to vote!
      • spudhead, on 07/08/2008, -0/+1"As far as our founding fathers are concerned, I'll bet that they never thought that it would come to this."

        They had every reason to believe it would come to this. Check the Constitution and your history books.
      • emkaysmith, on 07/10/2008, -0/+1"Don't like it, don't just leave, go start your own country and see where that gets you."

        My god, I HATE that facile response. My ancestors have been here since the 17th century and a number of them fought in the Revoloution. This is *MY* country. How about we chuck YOU out?
  • boydestruction, on 07/07/2008, -16/+3qqmoar, digg.
  • oldcrows40, on 07/07/2008, -8/+8Sites down.

    Mirror please.
    • sjolliff, on 07/07/2008, -2/+2Some "Patriot" probably censored it.
    • DigDugDigger, on 07/07/2008, -0/+6Tenant Banned from Flying Flag Upside Down, Gets Death Threat
      By Matthew Rothschild, July 4, 2008

      Meet Dale Decker, 31.

      He lives in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, about an hour north of Milwaukee.

      On June 25, he decided to fly the American flag upside down on the patio of his apartment.

      Decker is upset about the Iraq War, he’s upset about the loss of civil liberties in the United States, he’s upset about the plans he says are under way for a North American Union with Canada and Mexico, and he’s upset about our economy. He himself is unemployed.

      “People in power are not looking after the people’s best interests but their own interests and their corporate cronies’ interests,” he says. “It’s really sad. I’ve got two children, a six year old and a five year old. I love them to death, but I fear for the future that beholds them.”

      He says he wanted to signal to his neighbors that this country is in distress, so he started flying the flag upside down.

      Two days later, Manitowoc police officer Jason Delsman came to his door. But Decker was at Wal-Mart, so, Delsman left his business card with a handwritten note, “Call ASAP.”

      Decker decided to go down to the police department, but Officer Delsman was out, so Decker called him on the phone from there.

      “He told me I was committing a criminal act and could face fines or imprisonment,” Decker said.

      When Decker asked for the statute criminalizing this, he says Officer Delsman responded: “I’m sure that it is somewhere.”

      According to Decker, the officer also said: “You fly your flag at night with no light on it. The next time I see that I’ll have to do something about it.”

      Decker says he stood his ground: “I told him, ‘I know I’m not breaking the law, but if you