Veteran cuts down Illegal Mexican flag flying above U.S. Flag

[Cyrille]

Flying the National flag upside down is the Distress signal A call of help/ assistance.

[ezearln]

Cyrille gets the cigar!! Exactly right!

[YankeeSpirit76]

The only reason it is appropriate to fly the flag upside down is to show that you are in extreme distress, such as your under attack.
That man is my hero. He is as much a hero as the men who fired the" shot heard round the world" on April 19th 1775 at the bridge in Lexington- Concord. They too were taking their country back!
When will people wake up and see that we are under attack by foreign invaders. Just because they don't come over the border with guns blazing, they are still invading!
In my opinion, all the border states should be flying the flag upside down. Maybe then someone would notice!

[ezearln]

Well that's one idea for showing the distress in the border states.

[Brother Bob]

Originally Posted by ezearln

Oddly Brother Bob flying the U.S. Flag upside down is allowed and appropriate in ONE situation and one only. Can any of the vets here answer what that one situation is? And while I commend Bob on taking action about what he saw why it COULD have been dangerous for him to take the actions he did?

Have you never read the book, "Don't Shoot Me, I'm The Telephone Man"?????? LOL! Yeah, I knew that everything was Ok and that is was either an oversight or a sick joke. Either way, I didn't share the humor with the folks in the office and they knew it by the time I hit the front door!

[ezearln]

LOL we got a place called the Koyote Ranch up around us here and once there was a group that had placed the Texas flag upside down on his stage. Had a short chat and "Helped" him correct his fauxpas.

[YankeeSpirit76]

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

Well someone needs to thank him for doing there job that's for sure. Why did no one with an authoritative roll do anything?

Because their afraid to lose votes

[roadie]

F'n A!!! good for him, glad to see what he did. I'm sure that guy would have thought most any consequence would have been worth it. I think he did the right thing. It's good to see an American reminding folks that this is America.

[Cyrano]

You know, back when I was in elementary school, around Flag Day every year the teachers would take one class period and talk about the U.S. Flag. We covered a bit of the history - you know, going from the Grand Uion flag to the "Betsy Ross" flag, how "The Star Spangled Banner" came to be written, why today there are only 13 stripes but 50 stars - but one thing we always covered was flag etiquette. When to fly the colors, how to fly the colors, flying at night (only if properly illuminated), how to mount the colors on a wall, the position of the colors if flown with other flags, such as in a color guard, which pole to fly on if mutliple flags are flown (the Colors are always on their own right - I've even seen high school color guards for marching bands get that wrong!), dipping the colors at sea (naval vessels only return dips, they never dip first) and the one flag that may be flown over the US Flag.

Yes, there actually IS one flag, or more properly a pennant, that may be flown over the Colors, but only under one condiition. There is a purple and white church pennant used by the US Navy when divine services are under way aboard a Navy warship. For the duration of the religious service, and only for the duration of the religious service, the church pennant (a white flag with a purple cross on it, bordered in purple) flies aover the Colors to symbolize that the power of God surpasses the power of the United States.

But I guess this sort of patriotic information isn't taught in the schools any more. There are times when, listening to people talk about the horse-hockey that IS being taught in the schools these days, that I think educators believe patriotism is an obsolete concept with no relevance in today's world.

[LarryO1970]

Originally Posted by Cyrano

You know, back when I was in elementary school, around Flag Day every year the teachers would take one class period and talk about the U.S. Flag. We covered a bit of the history - you know, going from the Grand Uion flag to the "Betsy Ross" flag, how "The Star Spangled Banner" came to be written, why today there are only 13 stripes but 50 stars - but one thing we always covered was flag etiquette. When to fly the colors, how to fly the colors, flying at night (only if properly illuminated), how to mount the colors on a wall, the position of the colors if flown with other flags, such as in a color guard, which pole to fly on if mutliple flags are flown (the Colors are always on their own right - I've even seen high school color guards for marching bands get that wrong!), dipping the colors at sea (naval vessels only return dips, they never dip first) and the one flag that may be flown over the US Flag.

Yes, there actually IS one flag, or more properly a pennant, that may be flown over the Colors, but only under one condiition. There is a purple and white church pennant used by the US Navy when divine services are under way aboard a Navy warship. For the duration of the religious service, and only for the duration of the religious service, the church pennant (a white flag with a purple cross on it, bordered in purple) flies aover the Colors to symbolize that the power of God surpasses the power of the United States.

But I guess this sort of patriotic information isn't taught in the schools any more. There are times when, listening to people talk about the horse-hockey that IS being taught in the schools these days, that I think educators believe patriotism is an obsolete concept with no relevance in today's world.

Cryano ... you bring up a great point, that society has forgotten about our past and our own history for reasons unknown. I believe that this is something that is incredibly important and would like to see it taught in the schools yet again.

[Brother Bob]

Originally Posted by Cyrano

You know, back when I was in elementary school, around Flag Day every year the teachers would take one class period and talk about the U.S. Flag. We covered a bit of the history - you know, going from the Grand Uion flag to the "Betsy Ross" flag, how "The Star Spangled Banner" came to be written, why today there are only 13 stripes but 50 stars - but one thing we always covered was flag etiquette. When to fly the colors, how to fly the colors, flying at night (only if properly illuminated), how to mount the colors on a wall, the position of the colors if flown with other flags, such as in a color guard, which pole to fly on if mutliple flags are flown (the Colors are always on their own right - I've even seen high school color guards for marching bands get that wrong!), dipping the colors at sea (naval vessels only return dips, they never dip first) and the one flag that may be flown over the US Flag.

Yes, there actually IS one flag, or more properly a pennant, that may be flown over the Colors, but only under one condiition. There is a purple and white church pennant used by the US Navy when divine services are under way aboard a Navy warship. For the duration of the religious service, and only for the duration of the religious service, the church pennant (a white flag with a purple cross on it, bordered in purple) flies aover the Colors to symbolize that the power of God surpasses the power of the United States.

But I guess this sort of patriotic information isn't taught in the schools any more. There are times when, listening to people talk about the horse-hockey that IS being taught in the schools these days, that I think educators believe patriotism is an obsolete concept with no relevance in today's world.

Thank you for sharing this with the rest of the forum. I received a small paperback booklet when I was quite young. It explained our flag and proper use of it. I believe it's high time that this information and U.S. history be made available to our youngsters again. Why does it take a 9/11 to get folks to be patriotic and love their country? We are losing our heritage and it makes me sad and sick!

[LarryO1970]

We need politicians like this guy... with pride in America, not personal gains.

[FISHPOND]

We all should react the same way the man did. There was no blood shed, but his point was well taken. I am grateful there is still men like him among us. God Bless that man!!!

[LarryO1970]

Originally Posted by FISHPOND

We all should react the same way the man did. There was no blood shed, but his point was well taken. I am grateful there is still men like him among us. God Bless that man!!!

Reno, Nevada...? I'd throughly expect Mexicans to try that in New Mexico, Arizona and other bordering states... but Reno?

... I am wondering how long that Mexican flag was flying above ours before anyone did anything?

[FISHPOND]

I wish I could thank that man face to face. As stated above that could have been a threat to his life, however it looks like he was willing to take that on if needs be!!

[LarryO1970]

Originally Posted by FISHPOND

I wish I could thank that man face to face. As stated above that could have been a threat to his life, however it looks like he was willing to take that on if needs be!!

What bothers me ... is why did it come to a Veteran having to be the one to take down the Mexican flag from flying above the American flag?

Secondly, Republican Governor Jim Gibbons needs to climb all over Republican Mayor Bob Cashell to remind people of who they are and where they live. Democrat Harry Reid needs to set the precedence here in reminding the people of his state where they live and who they are too... the following is straight from Harry Reid's website:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~

Immigration
America needs comprehensive immigration reform

I am strongly opposed to illegal immigration and believe that our immigration laws should be strictly enforced. At the same time, there is near-universal agreement that our system is broken and in need of reform.

Immigration reform is a national security issue of critical importance. We need to know who is in our country and who is crossing our borders. I believe that everyone who comes into the United States must be screened and every worker must have legal authorization to work. Reform will allow us to focus our resources on criminals, terrorists, and those who wish to do us harm.

I believe reform should include strong and effective enforcement of our borders, tough sanctions against employers who hire undocumented immigrants, a new worker program, and an opportunity for undocumented immigrants currently in this country to get right with the law and earn their way to U.S. citizenship if they work hard for several years, learn English, pay their taxes, pass a criminal background check, and pay fines and penalties for being here unlawfully.

I support immigration reform that protects the U.S. economy and American competitiveness, while also safeguarding the rights and wages of American workers.

Hard-working immigrants have been crucial to the strong economic growth Nevada has witnessed in recent years, and I believe we need immigration reform to ensure our state’s continued economic health. Reform is also important to keep together Nevada’s families – many of which include U.S. citizens or immigrants legally in the United States, as well as undocumented members.

We must not forget that we are a nation founded on and built by immigrants. Our grandparents and great-grandparents came here to pursue the American dream, and we should honor that proud heritage as we work to reform our immigration laws.

I supported S. 2611, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006, which the Senate passed with a strong bipartisan vote in the 109th Congress. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives refused to work with the Senate to reconcile the differences in our two bills, so we were unable to enact reform that year. In 2007, I supported S. 1639, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act. I was very disappointed when opponents of this bill blocked it from coming up for a vote. By doing nothing, our country is left with the same problems that have plagued our broken immigration system for years.

I remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform and hope that we are able to enact it soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~

Again, why did it come to a Veteran having to be the one to take down the Mexican flag from flying above the American flag?

Personally... I DO NOT support amnesty.

President Bush, all senators, and all congressional members, when taking office, have all sworn to uphold the Constitution. Let's look into this further... shall we ?

What does the Constitution have to say about illegal immigration? Article IV Section 4 of the Constitution reads, "The United States shall guarantee to every state in the Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion."

… apparently, the Senators don't understand the word "invasion" the Constitution uses. Perhaps it is simply that they don't understand what their oath of office means. Perhaps they don't understand what it means to enforce border law?

Now who's violating the Constitution and existing American laws? We are a nation of laws. Wise laws make for an orderly society. Fences make good neighbors too.

[Coeloptera]

Awesome!

Now that's what I like to see.

That makes me proud of my country. I'd love to be able to write that guy a nice letter and thank him. I've never had the chance to do something like that, but when I lived in Santa Cruz, after the 4th of July, I'd go clean the beach after the tourists wrecked it and I'd find American flags in the garbage, half-buried in the sand, or knocked over on houses on the way there. I'd set them upright if they were clean (the ones outside houses), and the rest, I'd get a fire started on the beach and burn the rest, properly.

I don't believe the flag is sacrosanct, I believe burning it in protest is appropriate under the appropriate circumstances (which are very rare, IMHO), but it's an issue, not of nationalism, but of genuine patriotism and respect. It is the symbol of this country and to casually denigrate it shows disrespect for this country. It isn't more important than what it stands for (you know..."the Republic for which it stands"), but to show casual disdain for it is to indicate how you likely feel about the nation.

I understand exactly the impulse that compelled that veteran to do what he did and I applaud him for it. Notice also the fellows who were flying it didn't have much to say. Maybe they knew they were in the wrong, who knows? But to come to this country, to work, to send money back to your nation of origin, and to fly that flag above the one of the nation you currently reside in? That's the height of disrespect. Well...and illegal.

- Coeloptera
(See Larry? There are a few things we're in total agreement on. )

[LarryO1970]

Originally Posted by Coeloptera

Awesome!

Now that's what I like to see.

That makes me proud of my country. I'd love to be able to write that guy a nice letter and thank him. I've never had the chance to do something like that, but when I lived in Santa Cruz, after the 4th of July, I'd go clean the beach after the tourists wrecked it and I'd find American flags in the garbage, half-buried in the sand, or knocked over on houses on the way there. I'd set them upright if they were clean (the ones outside houses), and the rest, I'd get a fire started on the beach and burn the rest, properly.

I don't believe the flag is sacrosanct, I believe burning it in protest is appropriate under the appropriate circumstances (which are very rare, IMHO), but it's an issue, not of nationalism, but of genuine patriotism and respect. It is the symbol of this country and to casually denigrate it shows disrespect for this country. It isn't more important than what it stands for (you know..."the Republic for which it stands"), but to show casual disdain for it is to indicate how you likely feel about the nation.

I understand exactly the impulse that compelled that veteran to do what he did and I applaud him for it. Notice also the fellows who were flying it didn't have much to say. Maybe they knew they were in the wrong, who knows? But to come to this country, to work, to send money back to your nation of origin, and to fly that flag above the one of the nation you currently reside in? That's the height of disrespect. Well...and illegal.

- Coeloptera
(See Larry? There are a few things we're in total agreement on. )

LOL ... kinda like celebrating the 4th of July on a RAF Base in Cyprus. That was great, talk about irony...

[Coeloptera]

Originally Posted by LarryO1970

LOL ... kinda like celebrating the 4th of July on a RAF Base in Cyprus. That was great, talk about irony...

Well...I imagine the British flyboys were good sports about it.

Aaaaaaand in other awesome flag-related news: Marine Corps reservist won't be charged in flag rescue - KJRH.com

"MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (AP) - A U.S. Marine Corps reservist won't be charged for ignoring police requests and wading into a protest to rescue an American Flag."

"Modisette was leaving Tinker Air Force Base in his car Friday when he saw the protester with the flag. He said he turned around and headed for the crowd to get the flag. He was handcuffed after ignoring several requests by officers to move away from the small group of demonstrators from Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan."

Now see...I'm torn. He ignored requests to move away, but it was the Westboro Baptist psychos.

*Sigh*, that's the problem with free speech. You have to tolerate people like them, sometimes. Although I like the fact that they push so hard they get sued over it because they trample the rights of others during their protests.

Reasonable reaction from the police, here. So, all's well.

- Coeloptera

[LouMG]

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