Upside down flag a symbol

Dear editor:

Not long ago in Boise, I was questioned about an upside-down flag decal on my car by a woman obviously unaware of the U.S. Code. It is an internationally recognized sign of distress, not defined by "Webster's," but as per citizen, if this is still a free country.

Flying or displaying our flag inverted (upside down) is covered in the United States Flag Code, Title 4 Chapter 1. It is not only LEGAL, but a matter of personal interpretation, because WHO really determines what "distress" is? WHO? What is not "perilous" to one, might be to another. The Supreme Court agrees and has ruled that "punitive enforcement would conflict with the 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech."

It's amazing how so many people don't even have copies of our Constitution NOR Declaration of Independence in their homes, yet so many of these "self-ordained armchair professors" always seem to know "what the founders really meant." Ever notice that?

"The government will tell us when we're in distress, Bradbury." Yeah. They'll eventually tell you when to use the bathroom too, because they know what's better for you than YOU do, don't they? And you keep following, because "it's all good!"). No it isn't.

This nation is in serious distress. Not only are we dangerously close to despotism, but John Boenner's sellout last night (because 18 trillion isn't a DEEP enough hole), has left the conservative right and the Tea Parties as the only ones left who'll still defend this country.

But the gravest "distress" are our borders. In Vietnam, we established perimeters everywhere we dug in, due to all the "unfriendly folks" out there wanting to kill Americans. Today, there are ALL KINDS of factions wanting to kill Americans, but we had better security in DaNang, than we have right here in our own country under an administration that values party votes about all else.

Our borders are wide-open, come one come all. Think terror cells aren't already here? (there can't be THAT much Kool-Aid). As an old combat vet, that's "distress" enough for ME.

"Disrespect for the flag", eh? Not according to the flag code.

But let's look around anyway. Ever seen one flying on a pole all tattered and torn? Did you say anything about it to the owner or company? Why not?

If some subversive burned our flag in protest, in my presence, we'd BOTH make the 6 O'clock news. Would YOU?

"Disrespect?" We have an annual Air Force Appreciation Day Parade. Do you get off your butt and stand with your hand over your heart when "old Glory" passes? (be honest now).

Pledge of Allegiance banned from schools all over this country. Are you enraged, or is it really "not that big of a deal?" And how about kids being sent home from schools for wearing American Flag T-shirts because they might "OFFEND somebody!"

I write letters to editors and state senators in protest of this garbage. Do YOU? I've not seen one.

"Disrespect?" We have a "Commander-in-Chief" who practically had to be SHAMED into wearing a flag lapel pin in his early days because ("I don't want to appear to be partial to other world leaders"). And the "First Lady" at the great rally, lips CLEARLY readable, "all this for a damned flag." We all saw it, even those who deny it.

Disrespect for the flag? Don't even go there with me.

Here in Mountain Home, many residents proudly fly our flag. I want our kids and grandkids to be able to grow up to enjoy seeing American flags in people's yards. It's the way it SHOULD be.

So don't get ruffled when you see one INVERTED, because BEHIND it is somebody who cares enough about this country to want to MAKE SURE you can always fly YOURS.

An upside-down flag isn't some "radical form of disrespect." It's an alarm clock for the mesmerized. If we can avoid the iceberg, we won't need the lifeboats.

-- Mike Bradbury