Flag flown upside down over economic mess

[sabra]

Source: NBC-2

PLAINFIELD, IL: A woman has drawn the ire of her neighbors for her decision to fly the American flag upside down outside her home.

Debra Brzostowski says she's flipped out over the struggling economy and is flying the inverted Star Spangled Banner as an international sign of distress.

The flag went up on November 14, the day the Wall Street bailout was announced, and the same day Brzostowski was denied an operating loan for her communications and wiring business.

...

"With the people that we have over in Iraq dying for our rights as a country. And they're obviously in distress. They're still holding the American flag high," neighbor Jennifer Hillery said.

Brzostowski said her actions are in no way a comment about the troops, instead saying that the freedoms for which they fight give her the right to protest.

"This is my symbol to the government that I'm in distress. It's a distress call," Brzostowski said.

Read more: http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=23915&z=69

[Skittles]

1. sad how so many people don't understand what the upside-down flag means

they automatically assume it means one hates America

[tanyev]

2. Looks like that neighbor speaks fluent Palinese.

[Aristus]

17. Another dumb-fuck who thinks our poor military guys are "dying for our rights."

No, you stupid bitch, they're dying for oil company profits, but you're too dumb to know! :mad::grr::nuke:

[AndyTiedye]

3. Only Problem With This, is That an Upside-Down Flag is a Distress Signal

and while it could be argued that our country is in distress,
having fire, police or ambulances respond won't help.

[wolfgangmo]

8. It's not a signal to emergency services

Puhlease.

[Ian David]

10. Traditionally, yes, it is. Especially on a boat. n/t

[Javaman]

13. FYI...

Is it okay to display the flag upside down to protest the war, the election, etc.?
The Flag Code states, "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." It is an unreasonable stretch to argue that the political purposes constitute "dire distress." We recommend that people who wish to express their political views find a way to do so that is respectful of the flag. Remember that to some the flag represents the government of the US and its policies; but it also represents the promise as yet unfulfilled of the Declaration, it represents our freedom of speech, our freedom to practice or not practice religion as we choose, it represents American values, it represents one nation in its glory, it represents hope for a better future, and importantly it represents the sacrifices made in all generations to protect our freedoms.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

[Ian David]

19. They suggest we find a way to protest that is "respectful" of the flag...

... as if hanging it upside-down were dis-respectful.

[Tempest]

14. Traditionally, not on land

It's strictly a naval distress signal.

[izquierdista]

16. Only if they arrive at a Cabinet meeting

And make Dubya & pals do the perp walk.

[madamesilverspurs]

4. Yeah, well my flags

(lapel pins amd bumper stickers included) have been upside down since 2000 when W was installed. Those who have objected have been invited to fix it by impeaching the bugger. I'm looking forward to returning it to its standard use on January 20, 2009.

[HopeHoops]

5. Mine went out upside down both times the unelected shrub was given the election

It was also proudly right side up after Obama's landslide!

Curiously, not one of the houses in our neighborhood with McCain signs had a flag up for Veterans Day. I did.

[Politicalboi]

6. With neighbors like this

"With the people that we have over in Iraq dying for our rights as a country. And they're obviously in distress. They're still holding the American flag high," neighbor Jennifer Hillery said.

This dip thinks were in Iraq for our freedoms. I wouldn't doubt if she thought Iraqi's are flying our flag in front of their bombed out homes.

[benld74]

7. I've been mailing my bills with inverted FLAG stamps for the past 8 years!

[HopeHoops]

9. That is also code for "I love you", so keep that in mind when you send in your bills!

[wizstars]

11. me too--with an "Impeach Bush/Cheney" message or two...

...one of which drew the attention of the KGWB--er, Secret Service (Gestapo). I told them, in the immortal words of Mr. Cheney, to go bugger themselves.

[Tempest]

15. Same here

I go to the post office and specifically ask for the flag stamps for that purpose.


My father's checks had an upside down flag on them and there were stores who wouldn't accept them.

[russspeakeasy]

12. So, what's the problem...

and please save the "it dishonors our troops" shit
out of the conversation.....

[mopinko]

18. in the fat bastert hastert's back yard, too.

although i wonder how she voted in the last few elections. plainfield is solid red.