Upside down American flag
It looks like Beth Hammer has beaten me to the punch. I was ecstatic when I read Bill Johnsons’ column regarding the upside down American flag. I hope that veterans and other patriots are deep enough thinkers to realize this is not a frontal assault on their service to this nation. Beth Hammers protest is entirely appropriate. The government we have now has just about turned everything else that is truly American on its head, a la, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, The Supreme Court, a just reason for war, so, why not the American flag? It makes perfect sense to use the ultimate symbol of symbolism to protest the quagmire in Iraq.
I come from a family of veterans who would find this to be ok in their book. They are not blind followers who would bow in patriotic approval to everything our current leadership would suggest. The ultimate form of patriotism is to question your government, and this is exactly what Mrs/Ms Hammer is doing. I salute her and anyone else who is brave enough and Patriotic enough to do the same.
To all Americans; Her form of protest is exactly what veterans fought to preserve. Do we want this country to go down the path of the Gulag, where people are thrown away and never seen again for this type of defiance, or do we want a country that sais yes you can do this, but allow me to use my freedom of expression to tell you I don’t like it. I choose the latter.
This letter has not been edited.
The Gulag? Being a little dramatic there, aren't we?
Look, protest is good. But Ms Hammer SIGNED AWAY HER RIGHTS in exchange for the privilege of living in a gated community where the common people can't disturb her peace of mind. Those who would trade their freedom for a little security deserve neither. Let her stand on the corner and protest like the rest of us.
Posted by Kevin on July 16, 2007 04:27 PMYou can't 'sign away your rights'. That is the point of the constitution and the bill of rights.
Posted by Roy on July 16, 2007 04:32 PMRoy, you CAN sign away your rights when you sign an agreement with an HOA to obey THEIR rules not the U.S. Constitution. They get to tell you what color to paint your house, what stuff cannot be in your driveway and what symbols (if any) you can fly. And they will sue you with the dues you pay every month to get you to comply. No thanks! It is a most disturbing trend and you will not catch me living under rules like that!
Posted by jefferson on July 16, 2007 05:34 PMIts ok if they go over the line on things. After all it is in the name of free speach, patriotism, ect. However when the other side does it they bemoan and cry foul. Socalled liberals can not have it both ways, and that is what they want. Do as i say not as i do attitudes are no longer as pc as the left would like to think. Rather or not Beth Hammers flies the flag upside down or not. It is an offense and misinterpretation of the meaning of an inverted flag represents.
But hey I will remeber the next time I am in a theatre. Its my right to yell fire. After all its free speach, right?
Posted by on July 16, 2007 05:47 PMThis has nothing to do with the Constitution or the Bill of rights.
It does however ,involve freedoms ,
the freedom to move to a non-covenant controlled neighborhood where she could do anything she wants.
But that wouldn't get her much attention.
If Ms. Hammer broke a rule in the Covenant that she signed she is at their mercy.
Too bad the homeowners association caved.
That ruins Beth's plan of a long,highly publicized trial and her becoming the next anti-war media darling ala Mother Sheehan.
She does have other options though.
Maybe next she could burn an American soldier or a likeness of Bush in effigy in her front yard. Hell,why not both?
Then,after the cameras ,and the Code Pink gals show up,the erecting of the shrine to terrorist understanding begins, followed, of course ,by the christening of the new epicenter for the American hating left, CAMP HAMMER.
Posted by Get Real on July 16, 2007 05:54 PMFreedom to contract permits an American to sign away rights otherwise freedom of choice is abandoned. One can even give up his citizenship.
Posted by Richard Grimes Deicide r22037@yahoo.com on July 16, 2007 06:16 PMI understand Ms. Hammer is exercising her
First Ammendment.....but..couldn't she do it in a different manner?
If you go to www.Terry Anderson Talk Show.
During the protests in L.A...It shows Mexicans lighting up the Flag/or putting a cig. lighter to the American flag.
Anothe pic is the Mexican flag first..then the AMERICAN FLAG..UPSIDE DOWN>
We were taught to respect the American Flag
no matter what. THat just don't feel right.
Amen to your comments maria-now-Independent.
There is too much history and sacrifice tied to our flag to dishonor it in any manner.
"That just don't feel right" about sums it up.
Besides that, there are laws about how our flag must be flown and I'm sure up-side down is not one of the positions.
Posted by skeptical on July 17, 2007 08:44 PMYou're a strong and brave woman. You keep it up and upside down. Don't EVEN trip on the politically or intellectually blind/infantile!Bravo from
De Grantmon, mon.