American Flags Flown in Protest
By: Kevin Flanigan
Updated: November 14, 2012
ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - There have been a number of reports recently about American Flags being flown upside down. While the displays are more popular in other parts of the country, there are examples in this region.
American Flags are being deliberately flown upside down in a number of different places. One Altoona Businessman says that for him, there is a clear, post election message behind the way he flies his flag.
At the busy intersection of Broad Avenue and 30th Street, the American flag on display outside of an automotive shop has been flying upside down for the last week. The owner has been deliberately flying his American Flag upside down to deliver a specific message. He believes this Country is in distress and wants to call attention to the problem.
While this flag is meant to call attention to the state of this nation and its economy, the use of the American flag as a protest tool bothers some neighbors. One called the display distasteful and disrespectful
Similar reports of American flags flown deliberately upside down have been coming in from around the country. The protesters want to make the point that they believe this Country is in distress. But the point of their protesting may be lost on some people who say they respect the flag.
A number of veterans argue the American flag should not be used as a symbol of protest. National reports indicate that the number of people flying the American flag upside down has been on the increase since election day last week.
American Flags are being deliberately flown upside down in a number of different places. One Altoona Businessman says that for him, there is a clear, post election message behind the way he flies his flag.
At the busy intersection of Broad Avenue and 30th Street, the American flag on display outside of an automotive shop has been flying upside down for the last week. The owner has been deliberately flying his American Flag upside down to deliver a specific message. He believes this Country is in distress and wants to call attention to the problem.
While this flag is meant to call attention to the state of this nation and its economy, the use of the American flag as a protest tool bothers some neighbors. One called the display distasteful and disrespectful
Similar reports of American flags flown deliberately upside down have been coming in from around the country. The protesters want to make the point that they believe this Country is in distress. But the point of their protesting may be lost on some people who say they respect the flag.
A number of veterans argue the American flag should not be used as a symbol of protest. National reports indicate that the number of people flying the American flag upside down has been on the increase since election day last week.
Comments
Hanging the American flag upside down when there is no REAL emergency is DISRESPECTFUL. Fight back thru peaceful protest: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boycott-Flag-Desecraters/544316545582989
Thomas T.
November 21, 2012 at 8:25 am
Some people just like to be noticed.
Dorothy W.
November 15, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@ matt s: You call it complaining like little babies.....yet i'm sure you cried like one every day over Bush being re-elected. You obviously have access to the internet also, so you MUST be rich. I'm sure you are just upset becaues you feel that your side is the only side that has the right to protest. Think again. There are alot of upset conservative people out there. Get over it. Do you protest people that burn the flag as harshly as you do this guy?
Scott W.
November 15, 2012 at 8:36 am
Complaining like little babies, claiming that your higher income is struggling all while using a computer and internet service to leave this comment. You probably own the newest smart phone and drive a sports car, and if you were lower income you live in a nation that would protect your child's life with free healthcare. You have religous freedom and freedom of speech to leave such a treasonous comment. I invite you to go live in china for a while. Turn your flags up right and be proud of it. and if your business isn't going the best be thankful you can even own a business in this great nation.
matt s.
November 15, 2012 at 5:40 am
Coming from a middle income family, I am in total agreement! Our nation IS in distress. I am one of MANY families who struggle every day because of the way our system is set up and it infuriates me! I am disabled myself, but I fight to work, to support my family. Every month is a constant struggle and new surprise as to what will happen next. This month, my children lost insurance coverage. And no, I am not upset that the govt isn't support my children with health care coverage. I AM, however, upset because of all of the "system rules"...one of which is to avg my annual wages. I am a commission-based employee. Thanks to their "system figures" they have now put my family in to a "higher income" guideline. A higher income that is completely false thanks to their "averaging". An income I will never see, yet will cost me more $. What does this mean? It means I am going to pay an insurance rate that I cant afford, just to make sure that my children have health care. I run in to this problem all of the time. It is so typical in our town. I see so many people struggling who could easily live off of our system and not have these worries. These small business owners are being forced to close. Leaving them without income and resorting to using programs that are suppose to be designed to help people survive and get back OFF of govt support. It's time to speak up and take a stand for what we believe. Whether or not we all agree is not the point. The point is that we do not keep our hands tied behind our back when we are suffering.
Flo B.
November 14, 2012 at 8:22 pm
