U.S. flag code
Federal code outlining respect for and handling of the U.S. flag states: “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America ... 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.”
Nampa man unhappy, calls Obama election ‘vile’ and ‘disgusting’
NAMPA — A man unhappy with the results of the presidential election and the general state of the U.S. has hoisted the flag outside his southeast Nampa home upside-down in protest.
The man, who did not wish to be named, said it was “vile” and “disgusting” to see voters elect Barack Obama, who he characterized as anti-American, over John McCain.
News reports of a number of similar demonstrations by individuals and businesses in other states have surfaced in the past week. Readers alerted the Idaho Press-Tribune to a second upside-down flag near Melba.
Local police agencies did not report any complaints or questions regarding the flags. While it is not illegal to fly the flag upside down, flag code dictates it is only appropriate as a distress signal, and some people find its use as a political message offensive.
“It bothers me,” a neighbor of the Nampa man said. “It’s an eyesore for the neighborhood, and I think it’s unpatriotic. ...
“I don’t agree with the way the election went either, but I’m quite patriotic and I’ll support it.” Alex Silva, commander of Nampa’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3465 and VFW District 5, said it is “completely inappropriate” to use the upside down flag to make a political statement.
“An American flag is flown upside down in case of a dire emergency and for no other reason,” he said. “That’s improper use of flag protocol. ... It’s not a matter of life or death.”
Pastor Wayne Schuler, chaplain of Nampa’s Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 897, agreed. Schuler said he saw an upside-down flag in Nampa recently while driving with his wife and remarked on its proper use as a distress signal.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate,” he said. “The flag represents our country. ... We need to pray for our president-elect and his cabinet and our country. The American people have spoken.”
Todd Shallat, director of Boise State University’s Center for History and Politics, said he was unaware of any other time in Idaho history the upside-down flag has been used for political protest.
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