A statement first and then the question if you will indulge me.

Since the day after September 11, 2001 I have flown the American flag on my porch. Day or night, fair weather or foul, all through the four seasons, that flag has flown (Please--no admonishments about flying the flag at night or in the rain. The symbolism here supercedes the procedural).

Liberals are often unfairly demonized as not loving their country as much as conservatives, but 9/11 was one of those moments that cuts through what separates us and serves as a reminder that we really are one nation.

The day after President Bush's speech demanding Saddam Hussein leave or the United States would force him out, I took the flag down.

In my heart I am still just as much a patriotic American now as I was before. However, I am opposed to the war and I do not want flying the flag to suggest that I support President Bush in his actions. Yes, I do support our troops that will fight and die in this endeavor, but while I can separate supporting the troops from the policy, I don't want there to be any confusion in my firm opposition to the president.

Finally, here's the question:

Is the action of taking down the American flag on the eve of the war a sufficient cause to question one's patriotism?

I think the American flag is a much broader symbol then current American actions. You can't always agree with your president but a patriotic person should always believe that their country can get better and improve. I'm against the war too but I wouldn't stop flying my flag. The flag symbolizes your freedom to dissent. Taking down the flag may symbolize not wanting war to you so you are still patriotic.

Keep it flying, but turn it upside down. Bound to draw some attention!

Is taking it down enough to question your patriotism? Truthfully, I don't get the question. Do you mean, will your action be sufficient cause for others to question it, or for you to question your own patriotism?

I'd say, who gives a hoot if others question it. It's not their business, and if they are that simple, they have got other problems of their own. Maybe keep the flag flying, and put up a sign saying "support our troops: bring them home" or something...

If you've read through these forums, I would imagine that you have more reason than most people to oppose the war. Few people I've encountered in the recent weeks are aware of all the facts behind this war... and just how many of the facts they think they're aware of are fabricated.

Take it down, invert it... whatever you like. I think it more patriotic to be informed and genuinely concerned about the state of your nation than to pull Old Glory over your eyes and be led around. Probably the only people that would even notice are the so-called "potato patriots" who couldn't legitimately tell you why they had a problem with it.

Ya'll shouldn't mess with people like that!

An inverted flag is a distress signal. You might even get into trouble.

IMHO, taking down the flag prior to a military engagement is unpatriotic. Keep 'er waving.

Does an inverted flag really stand for a distress signal? Please provide details of how it would be used.

This was just a quick find. Inverted Flag

Also Code Title 36, Chapter 10, section 176(a)
Flag code

Thanks! That's interesting information.

I plan to continue flying my flag the proper way. I support our troups 100% and do not want to send any other message.

I'd say keep flying the flag, but put a big peace symbol next to it. That should send a clear enough message.

From the "code"


I particularly like the advertising section. Now, I don't see television very often, but hasn't there been an awful lot of flag-use in commercials in recent years? Yet no one seems really upset about that. As it's just an object with an image on it, I'd say it is in no way connected to your feelings of patriotism. Fly it upside down, write on it, burn it, eat it, dip it in horse dung. None of that stuff means anything at all.

If you want to support the troops and still protest the war, put up a sign saying so - it's been shown, both here on AD as well as in the news, that what you do with the flag is so subjective. Use a sign, say exactly what you mean... that's my advice anyway.

I particularly liked the suggestion of Platypus of continuing to fly the flag but perhaps adding a peace flag or symbol near it.

There is a report that air raid sirens are going off in Baghdad.

Tonight I will say a prayer for our troops and for the people of Iraq.

And maybe I'll throw one in for the rest of us as well. I have a feeling the churches will be very full this weekend. I'm not a religious man, but I feel so morally conflicted that I might have to revise my thinking.

My preparations for the war? None in particular, other than making sure my food, water, gas and ammunition are all well stocked. I'm not for the neocon strategy of using Iraq as a base to reshape the entire Middle East, though I am for the more limited objectives of removing Saddam and disarming Iraq's WMDs. But regardless of policy differences, I'll support the troops and the war effort, and I'll keep flying my flag the normal way. Not going to tell anybody else what to do though.