NC Man Defaces American Flag in Protest of Election Results

[Guest]

[Ross Myers]

By Paul Garber | Journal Reporter

Published: November 7, 2008

A Stokes County man is protesting the election of Barack Obama by mounting an upside-down X-ed out flag on his property.

Tony Heath said he believes that Obama was only elected because of his skin color and that he is not qualified.

"I believe it is a racist problem, and the racism is he was put in there because he is black." Heath said.

Heath said he wouldn't have a problem if a qualified black man was elected. He said he voted for John McCain.

"Wednesday morning was the first time I've ever got out of bed and was ashamed to be an American," he said.

The flag is stretched upside-down between two poles in a field, with a black X running from end to end. The X is a reference to the Confederate Flag, Heath said. It reflects his belief that the Confederate Flag has been unfairly targeted for protest by people trying to be politically correct.

The flag has caused controversy on Rosebud Road, a five-mile stretch off of N.C. 8 where at least nine other residents flew their American flags right-side up yesterday afternoon.

Kemp Jones said the protest was an over-enthusiastic response to the election result.

"I don't think it's right to desecrate the flag because of politics," said Jones, who has lived on the road since 1963.

His nephew, Mike Jones, agreed.

"It sounds crazy," Mike Jones said. "There's a lot of people who lost their lives protecting that flag. It's the No. 1 thing we stand for."

Mike Jones said he voted for Obama.

Kemp Jones said he voted for George Bush the last two elections but declined to say who he voted for this year.

Heath said he knows that some people will take offense at his protest, but nonetheless plans to leave it up until Obama is inaugurated in January.

According to the U.S. Code, a flag should not be displayed with the stars down "except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

The code also states that the flag "should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."

The News & Record newspaper reported Thursday that employees at an Ace Hardware store in Greensboro flew the flag upside down at that business, also as a protest against the election results.

[Nate Lathrop]

I think someone should go and take his flag off of his property and dispose of it. ( In the proper method of course). I am not happy about the election myself. I do not think Mr Obama has enough experience to be President, but I accept the fact he will be my Commander-In-Chief and I will follow his orders. I think defacing the flag should be against the law and this individual should be put in jail. Too many true Americans have died for the flag and the flag should always be respected.

[DoggyDaddy]

United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 — The Flag "The laws relating to the flag of the United States of America are found in detail in the United States Code. Title 4, Chapter 1 pertains to the flag; Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 regards criminal penalties for flag desecration; Title 36, Chapter 3 pertains to patriotic customs and observances. These laws were supplemented by Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations."

Liberal judges of the Supreme Court already decided that this action to include burning is legal free speech provided the flag is the personal property of the desecrator.  You will only be able to possibly enforce the law if the flag being desecrated or burned was city, county or state property.  Then it would be defacing or destruction of government property provided the Dist Attny would prosecute.   Sad but true.

[easingwr670]

In my private e-mail to Jeremy, I explained that it was the right of the individual to do what he/she wishes on his own property but if he was so determined in taking action, he was free to do so as long as he did not break and laws or infringe on any persons rights.
His use of the term "cowards" is very inappropriate to an orginazation like the VFW.
He needs to look up the meaning of "Semper Fi" and live by it.

[Nate Lathrop]

I understand that doing what he did is protected under the First Amendment. I do not like that exact use of the First Amendment but that is what I am sworn to protect the and defend the Constitution of The United States b ut I ws only posting how I felt and using my First Amendment Right also. As far as VFW being cowards, I take offense to that. I personally do not like what his individual did and I am sure that other members of the VFW have the same view point of me.

[IJK3770]

    The flag code also states that the flag should not be placed on anything to be used temporarily and then discarded.  If the flag code had the force of law then the postmaster general of the US would be in violation for printing US Flag stamps.
    While the individual may choose to defile the flag and is protected by law from doing so and not be charged with a crime I am surprised that no one has taken it down for him and properly retired the flag.
   Just my 2 cents and while I know I am not in step with everyone else on this I am entitled to my opinion.
Cheerily
IJK

[Jerry]

This is a disgusting display by a man who needs to grow up.  I've been disgusted with the direction this country has taken during the eight years under George W. Bush, but never would I have thought to destroy or disrespect our flag. 

I think his actions had more to do with Obama's race (as evidenced by the obvious Confederate symbol he used) than his experience.  Just another display of how far we've moved from the ideals and vision expressed by that flag.

[srtpointman]

Honestly, what a douchebag. How is this going to change the presidency? It's not. And while I don't believe that the Confederate Flag is a racist symbol, I believe he used it as a racist symbol in this instance. Obviously someone who has never fought for the stars and bars.

[DJYahtzee]

An obviously confused man. Disrespecting his country, using such a controversial 'freedom', merely to protest the President-elect.

The same people who advocate (yes I said 'advocate' as opposed to 'allow') the burning of the 'Banner are the ones who mindlessly advocated Obama despite issues with his associates, his historic stances and his perceived loyalties and lack of patriotism.

Whose side is Mr. Heath on, anyway?

[PETE O.]

I seriously have doubts that it has anything to do with the confederacy. I thinks he's just crossing it off. What I'm wondering is why in the world don't local VFW members go out there and take it down, whoop the dude's arss and let him know it'll happen again if he tries it again. I'll bet the local LEOs would turn the other way. I was extremely upset that so many people of these great United States would vote for Obama, but that's what we're about...FREEDOM. Freedom to desicrate our flag isn't what it's all about.

[VN-Wil]

A despicable act. My quandary is that we fought for these, well, fringe guys. If it's illegal, well, prosecute to the max. If it's not, i reserve my right to despise these people and their ilk and pay no further mind to them.

[DoggyDaddy]

I am happy to report, The Flag was taken care of by the Veteran Rep in Stokes County after I spoke to him directly about it. 

Thanks you for getting involved and bringing this to your Veterans Rep, and thank your Veterans Rep for me.  Any idea what transpired between the VR and the disgruntled citizen 

[DoggyDaddy]

Yes, Mr Lawson of Stokes County when over to the home and spoke directly to the owner. Not by Code or Law by example of this true Veteran Mr Lawson. This young man took the flag down and was sorry for being disrespectful.
If the VFW has some kind of award this Veteran in leadership should be recognized and honored.

I encourage your Post/Aux present him with a VFW Citation or Plaque as appreciation and in recognition of his americanism. Make a motion at your next meeting. An assortment are available from the VFW Emblem Supply Catalog. The expense for it can come from the Relief Fund.  We should recognize individuals like Mr Lawson. This also promotes the image and existance of your VFW Post/Aux to everyone who sees the award displayed in his office. It can also be made a PR event with his bosses present.