Generally, flying any national flag upside down is a sign of distress. Not being an attorney, but being able to read English as written from 1600 through today, I can clearly see a 1st Amendment issue here with the Police. I can even see a Title 18 section 241/242 action against those officers (and superiors if demonstrated that they condoned the action) and including the County Attorney.
Bottom line for me, this Vet IS within his rights. And just on the face of it, I agree with his actions.
if your own property isn't considered a free speech zone then what the hell are our boys dying for?
Even desecration of the flag is permissible under the U.S. Constitution, so the great likelihood is that the police violated the veteran's first amendment rights. I agree with Steve.
It's too bad the veteran feels the way he does, but that is not the issue here.
WAY TO GO VITO , dont let them win ,you have our full support!!!!! from all of us here at custom services and stateline choppers, (Lake Geneva Wi.,i know the story first hand ,your right and they are WRONG, you need anything let us know i,ll spread the word, let freedom ring!!!!
I HAVE SEEN THIS TYPE OF PROTEST HERE IN MY STATE, MY CITY. IT WAS JUST CONSIDERED POOR JUDGEMENT BUT NOT A CRIME. I AGREE THAT THE VET SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SHOW HIS DISTRESS ANY WAY THAT GETS HIS MESSAGE ACROSS.
I agree that this veteran's rights appear to have been violated. I'm a veteran myself and while I'm not sure I would fly the flag upside down, I certainly respect any American's right to do so. I was so infuriated by this story that I placed a call to the District Attorney that apparently authorized the police to remove the flag. I left a respectful but strong message saying just how upset and offended I am by his action. If the news story is indeed accurate, I hope the veteran in question, Vito Congine Jr., decides to sue the DA and the police. We've got to stand up for our rights.
People were upset? A disruption? Conservatives complain about the ACLU, but this is exactly why it exists.
f*** the American Civil Liberties Union and Vito Congine Jr.! If they do not like the country, hit the friggin' doors... take Clinton and Dodd with them!
How may of us are willing match the true feelings of this man. Why do we as Americans allow the bad decisions being made? This administration is bent on "killing the American Dream" to support his extreme liberal/socialist agenda. Our liberty is in jeopardy, he wants us "barefoot and pregnant". We must all make the stand through our votes. Vote smart in 2010 and finish it in 2012! To see the truth, ignore what they say, but watch what they do. It becomes evident.......
it really sounds like a nazi country and that city is nothing but a bunch of backwoods rednecks.....the neocons run the county and make their own rules...they think they are above the law like most repukes
Hey it is in his right to fly it upside down, it is NOT a sign of disrespect, period. His freedom of speech......... I still hate the ACLU they have done more harm then good
It seems Mr.Congine was fighting for democracy and freedom in the wrong country by leaving to go to Iraq.
Welcome home sir, and thank you for your service. Good luck!
As a reminder, officers take an oath with that badge. It is to uphold the US Constitution not violate it. Sounds like someone needs to remediate that class, maybe their whole department needs an update?
Just because your not allowed to sell liquor should not give you a reason to disrespect the flag. Many people were looking forward to celebrating and enjoying of the forth of july holiday and his selfish actions would have spoiled it for them. I don't think he cared how his actions affected others. A very self centered person I think. As to his being a veteran I am one also. I don't know how he feels about it but I get mad every time someone disrespects my flag. I say my flag and you should to. It's an emblem of our country and an icon of the sacrifices so many have made up to and including dying for our country.
"Freedom" is long gone and I feel sorry for all the vets who put their lives on the line for something that in not there anymore.
Higher taxes
Permit for everything
Tax on used vehicles(when they were new wasn't enough tax already paid for them?).
50 percent of your pay goes right to taxes off the bat
Then there are statements like this are considered "right wing terrorists" crap.
This in nothing more than blatant misuses of the power endowed by the people to the administrations that run this country, who are doing nothing more than trying to make the people afraid of the government.
He's an ass? HELL NO.......the damn police officers and District Attorney need to be arrested and sued! HE HAS A RIGHT TO PROTEST......YOU MORONS! THAT IS WHY he fought in IRAQ as A WAR VET... WHAT IDIOTS that HE doesn't have the right! If he CAN'T protest this way, then this country is alread to far down the s..t hole to save!
i think the people of this town should be upset at the young men dying overseas for oil $, maybe they could their efforts towards a bigger cause.
The same people who are offended by the sight of a flag hung upside down are probably the same people who wouldn't blink an eye if they saw a flag hung from a car window getting shredded by the wind or saw a picture of a flag on an advertisement in order to appeal to their "patriotism." These same people need to learn about flag etiquette and what does and doesn't constitute disrespect for the flag. Good luck and hang in there, Vito!
Who goes to an Italian Restuarant and not have red wine?
Shame Shame Shame on the City Board Members.
The good news is this. Because the police removed the
distressed citizens flag.. Even Arizona gets to support his right
to serve WINE in his Italian Resturant.
Warmly
Wolfeagle
Arizona
Its not illegal...but causing a disturbance is". Is that an accurate quote from an American law enforcement officer? Taking that flag down disturbed me. Officer, arrest yourself. I am generally against the ACLU view of the world but I pray the ACLU gets the district attorney dis-barred (call North Carolina if you need a model) and the police officers reduced in rank. The police should've known better.
distress! I think every U.S. flag should be flown upside down, because of the village idiots in Crivitz and the village idiots we have in Washington DC
I don't think I'd fly the flag upside down for that reason. Heck, if every time someone was under stress, they'd fly the flag upside down? Doesn't seem right. Justification for going on his property and taking it? HELL NO!
This could really work in this guy's favor, though. People are so ticked about this, I'll bet they wouldn't dare refuse a liquor license now.
vito, what do you expect? the traitor and his compadres are everywhere with the goal of removing the usa as we know it from this earth
The American Flag is a symbol of the USA!
Hanging it upside down shows disrespect for this country.
It is not a case of one's rights.
Free Speech is a right which thousands of men and women have died for. Men and women who honored and loved this country.
However, I bet not one of them would consider this form of disrespect to be a right.
The American Flag should be flown with pride, not with prejudice .or disgrace.
His argument is a local issue not a national one.
He should take the city to court to fight this.
I for one will never eat in his restaurant.
There are many americans not just veterans that take exception to the flag being used to promote car sells or open houses. A flag shredded by the wind should be replaced. If you are one of those that are offended by this then you should contact a veterans organization and see how you can help get the word out to people how to respect the flag and more importantly WHY. Don't just make assumptions.
This guy has everything right to fly anything on his property under the 1st Amendment under the Constitution of Freedom of Speech. That cop is stupid and idiot and can you say LAWSUIT. You don't screw around the Human Right Commission (Federal) and the (Federal) Civil Liberties Union, they will "f" u up and will lose alot of money.
The Supreme Court several years ago ruled that burning the flag was protected speech. Flying the flag upside not is an accepted signal for distress.
The police had no authority or right to remove or change the flag in any way. I think that the man should be awarded about $500,000 for the police state tactics used by the leaders of the community.
The police who remove the flag should be charged with the crime of theft of private property and armed invasion of private property. They should be sent to goal.
This is a warning to all you redneck that live in Texas, Iowa, or small towns. A lesson to you all of you in small town coming to someone in California, you screw around the Constitution you will be "sued" end of story. If you don't think the Constitution laws don't applies today like it was back then, well i have news for you "you better have lots of money and a good lawyer.", cause we will go after your assets and property and will kick you to the curb without a roof over your head. As for the cops, they are screwed, because they did not have any "warrant" to go on his property. The property owner, i hear c-ching, bell ringing on the cash register!!!
After Vietnam I said never agin would me or mine fight for this country!
I pitty the poor fool that does. Welcome to the new world order!
Ant it sad??
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