Every American,

These two pictures were taken in Miles City at address; 2312 Main Street, Miles City. The house is owned by a young man, who as you can see in the first picture works for BN Rail Road. This American Flag has laid in the same spot for over a week. He walks right by it to get to his work BN Work truck parked on Main Street. This is a shame and is unacceptable treatment of our Nations Flag.

I am trying to get something done regarding this issue. Is this how we want to be seen as visitors enter our city. Miles City a town who does not care for what our flag stands for. To disrespect this Great Flag is to disrespect our Veterans who have died to keep this flag from being captured or put in the dirt. As a veteran of the US Army, I am upset over this. I have called the Police the City paper, and there is no law in this state, or city to protect this great Flag or to make the treatment of it against the law. To allow this to take place is to allow the visitors to se us here in Miles City and Montana as disrespectful.

I would have picked it up, but to enter his yard from the city sidewalk is to break the law by trespass and I will not break the law. That would be just as wrong. To pass these pictures to other veterans and as many as we can is to bring awareness to this lack of respect.

Ask everybody that you forward this to, to delete the addresses of them who sent it. It is not important who reads this. It is just important that as many people as can be are aware of the lack of laws here to stop this from being easy to do.

Thank you for your time!

I got this in an e-mail this morning from a friend who lives there. Just thought you all would notice and say something on here but nothing. I tried to download the pictures but couldn't so take a drive by!

Okay, since I live just a couple blocks away, I decided to bite...

There was no flag.

There was a flag pole, that was down and I can only assume it was damaged in the recent storm.

What two pictures? WTF?

BTW...from Wikipedia.

The flag of the United States is sometimes symbolically burnt, often in protest of the policies of the American government, both within the country and abroad. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that, due to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, it is unconstitutional for a government (whether federal, state, or municipality) to prohibit the desecration of a flag, due to its status as "symbolic speech."

Why didn't this dinkhead just go up to the young man's house and knock on the door instead of making it seem like a national scandal? Geez, peepol people.

[This message has been edited by Wendy Wilson (7/21/2010)]

Wendy, not to correct you or anything... but I thought it was "pepole" and more appropriately "pregnate pepole in suport to make falg burnin' ilegal."

I am glad the pole is there and the flag is gone. thanks to all who wrote! He can turn the flag into the VFW for propal disposal of it. I live in Bismarck and my neighbor flies his flag 24/7 with a light on it with the Eagle at the top facing east. He goes through me to get him his flag through Miles City VFW. He is very happy to help the club there. Again thanks to all who wrote and I hope I didn't get anything going! Kathie Gierke Zoller

Smiley,

Thanks for the correction. I always get my pepoles mixed up with my peepols!

[This message has been edited by Wendy Wilson (7/21/2010)]

I hope I didn't get anything going!

You're kidding, right. You put an inflammatory post on a public forum, call the police to accuse a homeowner WHOSE ADDRESS YOU POST ON A PUBLIC FORUM of something that is not a crime and "you hope you didn't get anything going?!?!?!!?

If you didn't want to get anything going, you could have walked up to the house and rung the doorbell. If walking up to a house and ringing the doorbell was trespassing, the Avon lady would have been in prison fifty years ago. It is legal to call on a neighbor. In fact, I may go walk up my neighbor's walk right now and knock on the door and see if they call the police and accuse me on a non-existent crime.

Reality check, aisle three!

OMG!!! THE FETISH OBJECT HAS TOUCHED THE GROUND!!! ABORT!! ABORT!!!

Kathie,

Here's my take on it. It was his flag, correct? So what does it matter what he does with it? It is material that has stripes and stars on it. He can do what he pleases with this flag, because it is a FREE COUNTRY. You make me want to go out and purchase a flag, just to use it as a lawn ornament. Take your bitchy self back to north dakota.

Edit: Oh, and this is a recent image of his home from Google StreetView. Before whining to people who don't care, check your sources first. He isn't a bad person clearly, it probably happened from one of the large windstorms.



[This message has been edited by Josh Rath (7/21/2010)]

Josh,
Your take is dumb. I served in the USMC for 5 years and that flag means something to anyone that has served. Yes, Kathy should have asked the guy to take down the flag until the flag pole was fixed. Another question for you Josh what do you think of the kids that were wearing the mexican flags to school on there shirts and faces then the kid were wearing the american flags on there shirt were sent home in California? If your freedom does not mean anything to you go live in Russia or China. FYI they do not update google street everyday.

I'm aware of when they update StreetView. In fact the image you are looking at was last updated in may. Also, I feel everyone should be allowed freedom of speech, and should also be allowed to express themselves. I think that the mexican children doing that were expressing themselves, but the american child did it to smite them and rub america in their faces or to just be a prick. That is why he was sent home, or at least that is how i see it.
Freedom is everything to me, I just feel that if everyone is so butt hurt over a piece of material being on the ground, they need to move on. Even if it does "Represent our freedom", it still is meaningless. The soldiers represent our freedom, because they are the ones who fought for it. Not the fricking flag.
I think I should make it a lawn ornament. It'd be funny to see a picture of my house on this site with someone complaining.

How were they rubbing america in there face they are living in america and going to a federal funded school. Your freedom means nothing to you. Why don't you go to military maybe they could teach you respect and the history of the flag and what the flag means to vets and anyone that served and imigrants that came to America through Ellis Island. Go to National Guard or any base in america and try to disrespect the flag.

Josh, I have read your posts in the past and thought everyone is entitled to their own opinion but you just blew it. My dad was in WWII and my brother in Vietnam and I had several uncles and cousins in wars too. The American flag should mean more to you than a fricking lawn ornament. I agree with whoever said you should go to Russia or somewhere if you have no more respect than that for the American flag. The American flag stands for the United States, not Mexico etc. People that have fought in the wars were fighting for the United States and what the flag stands for: FREEDOM. Your FREEDOM. And why should a genuine American kid get in trouble for being proud of America? I wish a bunch of service people would come knock on your door and kick your ass whether it be legal or not!

Jane,

Here's the thing. A bunch of people on this forum seem to stand idle while i "reign my terror" on this website, and then they do what you just did. They have "had enough", blow up and me, and then move on. I'm glad you got yours out of the way.

Josh, i think you need to learn a thing or two about respect for our country and our soldiers. For our soldiers and many others the flag is a sign of freedom and you should treat that with respect because of how the soldiers have fought for that. I feel as though you are being disrespectful to the soldiers by saying that. The flag is not just a piece of fabric. I wish my grandpa was still here he would probably knock on your door then knock you out for saying something that stupid. As would a lot of other soldiers.

as for the kid being a prick to smite the Mexican children i think you would be considered a prick smiting all the americans who respect the flag and all the soldiers

As a person who spent 6 years bombing various and sundry people around the world I just have to say:

If you served in the military and are harping on Josh about using his freedoms you helped defend; then you're highly confused and extremely hypocritical. In fact, reading these desires for physical violence against him for expressing said rights, it's despicable.

As to the Kids getting sent home for wearing the American flag. If you actually knew what the hell you were talking about, you'd know the kids were sent home for their own safety as 80+% of that schools population is Hispanic. It's unfortunate but kids in Montana, Wyoming, New York and everywhere else in the world do equally stupid things.

[This message has been edited by J. Dyba (7/22/2010)]

Well J. Dyba, I didn't know why the kids went home. And I'm glad to have someone who really knows why tell me. Thanks.

That said Josh, The Flag is more then just a piece of cloth to a lot of people. That should be noted accordingly, regardless if you agree with it or not.

My husband was one of thousands who lived in the jungles of Vietnam; not because he jumped for joy, at the age of 18 to do so, but because we had a draft then. Kids grow up but he grew into someone different, quickly and has never been the same - like thousands of others. My dad was in the service overseas as was his brother. I've had four brother-in-law's serve over seas as well as many friends; some came home, the others in flag draped coffins. The flag means more to me than a piece of material. Thanks for letting me put my thoughts down.

Josh,
If you like to "reign (my) terror" they sure could use you overseas. Do your country proud! Wouldn't it be something if they put you in charge of carrying the flag in battle....and you better not let it touch the ground....well unless you were killed and then they would put that piece of material or lawn ornament over you until they could get a body bag. Doesn't sound so good now.... Cindy

Kathie Zoller

You did get something going. A lot of emotions have been touched on this post that could have been handled in a different way. From the photo Josh submitted (on older one) it appears the person proudly flew his flag. We have had numerous storms here. I have not seen a picture of him walking on or around a flag on the ground. Wow, so many things damaged by many storms and you start this but FREEDOM of speech, that's what our soldiers and veterans give us. Some people just use it better than others.

You have the right:

...to salute the flag.
...to lie in a flag draped coffin.
...to tear-up with memories when you view the flag.
...to stand proudly at attention to the flag.
...to burn the flag.
...to use the flag for toilet paper.
...to call the flag a lawn ornament.

You DON'T have the right:

...to force your opinions on another.
...to beat another into submission to support your beliefs.
...to interfere with MY use of the lawn ornamentflag.

Be proud and loud, but don't crowd.

FH

As per the US Flag Code:

No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.

a.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.
b.The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
c.The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
d.The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker's desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
e.The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
f.The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
g.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.
h.The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
i.The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
j.No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
k.The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

For those of you who say you'd love to use this "piece of material" as a lawn ornament, to wipe your butt, to do a little rain dance on, etc. I would love to see you walk up to any Veteran and say that. I'd be willing to bet your bravado ends at your keyboard.

People all over the world, in every nation follow the flag, their flag. Each flag proudly waving ahead of the throng being led into battle, into war and each convinced and defending their cause, their God, their political mantra. It is, most of the time, "my flag, my country, my God and all with the same blind conviction..."right or wrong."

During the Vietnam War, at the height of protestations, a young man in Dallas, Texas was tried and convicted of having an American flag sewn to the seat of his pants. This was during a time when young men, making bad decisions were sent to prison for life if marijuana was found on their person.

NOTE: Keep in mind I am not just talking about America. Pick a country, any country.

Motives can be self preservation, born out of desperation. Most of these will not be defended by super powers and tend to die, starve or relocate in great numbers without making headlines. Super Powers tend to ignore these people as there is nothing to be gained from the conquest. Oh, these people usually don't have a flag.

Motives can be religious which is always indefensible. Greed, which is always indefensible. Political, which speaks for itself and the ever popular conquest. Conquest???

Post WWII stuff is hard for me to wrap me head around, all of it, including the one I was involved in. From Korea to our current situation. It seems that we should be paying more attention to the preservation of our species instead conquest.

Will it ever change? Will it ever end? Will you or I be a hero or a patriot for trying to start a dialog to end it or at least change it?

Don't get your knickers in a twist. "Lets twist again like we did last summer."

[This message has been edited by Tucker Bolton (7/22/2010)]

To set the record straight Kathy did not take the picture or drive by the house in question. Neither did I! The person who did take the picture sent it to friends who had served with him. Kathy decided to post the pictures here.

It was not damage from a storm that he had not had time to pick up from. The person who took the pictures watched for a week and the owner did not pick the flag up. I agree that the person taking the pictures could have handled it differently.

As to the claims of using it for purposes other than intended, maybe you should read Montana Annotated Code 45-8-215 first. You can find this code by going to: http://www.leg.mt.gov/css...tution.asp
I have posted it so that you don't actually have to look it up.

45-8-215. Desecration of flags. (1) In this section, the term "flag" means anything that is or purports to be the official flag of the United States, the United States shield, the United States coat of arms, the Montana state flag, or a copy, picture, or representation of any of the described articles.
(2) A person commits the offense of desecration of flags if the person purposely or knowingly:
(a) publicly mutilates, defiles, or casts contempt upon the flag;
(b) places on or attaches to the flag any work, mark, design, or advertisement not properly a part of the flag or exposes to public view a flag so altered;
(c) manufactures or exposes to public view an article of merchandise or a wrapper or receptacle for merchandise upon which the flag is depicted; or
(d) uses the flag for commercial advertising purposes.
(3) A person convicted of the offense of desecration of flags shall be imprisoned in the state prison for any term not to exceed 10 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both.
(4) This section does not apply to flags depicted on written or printed documents or periodicals or on stationery, ornaments, pictures, or jewelry if there are not unauthorized words or designs on the flags and if the flag is not connected with any advertisement.

History: En. 94-7-502 by Sec. 1, Ch. 513, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 94-7-502; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 198, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1707, Ch. 56, L. 2009.

I know someone with terminal cancer. If enough people praise the fetish object, would it be willing to cure it? If not, that's cool - I understand that the fetish object's plan is deeply inscrutable.

[This message has been edited by Bridgier (7/22/2010)]

The person who posted this thread without bothering to find out ALL the facts is just as irresponsible as the blogging idiots who posted those snippets of Shirley Sherrod. Maybe even more so.

Here's a question: What's worse - letting the American flag hit the dirt, or treating your neighbors like dirt?

I recieved the email also. I simply picked up the phone and called someone I knew at B.N. and told him a situation was brewing and could he let the young man know that it was concerning people. The flag was removed within minutes of the call. I think many of our young people don't know flag etiquette. It is always better to just make a nice call or knock on the door when you feel your neighbors need some information you have or which you wish to impart. Our police force doesn't need these nuisance calls. How would you want it handled if it were you or your son or daughter living in the house? If you are truly concerned, always try the easiest and most polite way to remedy a situation.

WOW, I forgot how small minded people were in small towns. For starters, this is a neighbor, not a stranger but maybe we'd be more obliging if that were the case. This young man has maintained his yard and proudly flown his flag and because he's had to work 70+ hours a week for the last two weeks (he's tired) you people want to tie him to a rail and run him out of town. One of you took the time and effort to walk up to his door and leave him a nasty note. Several of you took the time and effort to circulate an email with his address attached. Another took the time and effort to call his employer and unassumingly made a complaint, jeopardizing his job but, not one of you took the time or effort to contact him and find out if something had happened to our neighbor or his family because something was obviously wrong since his flag has always been properly displayed before. Shame on you all!!!

Additionally, you might want to read up a little more on the law you prophetically post about. There was no intent to desecrate his flag, the pole WAS broken in a recent storm so no intent, no violation of State law.

I admit, it's tough to take time out of your busy lives, to get out of your air conditioned car and actually stick out your hand in friendship as opposed to sitting at home, behind a computer and wreaking havoc on another person. BTW, how many of you have the guts to put an American Flag in your yards?

You know a post is about to get really good, like popcorn and nose squirting good, when the family member/friend jumps on board to defend and throw punches..... just sayin.

OMG! Why don't everyone here grow up and get a life ! Do you drive around town and just find things to b*tch about. He didn't hurt or murder anybody!If I was him I would be getting a Lawyer,I personally would not but up with this!!! (Can you say harrassment)

J Dyba,
I know what I am talking about. I really don't care if the school is 80% hispanic. They are not getting funded by mexico. Go to North Dakota where some of the town are 90% German you never see them where Germany's flag on shirts or painted on there face. Why you ask they have respect for the country they live in, and they are proud to be a American.

You know totally disgusted I totally agree with you!

Both Fargo and Dickinson have German festivals. Does that make them unpatriotic cities? I daresay there's a little face-painting going on.

Man, people get so fried about the stupidest things. Take a chill pill, people. Save hysterics for a real crisis or a real disaster.

[knock knock knock]

"Hello sir. I see your flag is down in your yard - it's a shame to see. Can I help you get it back in place?"

"Well, thank you - I appreciate that."

"No problem, anything to keep Josh from joining the military - he's the only one in town that can defend us against a gigantic email campaign that's about to be unleashed on all of us."

Really Mrs. M? You were so offended that you called his EMPLOYER?? For procreate sakes! Get a life. If he worked for me and you did that, I'd laugh in your face. This whole thing has gotten WAAYYY out of control! You people are a bunch of nuts!

On a similar note, did you all see that video of the veteran in San Diego come unglued on a store owner for flying the Mexican flag on the same pole but ABOVE the American flag?
Yes Dan, you're right, the proper thing to do would be to have the balls to knock on the door and ask if you could fix the problem.
Hey once my friends and I were at a state park in South Carolina. At about seven in the evening a park employee drove up, parked, marched through our camp and took the flag down from the pole. He kinda wadded it up and started heading back to the pickup when we stopped him and basically demanded he allow us veterans to at least fold it right for him. No problem.

Well said, Mrs. M and "Totally Disgusted" and Mare - I hope your messages get through to Ms. Zoller and everyone who sided with her.

I have met the young man who lives in the house and he is a very responsible person. Miles City is lucky to have him here. This young man could have chosen to settle his family in any Eastern Montana city located on the BNSF rail line - but he chose to live in Miles City. And THIS is his reward? C'mon, Miles City is better than this!

Ms. Zoller entitled this thread "What this says to all of you who pass this house!"

Well, I'm more concerned about what threads like hers say to people who don't know how good and kind the vast majority of people who live in Miles City truly are. Her post creates the impression that Miles City is filled with nasty and UNneighborly folks. Those of us who live here know better - but people "out there" in Internetland could easily think otherwise.

I truly hope Ms. Zoller has the decency to apologize in person to the young man she has tried to shame - otherwise, shame on her for casting a bad light on Miles City.

And Ms. Zoller, consider this before you ever post another thread:
A person who doesn't know how to be a good neighbor has no business lecturing anyone on how to be a good citizen - especially when that person is already an exemplary citizen in the first place!

Wendy they may have festivals but they are not funded by tax payers dollars like schools are.

Cory, I called to stop this nonsense. If I had known his name I would have called him. I was about to invite you over to use my net....but now I don't know if you are the nice young man I remember. And I guess you think I am an old bag. So be it.

By the way, where did you get the idea I was offended? I was just trying to put out the brush fire before it began raging. I wasn't tattling and I did not express that to his employer. I just said there were unpleasant emails going about and could he call the young man and let him know. I then forwarded a copy of such to him.

Seems silly to get so bent out of shape over a flag that was likely made in Communist China

Cory, I called to stop this nonsense. If I had known his name I would have called him. I was about to invite you over to use my net....but now I don't know if you are the nice young man I remember. And I guess you think I am an old bag. So be it.

All you actually did was call to gossip about somebody, period. You managed to find out everything you needed to know before you acted nasty. Why couldn't you have put the same effort into being a good neighbor or better yet, just minding your own business? Wow, there's a concept.

By the way, where did you get the idea I was offended? I was just trying to put out the brush fire before it began raging. I wasn't tattling and I did not express that to his employer. I just said there were unpleasant emails going about and could he call the young man and let him know. I then forwarded a copy of such to him.

And then you sent them the email. OMG!!! Hello..... Purple Hat Society, I saw Mrs. M wearing a yellow hat instead of a purple one. I'm not calling to get her in trouble or tattle, just saying it doesn't look good! Oh wait, let me send you a picture of her.(DUH) Once again, it's a simple concept, be a neighbor.

So what have any of you who took part in this witch hunt done to right the wrongs you've committed? Anyone, don't be afraid to speak up. It's just the internet and no one can see you.

[This message has been edited by Totally Disgusted (7/23/2010)]

I tp'd his house. With Red, White, and Black tp.

How's that?

FH

"So what have any of you who took part in this witch hunt done to right the wrongs you've committed? Anyone, don't be afraid to speak up. It's just the internet and no one can see you."


That's what I figured, crickets. Nothing to cluck about.

dont you people have something better to do then sitt and talk about how a guy dosent pick up a flag yeah i no it is wrong to do but still it is his choice to leave it there all you (no good for nothing)adults need to get lifes yu all act like children STOP WITH THE BULLSH** this town makes me want to go jump ofrf a cliff you guys dot know how to mind your own manners

Tanner,You're quite the wordsmith.Go back to school!

I have to wonder how lonely this guy is that he has to dig up old posts to reply to. I don't read his as they disturb me.

Well he does'nt go to school and,He does'nt work.So he's got all kinds of time.Right tanner?

Same for you mtgman?

I love irony.

Dan & Cory,

LOL! Very nice posts! It amazes me that to this day, the gossip just keeps rolling. I would love to Facebook this entire thread....but I AM still proud of my MC heritage.

Here's my two cents.....Josh....grow up and find a country that you like and I'm sure we could all raise enough dough to get you there. Let me guess...you still wear a hat DURING the National Anthem. If you do....take it off next time.

As for the email trash that started this post, whoever started it, grow up and get a life. Five minutes to pick up the flag and return it to the owner would have taken care of it. But....and this is a BIG but....MC is not the town I grew up in. It's just as impersonal as any other burg now. The "hometown, smalltown" values I grew up in aren't there like they used to be. The only thing that seems to live on is the small-minded mentality that still loves to trash anyone they can.

To anyone who doesn't respect our Flag and what it stands for...leave. Period. If you further don't stand behind our troops...most wouldn't mind if you stood in front of them.

Back to Cory...you always were a punk...but a good-natured punk! Glad to see you haven't changed. Dan....I know you've only gotten wiser and funnier! LOL!

God Bless the USA!

mtgman i dont think i know who you are. If i do then why dont yu tell me face to face to go back to school and i will give you the answer you need but untell then mind your own damn business

It's like a drinking game, this thread. It really is.

I always take my hat off and hold it over my heart during the national anthem or when the flag passes. As a kid, I always felt honored to put up the flag, and I am proud when I do it today. I am also proud when I see my brother putting it up on my childhood home in Miles City. In my new town, a local hardware store puts a free flag on the front lawn of every house in town for Independence Day. A lot of these blow over, and I enjoy setting them up again. I love and respect that flag. Most of all, I love the freedoms that flag stands for, which is why I am proud to defend the right of a protester to burn that flag as an act of free speech. Living in a country where you can burn the flag without having a team of government thugs take you out for a beating is something to be proud of.

All that being said, this thread began with an over reaction, and that theme seems to have been carried on with vigour. The chill pill sounds like a good idea. And Kathie Zoller, thanks for alerting Miles City about this, but next time you repost e-mail from someone else, consider putting quotation marks around it so people won't be confused about who is talking.

To anyone who doesn't respect our Flag and what it stands for...leave. Period. If you further don't stand behind our troops...most wouldn't mind if you stood in front of them.

I"m sorry but my country right or wrong doesn't sit well with me. Sometimes, we make huge honking mistakes and we need to own up to them. None of which has anything to do with a the over-reaction to this whole thread.

Josh,
I have always tried to respect your outspoken style but I personally believe you crossed a line this time. The American flag is a representation of the freedom of our country and ALL the soldiers who have fought for that freedom since the Revolutionary War! It is a symbol of who we are as a country and what we stand for. FREEDOM!! Due to the many soldiers who have died and continue to sacrifice their lives for that freedom, you get to live in a country where you are not persucuted for your choice of religion, speech, gender, and choice of lifestyle. Do you have any idea what it is like to live in a third world country where you do not have these privilages? Do you have any idea what it is like to not have the luxeries that we do in America? Do you know what it is like to be on that front line and not know if you are going to see your wife/husband, children, brothers, sisters, parents, friends again? Do know what it is like to watch the man/woman next to you be killed while you survive fighting for our freedom? Do you know what it is like for family and friends of those overseas fighting for our freedom? That flag, the American Flag, the one that you have degraded with your words, is what we as true Americans look at, stand up for, and give honor to who respect our freedom and those who fight for that freedom!! Let me ask you this....would you walk up to a man/woman in uniform, or veteran and say those words to them??? Even better, Josh, the next time you see Larry at work; walk up to him and say those words to him. He fought for your freedom along with my husband, two grandfathers, my uncles, all FOUR of my brothers and numerous cousins. I truely pity you and any other person who calls themselves an American and speaks of our American flag the way you do.

This is all so ridiculous and over-blown that I can't believe I'm even bothering posting anything. However, I know the gentleman who lives in the house originally referred to here. He does quite a bit of business where I work, was originally a neighbor of a friend of mine and I am privileged to say we have become friends.

He is a hard-working, law-abiding, respectful, caring, well-rounded individual. He takes great pride in everything he does--work-related, home-related, etc. Believe me, he was not being some heartless, disrespectful, un-American sloth who walked by that flag a hundred times and chose to leave it there. I'm sure there was a reason it was on the ground; he was probably working or out of town. Who knows. Bottom line is that no harm was ever intended. The fact that some people evidently have nothing better to do with their time than basically spy on this person's yard, invade their privacy by taking pictures of it and then posting in on the freekin' internet and then email it all over God-knows-where is despicable. Get a life. Or a hobby. Something.

Also, through lawyer friends I've learned that if this gentleman wanted to, he could sue you for defamation of character. You clearly have drug his character into question here and chose to broadcast it to anyone with Internet access. Food for thought.

I was using old Soviet flags for heat, but Old Glory produces way more BTUs.