A Wheat Ridge, Colorado woman has her HOA in an uproar over an American flag. What's the problem? She's expressing her personal views by flying the red, white & blue upside-down.
It's been done for decades, expressing one's views on a political issue by flying the flag upside-down. Often seen as a sign of being in distress, it's also been used in times of war as a sign of silent protest.
Beth Hammer started to hang the flag on her porch upside-down in March to protest the war in Iraq.
"We're losing lives, liberties and our honor in this terrible, terrible war," Hammer said
According to her Home Owner's Association, she's violating the flag code in the Association rules. Per Beth's attorney, Mari Newman, the HOA is violating her freedom of speech in their attempts to force her to remove the flag or hang it "properly."
Beth will attend a HOA meeting on Wednesday with her attorney, where a decision will be made concerning the flag. Beth says that she's prepared to go to court if she has to.
Some of the neighbors aren't pleased, and claim that hanging the flag in this manner is disrespectful.
"I think it's very disrespectful, especially when the troops are dying for this country," said Bob Martinez, who lives across the street. "I lost a brother in the war and it's sad, just sad to get up and have to look at that everyday."
Sometimes, I think people forget precisely what the freedoms that Americans enjoy mean. I have many friends who have served or are serving in the military and have done tours in Iraq. Even if they're upset or offended by such a display, every one of them would say that it's her right to make that statement -- and it's a right that they willingly signed up to defend. Freedom of Speech applies to everyone, not just the people who agree with your viewpoint.
Upside-Down Flag has HOA in an Uproar
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