St. Louis Tea Party Disrespects the American Flag

Cross Posted at the St. Louis Activist Hub Blog. The St. Louis Tea Party is trying to make a big deal about the fact that people on the pro-healthcare side of the street weren't displaying any American flags during President Obama's visit. Of course, there's never been a rule that you have to bring an American flag to every protest you attend. On the other hand, there is a rule stating that you shouldn't display an American flag upside down for a protest, which is exactly what the St. Louis Tea Party did

: (photo from @MichaelLBaldwin) (still frame from from BushidoHacks's video.) Here's the relevant rule describing how you can treat the flag:

The Flag Code states, "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." It is an unreasonable stretch to argue that the political purposes constitute "dire distress." Clearly this was intended as a call for immediate emergency assistance. We recommend that people who wish to express their political views find a way to do so that is respectful of the flag. Remember that to some the flag represents the government of the US and its policies; but it also represents the sacrifices made in all generations to protect our freedoms. It represents the promise of the Declaration. It represents our freedom of speech and our freedom to practice or not practice religion as we choose. It represents one nation in its stength and glory. It represents faith in a better future. We recommend that you show your respect for the country and for the flag and make your political views known in other ways. It is not illegal, it is disrespectful to the memory of those who gave their lives protecting your freedom to protest.

Honestly, with the extreme hypocrisy the leaders of this movement show, it's hard to take any of their "principles" seriously. They claim to be so patriotic, yet they're perfectly fine with people disrespecting the American flag as long as the people doing so hate Obama.