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Friday, July 26, 2013
Nevada Veteran Cuts Down Mexican Flag Flying Above American Flag
This video is making the rounds.
A bar in Reno, Nevada had a prominently displayed Mexican Flag flying on top of the Stars and Stripes (which is actually against federal law). Once news of it got around, an American veteran, Jim Brossard, responded by cutting the flags down what what looks like a K-bar, leaving the Mexican flag on the ground and taking Old Glory home with him, saying that he 'wanted someone to fight me for this flag. They're not gonna get it back."
The owner of the business, who is an Mexican immigrant but who became a citizen wouldn't talk for the cameras, but later told the TV news station he wasn't aware of the laws. Although you'd think simple common sense would tell anyone you fly your adopted country's flag on top.
So what do we make of this?
While the reaction was appropriate, there's one important step that was missing, one I would have taken as a matter of simple etiquette. I would have asked to speak to the owner, explained politely that what he was doing was both illegal and offensive to his adopted country and asked him to fix it.
I have a feeling I might have gotten an apology, our flag in its proper place and perhaps a couple of tacos and a cerveza. Because most legal immigrants appreciate what this country and that flag stands for.That's why they came here.
If, on the other hand I'd gotten a rude response or a sneering 'no speak English', it would have been time for the K-Bar. And I would have been happy and proud to follow Jim Brossard's lead.
As a matter of fact, I have a feeling Jim Brossard just might have included that step if he wasn't so frustrated about the Ruling Class's disregard for the wishes of thei rfellow citizens in promoting amnesty and failing to protect our borders.
My motto in life is that whenever possible, you always give people an out, a chance to do the right thing. More often than you'd think, they will.
I agree--the owner should have been approached first.
ReplyDelete1) The flag code is more a question of etiquette than law, as it contains no criminal or civil penalties for violation -- and such penalties would likely be unconstitutional in any event.
ReplyDelete2) Even if this guy had spoken to the bar owner, I would still support him being charged for illegally destroying someone else's property.
3) The proper response would have been to alert local veterans and political groups and stage a protest -- and alerting the media to make sure they turned out.
According to United States Code Section 7, Title Four:
ReplyDelete"No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof: Provided, That nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations."
So the bar owner was breaking the law,perhaps unknowingly. I'm not aware of what statutory penalties that carries.
You have a point that Jim Brossard might be guilty of petty theft for taking the American flag. I strongly suggest you travel to Reno and make a citizen's arrest, since I have a feeling you might have trouble getting local law enforcement to do it.
Let me know how you make out.
Regards,
Rob