Veterans group with a gripe upends the Stars and Stripes (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles Times ^ | June 26, 2009 | Bob Pool

[decimon]

This is one battle that will probably be decided by whichever side is most "distressed" -- officials of the VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles, or a group of protesting veterans.

On Sunday, demonstrators plan to gather by the VA grounds and display an upside-down American flag "as a signal of dire distress." They contend that agency policies have placed the VA property in "extreme danger."

But if that act upsets VA officials, protesters could find themselves facing off with federal police, who view the upended banner as a sign of disrespect to Old Glory.

[HangnJudge]

I suspect these vets are fully aware
of the full meaning of flying an upside down flag

And I also suspect many of them
put their lives on the line to protect it

I wonder how many VA administrators
can say the same

[pennboricua]

I believe those actions fall under freedom of speech.

[freedumb2003]

>>I believe those actions fall under freedom of speech.<<

I believe you are right.

[decimon]

I think the problem is with laws involving federal property.

[pennboricua]

then how can you protest in any Federal Property?

freedom of speech, has certain limits, the proverbial shouting fire in a crowded theater being one of them, other restrictions possible in private venues, Federal Property by its very nature is owned by us.

[taillightchaser]

I don’t agree with flying the flag upside down, but the VA hospitals are a disgrace. I have personal knowledge of two people that were mistreated there, one of which died. I’m sure there are thousands of stories of malpractice at these hospitals.
I believe they are staffed by doctors that can’t make it in private practice and are totally out of the loop when it comes to current medical procedures.
The people that kept us free deserve better!!

[Venturer]

People have been burning flags for years out of disrespect and the supreme court has ruled they can do that because of free speech. There is no friggin way a group of veterans cannot show a flag upside down as a symbol of free speech.

If the Feds dont like it, screw em.

[pennboricua]

I agree with you, unlike some private communities were they cannot even fly the flag, public property is our property, and government is encroaching too much into it,
a revolution is truly in the cards, and started by those that they least expect.

[decimon]

I don’t agree with flying the flag upside down, but the VA hospitals are a disgrace.

I've encountered statements like that for probably fifty years. It seems that a good many are satisfied with the care they received but too many are not.

In general, I think the U.S. has a not too proud history with regards veterans. Maybe others will disagree.

[Venturer]

It takes a lot to push Americans into doing the right thing.but taking away their liberty and freedom did it before and will do it again.