American tartans

[Tobus]

I disagree with this comment, and think the importance is great enough to include.

If you have the flag raised at night and it is not properly illuminated you can be cited. There are other violations of the US Flag code adopted by a joint resolution of Congress in June 1942 that can be cited as well. If you are displaying a torn or tattered flag that is another example. There are other examples I am aware of but do not have immediate references for. My understanding is if you use the flag as a symbol of distress and the USCG responds there are consequences as well.

I've never heard of anyone being cited for flying a tattered flag, or flying one at night without illumination. I see both of these all the time, even here in "Military City USA" (San Antonio), where we have an extremely high percentage of people who understand flag etiquette. Who would be writing such a citation? It's certainly not within the authority of local police, as they are not tasked with enforcing federal statutes on civilians. I've even seen local news stories here where people complain about an incorrectly-flown flag, and the police always say the same thing: they can't do anything about it. So if indeed it's a prosecutable offence for civilians, what is the proper procedure? Do they call the FBI? Is there a special flag enforcement agency I've never heard of? Do you have any examples of people being actually charged with an offence for this? Or is this just one of those "technically, you can be cited but it never happens" types of things?

Using a flag as a symbol of distress on the open ocean or in territorial waters is, of course, an entirely different animal. In such cases, it's not so much about misuse of the flag, per se, as it is about using the flag to send a false message. The same consequences would exist if false messages were sent via other means as well.

[Pleater]

A post has been banished to the holding cell for consideration of a Rule 5 violation - the politics and religion one.

Please - more tartan less contention or the thread will be closed down.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[RockyR]

Using a flag as a symbol of distress on the open ocean or in territorial waters is, of course, an entirely different animal. In such cases, it's not so much about misuse of the flag, per se, as it is about using the flag to send a false message. The same consequences would exist if false messages were sent via other means as well.

Would you get in trouble for flying the Saltire flag upsidedown? *ducks for cover*

[Tobus]

Would you get in trouble for flying the Saltire flag upsidedown? *ducks for cover*

LOL. But in truth, there was a British fellow who lives near me who proudly flew the Union Jack in his front yard ... upside down. Apparently he didn't realise that there was a right-side-up for that flag.

[Steve Ashton]

We are very sorry but this thread has generated more than one flag.

One post has already needed to be moved to our Holding Cell pending deliberations over a flag purporting a Rule #5 violation.

Another flag cited part B of Rule #12.

Rule #12
- Off Topic Threads & Posts -
a) The topic of discussion on X Marks is the kilt. Threads or posts not related to the kilt are restricted to either the Events or Community Forums.
b) Posts to existing threads must keep to the topic set by the Original Poster (OP). Posts which take a thread off the original topic may be removed.


Until the Forum Moderators have had an opportunity to log on and deliberate on these flags this thread is moved here to The Cooling Off Corner.

[Steve Ashton]

Deliberation and voting on a rule #12 violation are complete.

This thread is returned to the forum but permanently closed.