Flag Code Violation?

[Mnemjian]

Backstory: On Inauguration Day, I came home to find an American flag newly flying in my yard, held by a stand bolted to the front of the house. Well it was very nice except for that it was RAINING. I got kind of mad because I didn't know who would leave a flag out in the rain. So I took it inside. I asked the maintenance lady about it and she said she didn't know where it came from.

President's Day comes along and another flag magically appears. I took that one inside too because it was about to rain. I certainly do not have the time nor the inclination to bring in and put out a flag every day, since you're not even supposed to leave it out overnight unless it is properly illuminated according to the Flag Code (pdf). So I put that one away with the other one.

Today the owner's little helper comes by and sees me outside. He asks me about the flags and I told him that I took them inside because I did not want to be responsible for violating the flag code. He kind of scoffs and says that the owner wants the flag out and that I shouldn't worry about it. I get mad because I am trying to explain the flag code to him and why you aren't supposed to leave the flag out in the rain, etc., and he does not care. I insisted that somebody take it inside at night and when it rains, and he refused saying that it isn't a problem. He says that if I have a problem then I can move out. This guy is the same jerkface that tried to take our ashtray off of the porch because it "didn't look good." No sh*t it's an ASHTRAY. He's got some issues.

Well, I don't know what to do! I don't want a flag outside in the rain, but I don't want to move either and I don't have the time to bring it in and take it out every day. Did anybody ever have such a stupid tiff with their landlord before? I just can't believe how minor this issue is, but apparently the owner HAS to have the flag out on his property that he never ever sees anyway. I guess you can't call the cops for a flag code violation...can you?!?! That would be sweet....

[SengaKitty]

He says that if I have a problem then I can move out.

I'm not sure that's actually legal.. You might want to look into the laws about that, as I don't see where they can kick you out just because you're trying to do the right thing..

I guess you can't call the cops for a flag code violation...can you?!?! That would be sweet...

I dunno about this.. I'd look it up if I were you.. Maybe I'll even look for you

[Kiwi]

Dude you must love flags more than anyone I know, I didn't even KNOW there was a law about flags!

I have my countries flag above my computer pinned to the wall...

[Dips]

Long story short, the police can't do anything about flag code violations.

Since it's on private property and it not *your* private property the only thing you can really do is talk to the property owner about it, then leave it alone.

Since you've already spoken to him about it, I think it's time to leave it alone.

I'm not saying you're not correct to be upset, but there is really nothing you can do.

[Aethian]

Well except put it out during the day and bring it in at night....only thing I can see.

[Mnemjian]

Long story short, the police can't do anything about flag code violations.

Since it's on private property and it not *your* private property the only thing you can really do is talk to the property owner about it, then leave it alone.

Since you've already spoken to him about it, I think it's time to leave it alone.

I'm not saying you're not correct to be upset, but there is really nothing you can do.

You're right... I'm annoyed because he wouldn't listen to me, but I don't see that there's another option. So I guess I'll grin and bear it

Dude you must love flags more than anyone I know, I didn't even KNOW there was a law about flags!

Girl Scouts FTW!!!1


And thanks for the advice guys

[Saydrah]

Perhaps you would feel better if you left your porch light on at night to illuminate the flag?

Are you or the owner responsible for "yard maintenance?" If you're responsible, you probably don't actually have to display decorations of the owner's choosing, but it's probably not worth fighting. If he's responsible, he can say that putting out a flag is part of the maintenance he does.

[One-Fang]

What's the point of a flag code if there are no consequences for violations? That makes it more like a "flag guidance points" list, not a "flag code". They're not "violations" they're just choosing to follow the suggested courses of action.

I find it highly hypocritical to want to show your national pride by displaying a flag but having such contempt for your national icon as to knowingly display it in a manner not approved. It's laziness combined with willful ignorance. Obviously the owner wants to be seen as proud to be American, but doesn't want to do even the smallest little thing to actually stand by that pride.

[Geek King]

I'm not saying you're not correct to be upset, but there is really nothing you can do.

Well, you can speak to your local chapters of the American Legion or other veterans group. If the property management get enough guff over it, they may change their policies.

[Dips]

What's the point of a flag code if there are no consequences for violations?

In a nutshell, it has to do with the way laws are passed and enforced in the US and interpretation of the US Constitution. The lack of enforcement is due to court decision(s) by the US Supreme Court. The law is still there because Congress has not voted to repeal the flag code. Those are the basic facts. Discussing the merits of those facts belongs on Fratching.

Well, you can speak to your local chapters of the American Legion or other veterans group.

Yes. That is an avenue I hadn't though of. Although there are no legal means to enforce the flag code, there are social means to encourage someone to take it seriously. The OP has already exercised that option by speaking with the property owner himself.

My mother-in-law also does this. She usually ignores it when the violation is at a private home or residence, but she speaks to the owner or manager of any business she sees violating the flag code.

She's very polite about it and usually gets a polite response and they take care of it. In the few cases where they don't, she at least knows she tried.

[morgana]

I don't see where the OP has talked to the actual *owner*, only to the owner's dipshit "helper". I'd arrange to talk to the owner him/herself about the flag code. And if I got the same threat, I'd be calling a lawyer. I really doubt there's anything in the lease about having to violate the flag code as a condition of being allowed to live there.

[Megg]

I would second talking to the owner, and asking him to install lights at the least. If he does that, the Annoying Little Helper can just bring it in out of the rain. Assuming he knows enough to get out of there himself.

[LibraryLady]

I must agree with Mnemjian.

The flag should be flown in bad weather only when it can be seen as an indication of help. Under normal circumstances a flag should not be flown in rain or snow. It should only be flown after dark when the flag can be lit.

I think the Landlord needs to get a grip. You can't call the cops to enforce flag etiquette and what the tenant proposed to do was perfectly within the bounds of flag etiquette.

[Geek King]

The flag should be flown in bad weather only when it can be seen as an indication of help. Under normal circumstances a flag should not be flown in rain or snow. It should only be flown after dark when the flag can be lit.

.

To be fair, the American Legion Flag Code, which is considered to be the bible for flag display and care for most organizations, states that all-weather flags can be displayed in inclimate weather.

[Lingering Grin]

To be fair, the American Legion Flag Code, which is considered to be the bible for flag display and care for most organizations, states that all-weather flags can be displayed in inclimate weather.

Ok I was reading over that, and one thing struck out at me:


(h) The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.


Does that include babies?