when I was a child this was how I was told that my country's flag should be flown. I was also told that the flag flown inverted was a sign of distress.
In the Year 2005 my cynicism was rather intense. The federal government deemed itself under threat... moreso than the majority of the populace. It wasn't enough for them to declare that all true patriots wouldn't mind submittiong to the provisoins of the patriot act and its successors: if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. I think I remember another regime... back in the 20th century.... I think they called themselves the National Socialist Democratic Party.... authorized a similar lline of reasoning on the part of their state secret police. (Didn't we win that war?) Now The House of Representatives thinks we should forfeit a form of expression still available to anyone outside the boundaries of the United States... burning a U.S. flag. They hold this view so intently that they would amend our constitution to that end. Saner (admittedly questionable use of the word) heads have prevailed to the end that no such amendment has made it to the floor for a vote.
In the fifth amendment to the same constitution thre is a mandate that persons will be justly compensated whenever the government takes land from a citizen. There is no provision in this document to permit a private citizen or corporation to invoke the doctrine and provisions of eminent domain. Fortunately several states have enacted, or have pending legislation to prohibit municipalities from such activities.
The passing of the Summer Solstice gave me cause to consider just what could be done. Aside from the usual communication with my elected representatives (whose views are in opposition to mine) it seemed obvious that I should declare a state of distress.