Should restrictions be placed upon displaying a foreign flag on houses, parades, etc..?

Question

Commentary: Town makes it illegal to fly a foreign flag
POSTED: 3:58 p.m. EST, November 20, 2006
By Ruben Navarrette Jr.
Special to CNN
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SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- This is where we've arrived in this country: You have the constitutional right to burn an American flag, but you can get into trouble for simply flying a foreign one.

At least you can in the 30,000-person town of Pahrump, Nevada, which is close to Las Vegas and even closer to stepping over the line with an idiotic, intolerant and insulting ban on foreign (read: Mexican) flags. The town council voted last week, 3-2, to approve an ordinance that makes it illegal to display a foreign flag -- unless an American flag is flown above it. Scofflaws face a $50 fine and 30 hours of community service.

Besides, the spectacle with the Mexican flags was no different than what happened a few weeks later when American Jews marched in Los Angeles and New York, waiving the Israeli flag to show support for Israel in its war against Hezbollah. About that, there were few complaints.

Answer 1

They used to fly the Mexican flag in the apartments here. It was inside the metal screendoor, but it was still very visible.

I came from Vietnam, but I am now an American citizen. I do not fly a Vietnamese flag; I fly the American flag. And anyone who comes here and insists upon flying their home country's flag ought not do so. But you are asking to write it in law.
Well, there are ways and means of dealing things without passing laws. The people themselves can make it know that they do not accept such behavior from the immigrants. Stand up for what you believe! If bullied, why not try bullying back?

Answer 2

Having been in the Color Guard of the Police Department in St.Louis Co., Mo, 1978. The only 'rule' was that the Flag of the United States of America be carried and placed higher than any flag flown next to it. Such as the State Flag , sister city, sister country. Note the United Nations building, all Flags are flown there. It has always that way, this is nothing new.

Answer 3

Sure ... it always comes back to the Jews. 'Well the Jews did it, so why can't we.' Why was that footnote even necessary? Just another opportunity for an anti-Semitic dig ... typical, and ridiculous. The whole issue here is that we live in a free country and a person should be able to fly or display any damn flag they please. Unfortunately the people of this country (see red states) continue to vote in bigoted narrow minded republicans, who prey upon people's fears that we are going to hell because of things like same sex marriage and stem cell research. And since these are the leaders we choose, why is anybody surprised when something like this happens. Our freedoms have been being chipped away for years while most sit back and allow it ... yeah it's all the Jews fault.


WAKE UP AMERICA, FLY YOUR FLAG UNTIL IT GET'S TO THE SUPREME COURT!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Its a good question dude. U're right, such things r happenin all over de globe n not only in America. I'm an Indian, n inspite of de rules n regulations, many Pakistani flags r still hoisted in many places.
The rule sayin that de flag of de country should b hoisted first n then de flag of anyother country is actually correct.

A flag is nothing but a symbolic representation of de native people staying there with their own mottos n all those stuffs.
De govt. should make strict rules on people who waving flags of some country in a diff. country n also burning flags. It only creates enemity btw diff. people just 'cause of one man doin such immoral things.
The govt. is trying to stop these things in each n every house so that it wont increase that way from house to house. N people who burn flags r also punished - no need 2 worry abt that.
Even though i'm India, its de same all over de planet. Such things keep hapening.
HOPE U GOT MY POINT.

Answer 5

If the restriction is being that they must fly the US flag above the foreign flag...then I agree. There should be no problem if they are showing respect to our country as well as the foreign country.

Answer 6

Ideas and ideals are great, if you understand their consequences.
Jewish flag? Of course, we are political allies. Why not fly their flag?
Requiring that the AMERICAN flag be flown ABOVE any other is just the way our flag works, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. That is code. If it has to be law, so that the groups who come in and tax the hell out of welfare system and our own pockets, then so be it.
Ideals are not doing us any good anymore. Sorry.
Ideals are supposed to make society more ideal, not less.
Think about what you are saying. Think about it in real terms.

Answer 7

Hmmm... I wonder what would happen where I live, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in North America during World Cup soccer where numerous foriegn flags were flying everywhere?

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

I don't think it should be illegal. It's all part of a great word named 'FREEDOM'.

Answer 10

absolutely not! The great USofA means we can do anything- it's called freedom