I'm not sure what I'm more upset about in this story...
A couple had a flag flying upside down, which signals distress, as a political statement. So far, so good. They're told by one sheriff they're fine, then get harassed by someone driving a vehicle with government plates and wearing fatigues. Shortly thereafter, after making some changes, including adding some decorations to the flag, they're harassed by another deputy for alleged flag desecration. Push comes to shove, and depending on who's story you believe, either the couple got violent or the deputy did. In any case, they go to jail and the neighborhood is wondering what the hell just happened.
Here's what disturbs me:
North Carolina has a flag desecration law, even though the Supreme Court ruled a federal law unconstitutional.
A sheriff was willing to let a violent situation get out of control over a clear First Amendment issue.
There are still people in the world who think the Constitution is nice in theory but not in practice, and those people are willing to fight for this country (evidenced by the wearing of fatigues).
If you're not scared by chest-thumping "patriots" yet, you haven't been listening...
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