Government Shutdown: Veteran Flies American Flag Upside in Protest

Wisconsin resident and war veteran Walter Blanchard, outraged over the U.S government’s political deadlock, has staged a silent protest outside his home. He is flying the American flag upside down to send a message of anger to Washington. While his quiet act doesn’t violate any laws, it does contain a hidden message. Section 8a of the U.S. flag code states that, “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”  Blanchard’s protest, though, has some neighbors saying it’s sending the wrong message.