Once again, those who choose to ignore or misinterpret history have found a new way to show their lack of enlightenment.

They have confused political disagreement with misplaced patriotism.

Co-opting a long history of an act necessary in times of national emergency—flying the American flag upside down—they have turned it into an act of political insincerity.

The flag is not a personal symbol one can use for political purposes. The flag represents every American and deserves our respect. No one may twist it to their own personal agenda.

The very nature of American Politics during campaign season is to highlight differences. To present the people with opposing views and offer a choice. Instead, those who now hang their flags upside down are equating these policy differences with a national emergency.

It is an insult to those times in our history when such an act was justified.

There is a long history behind the upside-down flag as a symbol of distress, dating back to when flags aboard ships were the only means of long-distance communication. Only within the last few decades did it become a symbol of protest.

Now, before anyone screams “First Amendment,” they have the right to do so. However, a right is not an obligation or justification for an act. One has many rights: the right to remain silent, peaceful assembly, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure.

But each of these rights carries obligations.

The right to remain silent is not a protection for committing a crime.

The right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed as long as the assembly remains peaceful.

The protections included against unreasonable search and seizure are negated by a reasonable government act.

Rights need to be weighed against the good of society. Actions need to be measured against their full implications by considering history.

In 1969, the courts ruled a student could not be prosecuted for hanging a flag upside-down with a black peace symbol drawn on it in protest against the war in Vietnam. The court affirmed the right to protest by such an act, it did not concur with the act as sacrosanct.

While part of federal law, the US flag code is not mandatory. The act uses language like “should” and “custom,” and proscribes no penalties. Its intent was a form of guidance to respect the flag while being consistent with First Amendment rights.

The United States Supreme Court struck down the Flag Protection Act of 1968, which prohibited mutilating, defacing, defiling, or burning the flag, finding it unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman.

I wonder if these “Patriots” wrapping themselves in their self-created patriotism would be quick to rise to the defense of flag-burning protests proclaiming the same sense of national distress?

We recently held memorial services in recognition of the sacrifices eighty years ago by Americans on the beaches of Normandy. I find it hard to believe that any of those who died there would be gratified to see their sacrifices used as a means to abuse the very symbol for which they died.

Disagree with the politics. Argue against the policies. Work towards changing the makeup of Congress and the Presidency. That is your right. But think before you compromise a meaningful symbol with meaningless nonsense.

If you cannot argue rationally for change, you do not deserve the protections of a country built on embracing differences.

And for those of you who choose to hang the flag upside down, all you accomplish is a public display of ignorance and inanity. As is your right.