A California business is in hot water after one of its employees flew the American flag at equal height with the Mexican flag — upside down. The Calexico Price Center, located in Calexico, California, has issued an apology through its manager, Jose Tirado. In an interview with The Washington Times, Tirado expressed that the whole situation was just an unfortunate mistake. “We have been flying flags here for more than 20 years, and this has never happened,” Tirado said. The company’s Facebook followers and customers, not to mention Calexico locals, are less than impressed with that explanation, with many pointing out that the stunt seemed like a purposeful political statement meant to demean the Land of the Free while promoting Mexico.
A Clear Violation of United States Flag Codes
When the Stars and Stripes is flown at the top of the flagpole, it’s meant to be flown proudly. There’s no doubting that the actions by Calexico Price Center, accidental or otherwise, completely disrespected the symbol of the nation. Of course, the act is not only disrespectful, it’s also in direct violation of the United States Flag Code, as outlined by the U.S. Senate. The code reads, “The flag should never be displayed with union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” The code does, however, allow for other nations’ flags to be flown at even level with Old Glory, so long as none are positioned to the right of our flag.
Not the First Case of Disrespect to the Flag
Unfortunately, this is neither the first nor the last case of someone disrespecting the flag, and thereby, the United States. Joshua Brubaker, a local of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is facing charges of desecration and insults to the American flag, after area police saw a flag hung upside down with the word “AIM” spray-painted across its face in white paint. So far, those involved in the similar incident in Calexico, California are yet to face any charges.
What do you think about the actions of the Calexico Price Center? Should those responsible face the same charges as PA’s Joshua Brubaker? Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.