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Veterans Call for Flags to Fly Upside Down

War veterans are asking Americans across the country to fly their flags upside down this Fourth of July weekend. They say it’s a sign of distress and a protest against the Veterans Administration.

A small group of veterans picketed outside the Canandaigua VA Hospital Wednesday afternoon. They were protesting the closing of VA hospitals across the country. They say those that aren't closing are being sold off or leased to outside interests, depriving veterans the treatment they have earned.

Displaying the American flag upside down, however, is considered by some to be disrespectful.

“We're not disgracing the flag but telling the public be on the alert,” said Gene Simes, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “This is a distress call."

The vets believe their message is not being received. They've called on Congress to do more. Representative Eric Massa (D-Corning), a veteran himself, says this Congress and the Obama administration has done more for veterans in the past six months than ever before.

"Billions of dollars of an increase,” Massa said. “The largest single increase in the history of the VA including tens of millions of dollars not only for Canandaigua, for Bath in the stimulus bill."

Veterans say it isn't enough. They say too many services are being outsourced and sometimes they have to travel too far to receive those services.

"They’re spending pennies when dollars should be spent on the veterans,” said Marty Barden, a veteran of the U.S. Army. “Veterans aren't getting the proper support; they're kind of being pushed off to the side."

"If we are to maintain an all volunteer military, we must make our veterans affairs a priority in this country,” explained U.S. Navy veteran Jere Beery. “We must put that at the top of the list as directly related to national security, retention, morale in our military."

Veterans say they've called on national veterans organizations to support their cause, but the support isn't there.

"Am I griping about the national organization? You're damn right I am. “That's why this flag is upside down,” Simes said. “Let them understand it's not something we take easy that we're doing. This is something very hard, it's affecting all of us but we have to do it."

Representatives from the Canandaigua VA Hospital said they would have no comment at this time.

When those that have fought and died for that which this flag symbolizes and which this flag has become a symbol of are in dire trouble then it is not disrespectful. Not only are Veterans in a dangerous situation but so is the entire nation. The very things this flag symbolizes is being desecrated and destroyed more and more by the hour.

Independence Day:
 John Adams' "Day of Deliverance"

John Adams

 
As we approach Independence Day it is a good time to reflect on just what this special holiday means and why we celebrate as Americans.  Put as a question, we might ask, "Why all the fireworks?"
 
John Adams, writing on July 3, 1776 from Philadelphia to his wife, Abigail, eloquently and prophetically captured the mood that would accompany future anniversaries commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

His description sounds a lot like what the 4th of July has been for the last 233 years: parades, festivals, picnics, fireworks, music, celebratory gatherings.  But if you look carefully at Adams' words, he does not tie the revelry to an excitement only about being a new nation - America - independent of Great Britain.  He rightly understood the foundation of America, and that the fireworks and festivals also ought to include "solemn acts of Devotion to God Almighty" for "the Day of Deliverance."
 
The biblical imagery is unmistakable.  Adams connected the biblical Exodus with American independence, revealing both a special providence for this newly formed nation, and a special responsibility.  Writing prior to the years of bloodshed of the Revolutionary War, Adams continued his letter with full comprehension of the totality of what the emergence of our nation would mean:

"You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. - I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. - Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

Thus, America was not to be a nation unto itself, a nation satisfied with its mere existence.  Adams envisioned America as a nation comprised of "Rays of ravishing Light and Glory." Those "rays" mean many things to many Americans, including liberty, freedom, responsibility, and charity.  These have been bought with the price of "Toil and Blood and Treasure."  The Providence Forum, together with all Americans, celebrates our Independence Day this year because so many have sacrificed so much  over the last two centuries to preserve America so that it can shine its light to the world, a light considered at its founding to be a solemn, providentially planned divine act of deliverance and freedom.

Hello Pastor Roger,

Brother, I'm very sad to hear about the VA Hospitals closing and the declining medical care for our Veterans. We needed more VA Hospitals - NOT less. I don't think that the American people know about this situation - I know that I didn't. I don't think that the people will tolerate this. I think that Veteran Groups should do an investigation, compile the information, and inform the general public.

I think that all the American people will tolerate is better and more efficient services to Veterans. Veterans should get the best, and they should get it FIRST. Anything less is a NATIONAL DISGRACE, something that every American should be angry about.

Unfortunately you won't see news for Veterans or about the Veterans Association much of anywhere in the MSM and that even includes Fox News which does give limited coverage on Veterans sometimes.

Brother, we can all pray about this and maybe find ways to address this disgrace. When I first read this, I was reminded of 3 1/2 million dollars devoted to a turtle tunnel under a highway. At the same time that the Veterans are being neglected, there are outrageous and insane expenditures of taxpayer money into the triple digits of BILLIONS. SO, why don't we take care of our Veterans FIRST?

That's because people as a whole are not as important as the earth and animals in the eyes of these maniacs and Military Veterans are the worst of the people. After all we maim, torture and kill just to be doing it according to them. But it's perfectly alright to kill people in order to save the earth and animals from nonexistent threats.

Yes, it is a complete disgrace when people are neglected, left to die or purposefully eliminated while they throw money away on stupid pork projects.

The first thing that needs done is to get rid of those holding offices right now and that includes ALL from both parties as, with a very few exceptions, none of them are doing their jobs.

Sadly, many of the lefties in so-called power probably do feel the way that you mentioned. I must remind people that I live in a place with opposite views and the deepest respect for our Veterans and Armed Forces. We have a huge and beautiful Veteran's Home here and excellent medical services on and off the base. However, I have heard about some medical conditions requiring either a special trip to Sam Houston or permissions to get services in civilian facilities here. I don't know very much about the politics of getting medical services for a Veteran, but it sounds like it's time to learn. I've always been told that the base medical services are excellent here, but I don't think they are equipped for the most catastrophic cases. I think it's time for all of us to start asking questions.

The politicians in my neck of the woods would fight a buzz-saw for the Armed Forces and any services that they need. If they didn't, they couldn't get elected here. I must also add that I'm pretty proud overall of Oklahoma Politicians. The ones I've supported for so many years are decent, God-Fearing people who still stand up for right and against wrong. I'm not hinting that everything is right here, but I am saying that we still have some politicians trying to genuinely serve the people. They are a real pain in the rear for the left, and they should be. They are also feared by the left because many people listen to them:  Tom Cole and James Inhoffe.

 

This is as far as I got. :-\

It is not, disrespectful, but the meaning of the flag being upside down is America is in distress. I don't know if I could do this or not. The thing is, this Nation is in distress.

I think you guys put veterans a little too high. Sure they deserve extra care, but first and best? What about people who need it more?

Hello Brother David,

The severity of the individual case would definitely be a factor. I might not have stated my feelings very well. However, many of the Veteran cases would be about as severe as one could get and still be alive. They get their wounds and injuries while laying their lives on the line for others, and proper medical care is one of the things they were promised. Their pay is obviously inadequate, so breaking a promise about healthcare is hard to stomach. We pay for gunshot wounds dope dealers get in their line of work, so what would be wrong with the picture if soldiers didn't get proper treatment for serving us all. I probably still didn't say this very well, but I think you get the general idea of my thoughts. If the severity is the same - YES - I would want the soldier treated first. The same would be true about the quality and timeliness of the treatment. Veterans were promised excellent medical treatment, and they deserve to have that promise KEPT.

That is exactly correct.

Brother David,

I don't think that Brother Tom is talking about the innocent child that is suffering some disease should be placed behind or of less importance than a Veteran. First of all no Military Veteran that I know of would even allow that and would raise quite a ruckus over it. They fought for the freedom and proper treatment of those innocents and would always place them ahead of themselves. What is being said is that there are many that are criminals, breaking the law everyday such as the drug dealers Brother Tom mentioned. We also have numerous illegal aliens, that shouldn't even be here in the first place, that have minor medical conditions that are receiving free treatment when Veterans with life threatening conditions are doing without the medical treatments that they were promised. Like much in this world today, backwards from what it should be.

I guess I misunderstood again.

Not entirely your fault, brother. We could and probably should have stated it different ourselves. We left much of it to be read between the lines which can cause misunderstandings.

Hello Brother David,

I know that I didn't express myself very well or clearly, so I apologize for that. This was very upsetting to me when I read about the Veterans' Hospitals closing. Those hospitals were built for a purpose - our promised quality medical care for Veterans. The Veterans kept all of their promises to us, and we need to keep our promises to them. I was also shocked and didn't know about this until yesterday. All of this is happening at the same time as massive amounts of money are either being wasted or STOLEN IN CORRUPTION!

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 ASV  3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: 4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Homeland Security calls Veterans a terrorist threat and now there are various incidents of Veterans being spied on by the government. Is this going beyond just watching them at the protest? Are they illegally delving into personal lives violating privacy laws?

http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7763

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/04/fbi-spied-on-tea-parties.html

 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Brother, I plan to find out more about this when I think that I can stomach it. This almost makes me sick just thinking about it. I can't stand the thought of our Veterans being abused or mistreated in any way. It may be time for some class action law suits. We could ask where the ACLU is on this, but we should know they would encourage something like this. There is NOTHING RADICAL about the Veterans asking for and DEMANDING what was promised to them. This is especially troubling when one considers the triple digit billions of waste when we don't take care of our Veterans.

Our so-called government should also KNOW that there is NOTHING RADICAL about any citizen asking for and DEMANDING RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS SECURED BY THE RULE OF LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION! THEY CALL THIS FREEDOM! Along the same line of thinking, there is certainly NOTHING RADICAL about being a Christian and DEMANDING that FREEDOM OF RELIGION be honored and preserved.

Brother, thanks for the information and the links. I think that the general public needs to be educated on these issues.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 2:5-8 ASV  5  Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.

So far there has been no negative action taken against any Veterans that I have heard about other than the claims of illegal surveillance. We probably won't know all the facts to this unless some Veterans get arrested or at least some sort of charges are brought against them. Then we will know for sure. Personally I expect such actions to begin happening and soon.

Brother, I just did some reading, and all I say say is STALIN WOULD BE PROUD OF THEM!

Dossiers in record keeping, surveillance, and intelligence gathering operations are for CRIMINALS and TERRORIST - NOT decent, law-abiding citizens - especially Veterans. The intentional gathering and storage of this information is ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL! They are acting under COLOR OF LAW to VIOLATE THE CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS of law-abiding citizens. This is not Communist Russia with STALIN at the helm - at least not yet. I must also add that there is an overwhelming amount of legal and lawful law enforcement activity that never gets the proper attention, manpower, and resources. So, they're going to have agents spending time on heroes in wheelchairs and rest-homes. They're also WASTING resources on soccer moms and other law-abiding citizens when those RESOURCES are needed on REAL CRIMINALS AND REAL TERRORISTS! I REPEAT - STALIN WOULD BE PROUD OF THEM! All of their work and surveillance should be demanded UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT! THIS IS BIG AND UGLY NEWS THAT NEEDS TO BE COVERED!

I'm trying to do my part in spreading this word as far and wide as I am able to just as we all should do.

Brother, you mentioned those that are protected, perhaps the word sheltered fits better? Anyway, it is true that they do not know the truth and cannot really imagine the reality of the situation. It is just the same as the situation during Viet Nam. The media hid the truth and in fact told many lies about the situation there. The same thing is happening now, here in the U.S. and I do believe that the result will be the same. I have always said that wars are fought and won on more than one front. There are many that do not understand that statement. The word front here does not mean the front lines of a battlefield where the physical fighting is taking place. The media is a front in a war, political actions are a front in a war, public opinion becomes a front in a war ... that and much more all has a strong effect on the situation.

A new book out that has the true story of Viet Nam:

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=101840

People would fair much better if they were to understand what Richard Botkin has said in this book. It is a fact and Viet Nam is not the first time that such a situation decided the results of a war. People need to realize that the same people that brought about those results are the same ones that are working so hard now to bring about the end of the U.S. and this includes disposing of those that would be most apt to rise up against them.

Brother,

I just went to and bookmarked several sites in the articles you posted. I do plan to become more informed, and I don't plan to be quiet about it.

The planned manipulation and control of masses of people is an UGLY THING, and I honestly do believe that many people are ignorant of what's happening. For some of them, they're working multiple minimum wage jobs just to feed their families and keep a roof over their head. They don't know or think about how much of this was planned and orchestrated. It's right out of the plan book by Saul Alinsky.

Veterans are people with backbone, even if they are ill or in a wheelchair. Just their voices are dangerous to the plans of the current administration because those plans are the opposite of everything they stood and fought for. The motivations of Veteran are also PURE and uncorrupted, so that makes them even more dangerous. People do LISTEN to Veterans, so maybe this is one of the main reasons why the current administration has them listed as DANGEROUS.

One needs to think about this situation from a CORRUPT and ROGUE government point of view. It would be like the mafia calling the police dangerous because the police would try to make criminal charges and bring them to JUSTICE. I hope everyone understands this example. Understanding what's going on does require inside-out thinking. After all, our government isn't supposed to be riddled with CORRUPTION and trying to END the ways of a FREE COUNTRY.

YES, the general public is most often like mushrooms - IN THE DARK and fed what the powers that be want them to be fed. It's amazing how well organized PROPAGANDA works. It's especially interesting how that a lie often told becomes the TRUTH in the minds of mushrooms. This is why FREEDOM of Speech and FREEDOM of the Press is so important. Powers should not be in control. SILENCING opposition is a communist practice that isn't supposed to happen in a FREE country. The same is true for bullying or persecuting the opposition in any way. THOUGHT POLICE is not a far-fetched idea for the future - especially in this country if those in power get their way. The recent examples are almost endless, but FBI surveillance on Veterans is a SHOCKER! If they will do this - what else are they doing? I think we might want to KNOW - I DO! It's pretty sad when our so-called government is so PARANOID AND SCARED of a bunch of Veterans having a rally for their RIGHTS that they order FBI surveillance. Let's ALL go join the Veterans Rallies and ALL DEMAND that they get what they were promised. If the Veterans are going to be under surveillance, let's ALL be under surveillance with them. In fact, let's put those doing the surveillance UNDER OUR SURVEILLANCE! TYRANNICAL governments out of control need to be watched for their violations of the LAW AND CONSTITUTION. Further, they all need to be held ACCOUNTABLE for their violations of the Law and the Constitution.

NEWS FLASH:  THE GOVERNMENT IS ACCOUNTABLE UNDER THE LAW AND THE CONSTITUTION! WE HAVE PRISONS FOR VIOLATORS - RANK, POSITION, OR TITLE MEANS ABSOLUTELY ZERO!