Why is the american flag backwards?

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

Our flag runs from left to right;however it's being "flown" backwards on the Uniforms of U.S. soldiers.

so I thought maybe this is a coincidence, so I checked it again, and found this...

This is basic patchwork. Mom and pop shops all over the country could make the flag properly. My question may be menial to most of you, but why would We stand for it? Why would they stand for it? I find it to be very symbolic. Air-frame shock testing at it's finest.

What do you guys think? Or do you not care?

Gryphonn · May 18, 2008

Well, being a non-American, I was going to ignore this thread. But then my stoner curiosity got to me and I had to find out...so, seeing as Google is/was my friend, I looked:

USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms?

Flag Rules and Regulations

Urban Legends Reference Pages: (Shouldering the Burden)

In summary, the flag should look as if it is being carried forward, flying in the breeze. If it were on the left shoulder, the patch would be the other way (the 'right' way) 'round.

CanadianCoyote · May 18, 2008

Maybe they put in on that way intentionally?

I dunno. Maybe they just can't sew all that well ...?

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

Gryphonn said:
Well, being a non-American, I was going to ignore this thread. But then my stoner curiosity got to me and I had to find out...so, seeing as Google is/was my friend, I looked:

USFlag.org: A website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America - Why is the Flag patch "backwards" on Military uniforms?

Flag Rules and Regulations

Urban Legends Reference Pages: (Shouldering the Burden)

In summary, the flag should look as if it is being carried forward, flying in the breeze. If it were on the left shoulder, the patch would be the other way (the 'right' way) 'round.

eh... while somewhat vaild...I don't buy it. Flying in the breeze. :-|

Gryphonn · May 18, 2008

Biggravy22 said:
eh... while somewhat vaild...I don't buy it. Flying in the breeze.

Well, that's what the US armed forces boffins say:

To wear our country's flag properly, the field of stars is worn closest to your heart. Further, when worn on the sleeve of a military uniform, the flag should appear to be advancing and not retreating. Thus, if your patch is to be worn on your LEFT sleeve, use a left flag (normal). For patches worn on your RIGHT sleeve, use a "right" or "reversed field" flag.

Since the Flag Rules do not specifically address the positioning of the patch, a decision is left to the discretion of the organization prescribing the wear. Some elect to use the "left" flag on both sleeves. [Note: many states and cities have ordinances pertaining to the use of the flag; you may wish to contact the Attorney General of your state or the City Attorney's office regarding this matter.] If you are planning to wear only one patch, it is recommended that you wear a "left" flag on your left sleeve.

Military guidelines specify that in support of joint or multi-national operations (as in Iraq), the "right" flag is worn on the right sleeve, 1/4" below the shoulder seam or 1/8" below any required unit patches. (Class A uniform excepted.)

Source: Army Website FAQs

LoVeSeNsI · May 18, 2008

If the Americans put half as much thought in to sorting Iraq out as they did with how they wear their flag, then there would be no problems in the world.

American patriotism sickens me to the core.

Gryphonn · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
If the Americans put half as much thought in to sorting Iraq out as they did with how they wear their flag, then there would be no problems in the world.

American patriotism sickens me to the core.

Don't be so harsh...patriotism is a good thing, right up until the point that your leader uses it as an excuse to invade a country thousands of miles from your home.
Or in the case of Hitler, uses it to attempt to take over the world

...or was that the other way around?

LoVeSeNsI · May 18, 2008

Gryphonn said:
Don't be so harsh...patriotism is a good thing

Only in moderation though

If you had to put up with watching the British news force feeding you stories of 'American bravery' & 'solidarity' yanking on your heart strings 24/7 I'm sure you would share my view, especially when you disagree with the 'invasion' (because that's what it was really) in the first place.

P.s I'm not trolling... Just giving my point of view

StaySafe420 · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
If the Americans put half as much thought in to sorting Iraq out as they did with how they wear their flag, then there would be no problems in the world.

American patriotism sickens me to the core.

That's just dumb... Judging an entire country on the acts of its government.

THAT sickens me to the core.

LoVeSeNsI · May 18, 2008

StaySafe420 said:
That's just dumb... Judging an entire country on the acts of its government.

THAT sickens me to the core.

So if the nation follows said government, does that not theoretically make the patriots just as bad?

I didn't say I was totally against patriotism, of course you can be proud of your country... but the impression to the rest of the world is that not of patriotism, but instead of smugness & invincibility. That is what gets my goat.

EDIT: Just to make it clear, I am ashamed to be British, & disappointed in our government for being Americas lap dog. I'm considering a move to France (my families fatherland) because "Americas War" has drained our economy & the world has branded us with the same iron as the USA.

As a bonus, I have 45 hectares of land to grow my skunk & cut myself off from the world for ever

Gryphonn · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
Only in moderation though

If you had to put up with watching the British news force feeding you stories of 'American bravery' & 'solidarity' yanking on your heart strings 24/7 I'm sure you would share my view, especially when you disagree with the 'invasion' (because that's what it was really) in the first place.

P.s I'm not trolling... Just giving my point of view

S'all good. Our opinions are what spark good discussions around here at times. Of course, it's a good idea to word your opinions carefully, 'cause you have a worldwide audience here... :mrgreen:

...and it can be misinterpreted easily.

The Australian press (and govt.) seems to have slowed down on the Iraq invasion and 'fighting for freedom' bull. I tend to think that they know what the majority of Australians think and that's that they're not going to buy into the bullshit anymore. Not that I read the press much. I tend to read from newsites worldwide nowadays thanks to that wonderful military invention, 'The Internet' (any discussions about this, please start a new thread).

Oh, you'll most likely find that even though most Americans support their boys in Iraq, they no longer buy from the Bush Bullshit Buggy. At least that's the word I've heard from most folk here.

Have fun Lovesensi... :blsmoke:

LoVeSeNsI · May 18, 2008

Gryphonn said:
S'all good. Our opinions are what spark good discussions around here at times. Of course, it's a good idea to word your opinions carefully, 'cause you have a worldwide audience here......and it can be misinterpreted easily.

The Australian press (and govt.) seems to have slowed down on the Iraq invasion and 'fighting for freedom' bull. I tend to think that they know what the majority of Australians think and that's that they're not going to buy into the bullshit anymore. Not that I read the press much. I tend to read from newsites worldwide nowadays thanks to that wonderful military invention, 'The Internet' (any discussions about this, please start a new thread).

Oh, you'll most likely find that even though most Americans support their boys in Iraq, they no longer buy from the Bush Bullshit Buggy. At least that's the word I've heard from most folk here.

Have fun Lovesensi...

Cheers Gryphonn, I'll remember to be more specific in future.

What I meant was 'by all means be patriotic & support your boys out there, but not to your government & what they stand for'

Peace

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
If the Americans put half as much thought in to sorting Iraq out as they did with how they wear their flag, then there would be no problems in the world.

American patriotism sickens me to the core.

The point of this thread was to show how the air-frame shock testing theory works. Gryphon's said it best when he called our military officials "boffins". They relay one simple message to the American people as to why something is backward and they digest it as fact. Now to the second part. There is no sorting out of Iraq. The Iraqi occupation has nothing to do with the American people, but the agenda of our power hungry government to place strategic military bases all over the world. Especially in the gulf region. The American people had no say in this war. It's been pre-determined since the late 90's. All the people for this war are conservative sheep who believe the true role of a patriot is one who supports his govt no matter what. Now stop putting us all in a barrel, and realize that just because most people aren't revolting, doesn't mean that we support it. They're just sheeple who are fine with being dominated, and couldn't be bothered with the underlying issues.

I could go on about how the stars in the republican party flag are upside down. I could also talk about How barack obama's candidacy is nothing more than another test brought on by the elite.

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
Only in moderation though

If you had to put up with watching the British news force feeding you stories of 'American bravery' & 'solidarity' yanking on your heart strings 24/7 I'm sure you would share my view, especially when you disagree with the 'invasion' (because that's what it was really) in the first place.

P.s I'm not trolling... Just giving my point of view

I do have to put up with it. I despise what my gov't is doing. But I support our men and women who are being led aimlessly towards slaughter. Patriotism isn't measured by how many times you allow your gov't to fist fuck you, but how many times you question the motives of the people who "Represent' you. I still want 5 mintues alone with George bush. No secret service...no nothing. Let's just go. lol

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

StaySafe420 said:
That's just dumb... Judging an entire country on the acts of its government.

THAT sickens me to the core.

yep we're the overly patriotic sheep. But The British are the ones who accepted the 4,000,000 surveillance cameras all over the UK. Including 250,000 in London alone. They're the double-think capital of the world.
They're not sheep...they're just cautious. :roll:

LoVeSeNsI · May 18, 2008

Biggravy22 said:
yep we're the overly patriotic sheep. But The British are the ones who accepted the 4,000,000 surveillance cameras all over the UK. Including 250,000 in London alone. They're the double-think capital of the world.
They're not sheep...they're just cautious.

We are a 'big brother' nation. But what you have to remember is that we have our fair share of 'undesirables' to warrant such a network of cameras. We are probably one of the most culturally diverse nations for its size in the world....and with that you get a clash of cultures, which results in increased crime.

We have a suburb of London which is called 'Croydon' and the population is a mere 330,587 yet it has more CCTV cameras than New York which has a population in excess of 19,306,183.

Like I said before, I'm packing off to France.... This country is falling apart, and as an example of how bad it is, even the Polish (who came here in droves when they entered the EU) are actually leaving to go back home!!

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

LoVeSeNsI said:
We are a 'big brother' nation. But what you have to remember is that we have our fair share of 'undesirables' to warrant such a network of cameras. We are probably one of the most culturally diverse nations for its size in the world....and with that you get a clash of cultures, which results in increased crime.

We have a suburb of London which is called 'Croydon' and the population is a mere 330,587 yet it has more CCTV cameras than New York which has a population in excess of 19,306,183.

Like I said before, I'm packing off to France.... This country is falling apart, and as an example of how bad it is, even the Polish (who came here in droves when they entered the EU) are actually leaving to go back home!!

but I hear crime hasn't increased, and that the cameras aren't really doing a great job of deterring or catching more criminals. Go to corsica. MJ is held in very high favor there. lol :joint:

Florida Girl · May 18, 2008

The answer Gryphonn gave above is correct. The American Flag is NEVER to viewed in a position of retreat. In the days of old when wars were fought man-to-man on a battlefield a soldier carried the American Flag on a flag pole. A flag pole always goes on the side of the flag with the Stars (even when hung vertically), this means during the charge on the battlefield the Stars are facing forward and the flag waves behind in the wind with the soldier's forward movement.

We no longer fight battles like that so the flags on a soldier's uniform represent the same thing as the soldier carrying the American flag.... ALWAYS charging forward... never in retreat. In other words.. the "reverse" facing flag on the RIGHT sleeve of the uniform is CORRECT.

LoVeSeNsI said:
American patriotism sickens me to the core.

You are entitled to your opinion.... I can only hope you are NOT an American because the last thing this Country needs is citizens who live under the freedom America provides but are not appreciative enough to be Patriotic. Citizens like this need to be shown to the nearest border and have their citizenship REVOKED!

If you are NOT American then I wonder... are you Patriotic towards your own Country? If so, then why would you criticize Americans for being Patriotic to America? Seems to me that would make you a hypocrite.

Biggravy22 · May 18, 2008

Florida Girl said:
The answer Gryphonn gave above is correct. The American Flag is NEVER to viewed in a position of retreat. In the days of old when wars were fought man-to-man on a battlefield a soldier carried the American Flag on a flag pole. A flag pole always goes on the side of the flag with the Stars (even when hung vertically), this means during the charge on the battlefield the Stars are facing forward and the flag waves behind in the wind with the soldier's forward movement.

We no longer fight battles like that so the flags on a soldier's uniform represent the same thing as the soldier carrying the American flag.... ALWAYS charging forward... never in retreat. In other words.. the "reverse" facing flag on the RIGHT sleeve of the uniform is CORRECT.

You are entitled to your opinion.... I can only hope you are NOT an American because the last thing this Country needs is citizens who live under the freedom America provides but are not appreciative enough to be Patriotic. Citizens like this need to be shown to the nearest border and have their citizenship REVOKED!

If you are NOT American then I wonder... are you Patriotic towards your own Country? If so, then why would you criticize Americans for being Patriotic to America? Seems to me that would make you a hypocrite.

What freedoms are these? Our civil liberties are being infringed upon on a daily basis. America and it's freedoms are slowly eroding. While still better than most nations it is in now way shape or form the country it once was.
If that's not patriotic...so be it. My definition of patriotism is not to accept whatever Im told by my government, but to question and investigate. Loving my country is alot deeper than
accepting my role as political pawn.

Florida Girl · May 18, 2008

Biggravy22 said:
What freedoms are these? Our civil liberties are being infringed upon on a daily basis. America and it's freedoms are slowly eroding. While still better than most nations it is in now way shape or form the country it once was.

What freedoms?

The freedom to speak freely.... even to publicly call your government a bunch of lieing criminals.

The freedom to practice the religion of your choice.... or to abstain from it all together

The freedom to own firearms and defend yourself against criminals that mean to do you harm

The freedom to protest.....

The freedom to burn an American flag ( I think this is shameful)

The freedom to live where you want and come and go as you please.

Etc. Etc....

Yes.... some of our civil liberties have been taken away..... and it is up to the citizens of this Country to vote OUT the scoundrels who seek to continue taking away our liberties. It's up to the American people to do so..... we have the power because we are free to VOTE!

As a Country we are only as good as the people we elect to represent us. Clearly we've done a bad job in the last 2 elections..... hopefully Americans are paying closer attention this year. Personally I think George W. Bush has single-handedly SCREWED the Republican party.... for at least the next 8 years.... maybe longer.

LET FREEDOM RING!!

Why is the american flag backwards?

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